Blog Archives - Sierra Booster

Caltrans Engages the Next Generation at Clean California Event

2/28/2022

SAN BERNARDINO/ RIVERSIDE COUNTIES – Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative is a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform public spaces.

In this News Flash, Caltrans shares with kids in the Inland Empire the importance of picking up litter in our neighborhoods.

Over three years, Clean California will remove an additional 1.2 million cubic yards, or 21,000 tons, of trash from the state system alone – enough to fill the Rose Bowl three times over. The initiative has already resulted in 7,300 tons of litter removed from the state highway system and, to date, Caltrans has hired 615 new team members, including 489 maintenance workers who collect litter and perform maintenance duties like graffiti removal. Additionally, the Governor’s California Blueprint proposes an additional $100 million to fund another round of local Clean California grants.

This video may be viewed here.

This News Flash is the 236th in a series of videos highlighting Caltrans’ activities that present the wide-ranging and critical work that Caltrans does to enhance California’s economy and livability. To see more of these and other videos, search for #CaltransNewsFlash on Twitter or visit the Caltrans News Flash page.

Wildlife Rehabbers Get Support from California’s Taxpayers and California Department of Fish and Wildlife

2/28/2022

Many of California’s wildlife rehabilitators have received much-needed financial assistance through the new Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program. Of the 84 permitted wildlife rehab facilities in California, 47 applied for and will receive funding totaling $547,000 in the 2022 grant cycle. There are four grant tiers based on the prior year’s animal intakes: $3,000, $9,000, $14,000 and $19,000. Most applicants were awarded a $9,000 grant. A list of 2021 and 2022 grantees is available on the CDFW Native Wildlife Rehabilitation webpage.

This funding pays for various costs including veterinarian treatment, species-appropriate diet, enclosure design improvements and behavioral enrichment to improve animal care; support and improvement to facility operations; and conservation education for diverse local communities.

Every year, thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals require temporary care and rehabilitation in order to safely return to the wild. At times, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) may provide veterinary treatment of a wild animal, such as a black bear injured in a wildfire, but CDFW does not have the capacity to act as a rehabilitation facility statewide. Thus, wildlife rehabilitation is provided by permitted facilities throughout the state.

“Wildlife rehabbers are the unsung heroes of the conservation world,” said Heather Perry, CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program Coordinator. “Proper care of wildlife in distress requires special knowledge, training and experience usually not had by the public. Their expertise is absolutely necessary, and their compassion and dedication are so very appreciated.”

Most of the grantees focus on assisting native wildlife such as small mammals, songbirds, raptors, marine birds, amphibians and reptiles. There are also a few facilities that are permitted and trained for specialty rehab cases involving black bears, deer fawns and mountain lions.

A wildlife rehabilitator may operate a permitted facility at one location, use satellite facilities, or an approved home site to perform wildlife rehabilitation. Most rely heavily on donations from the public.

Authorized in 2017 through the Native California Wildlife Rehabilitation Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund (AB1031), the Wildlife Native Rehabilitation Grant Program saw the number of grantees increase by two from 2021 to 2022. Both years, over half of the eligible rehab facilities were awarded funding, for a total of $1,096,000.

To learn more about California’s wildlife rehabbers – including finding one near you – please visit the CDFW Native Wildlife Rehabilitation webpage.

Taxpayers who want to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife by supporting permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities can contribute through the Voluntary Tax Contributions section on the California State Income Tax Form 540. The Native California Wildlife Rehabilitation Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund can be found on line 439 of the form. The Form 540 can also be used to support at-risk native species through two other funds: the Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Voluntary Tax Contribution Program (line 403) and the California Sea Otter Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund (line 410). All donations support efforts to identify and mitigate the conditions and activities that threaten native species throughout the state. For more information about donating at tax time, please visit the CDFW tax check-off webpage.

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FROM QUINCY CHP:

2/25/2022

Vehicle Pursuit SR-70 just west of Butterfly Valley Road

On Thursday February 24, 2022, at approximately 1440 hours, Susanville CHP Communications Center received a call regarding a possible DUI driver which had driven past traffic control flaggers in the area of the Rock Creek Dam in the Feather River Canyon. Reporting parties advised the vehicle was driving all over the road, with several near miss collisions occurring. The callers provided a license plate number, which returned to as 2009 Honda CR-V which had been reported stolen out of Oroville earlier in the day. Multiple CHP units responded and located the Honda traveling eastbound in the area of Quarry Road. Two Quincy CHP units attempted to make a stop on the Honda at the Spanish Creek Bridge, at which point the female driver failed to yield. A short pursuit ensued. The driver ultimately ended up driving off the road, just west of Butterfly Valley Road, up a dirt/rock embankment, overturning several times. Following a high-risk stop, the driver was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest for the failure to yield, suspected driving under the influence, reckless driving, and charges resulting from the stolen vehicle. During the medical clearance and booking process, the driver provided false identity and bit one of the Officers, resulting in a visible injury. The female driver did not claim any injuries as a result of this incident. This incident remains open and is an ongoing investigation.

Three Vehicle Major Injury Collision, Red Rock Road at US-395

On Thursday, 02/24/2022, at approximately 1256 hours, George Gulan was driving his 2008 Ford Escape westbound on Red Rock Rd. approaching the intersection with US-395, with Sandra Gulan in the right front passenger seat. Wade Mitchell was driving his 2000 Subaru Outback northbound on US-395 and just south of Red Rock Road. Gulan stopped for the stop sign and then entered the intersection to make a left-hand turn to go southbound onto US-395 as Mitchell's Subaru was entering the intersection. Mitchell took evasive action by turning to the left. The front of the Subaru Outback collided with the front of the Ford Escape. The Ford Escape was spun around and came to rest facing in an easterly direction and blocking the intersection near the area of impact. The Subaru Outback was sent careening in a northwesterly direction across US-395 and onto the west shoulder where it collided with a large highway sign prior to coming to rest. All three vehicle occupants were injured as a result of this collision and transported to Renown Medical Center. It was determined that both occupants of the Ford had been wearing their seatbelts, while the sole occupant of the Subaru had not been wearing his seatbelt.

Standing Up An Industry: California Rolls Out Forest Biomass Initiatives

2/24/2022

Forest Service photo

CA FWD - As California’s wildfire crisis has grown, it has become clear the state must focus not only on fighting fires, but on preventing them from igniting and spreading.
With that imperative in mind, the state is launching new initiatives aimed at a complex and critical problem: removing the excess and dangerous build-up of vegetation within forests and finding ways to put the woody materials to productive uses. The new efforts stretch across several state agencies and include a suite of interrelated strategies.
“This is not just a funding or loan exercise,” said Dan Adler, senior advisor for climate finance for the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, known as IBank. “It’s about standing up an entire industry.”
Achieving the goal, Adler said, will require addressing complex challenges. That means not only addressing financing issues, but also developing a deep knowledge of the regulatory, workforce, and infrastructure hurdles facing the sector, and making sure government agencies at all levels are working in concert with one another and with regions to support the industry’s growth.
Spurring development of innovative wood products industries can reduce wildfire risks, promote forest and watershed health, and contribute to more climate resilient communities and economies, said Glenda Humiston, vice president of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and co-lead of the California Economic Summit’s Resilient Landscapes Work Group.
“We have so much at stake,” Humiston said. “Vibrant wood products industries are critical to the solution.”
Climate Catalyst Fund Roll-Out
Late last month, IBank began accepting project proposals through the new Climate Catalyst Fund. This revolving loan fund received $47 million through the state’s 2021-2022 budget. IBank is now poised to roll out those funds to jumpstart promising projects that will manage and process forest biomass material into productive uses, such as advanced energy products (including electricity and liquid and gaseous fuels), existing and emerging construction materials, and the supporting infrastructure and industries needed to make these products viable.
The Climate Catalyst Fund makes public funds available to help bridge financing gaps that are currently preventing technologies from scaling into the marketplace. The program builds on IBank’s history of financing public infrastructure and private development to advance a healthy climate for jobs, a strong economy, and improved quality of life for Californians and communities. IBank is located within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
“The program leverages public dollars to unlock private investment. It’s an accelerant,” Adler explained. When recipients repay the loans, the proceeds return to the fund for other projects that need gap financing. “In theory, it lives forever,” he said.
The initial focus of the Climate Catalyst Fund is on projects that can reduce wildfire threats and advance state climate goals through the management and use of forest biomass. During 2022-23, it is expected to also include climate-smart agriculture products.
OPR Feedstock Pilot Projects
A common problem for those trying to build new forest biomass production businesses is establishing reliable supplies of the woody material. Challenges range from lining up long-term contracts to transporting the heavy material in remote and rugged rural areas.
This month, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) is finalizing contracts with five regional groups to develop solutions to these feedstock supply hurdles. In all, $2.5 million will go to these groups, which include local governments and resource conservation districts. The funding was provided through an early action budget allocation for the 2020-2021 budget year.
The pilots are located in the Central Sierra, the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Shasta and Lassen County region, the North Coast, and Marin County. Participating groups will develop plans to improve woody feedstock supply chain logistics within each target region, and will assess market opportunities for potential biomass businesses in their regions.
Michael Maguire, associate planner for wood product Innovation at OPR, said the pilots are designed to develop regionally based solutions to the feedstock supply conundrum. The projects will address many types of land, public and private, including areas where fire resilience can be improved. The work does not include clear-cutting – only selective thinning where appropriate for landscape health.
Each pilot will employ an innovative governance structure such as a joint powers authority that will develop and implement plans to improve supply chain logistics and operate as feedstock brokers in each target region. These entities will serve as the link between feedstock harvesters and biomass industries by precuring biomass and offering long-term feedstock contracts.
CalFire Business and Workforce Development
To support forest sector workforce and business development, CalFire’s Wood Products and Bioenergy Team recently announced the availability of up to $24 million for wood products projects and up to $4 million for tree nursery operations. The purpose is to support healthy and resilient forests and the people and ecosystems that rely on these lands.
Projects receiving grant funding must demonstrate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, economic strengthening, and improved public health. The goal of the granting program is to create incentives for industries to invest in clean technologies, develop wood products processing innovations, and support development of a strong forest sector workforce.
A Cross-Agency Strategy
According to Adler, these initiatives are part of a cross-agency strategy to advance new industries and technologies to broaden and improve California’s forest management. In January 2021, the Governor’s Forest Management Task Force released California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Plan, which included measures to promote a sustainable wood products market in California and is now being implemented.
These efforts are aligned with ongoing work of the California Economic Summit, which issued the report, California’s Wildfire Crisis: A Call to Action in 2019 urging the state to scale up preventive forest resilience activities and treat at least one million acres per year to reduce wildfire risks and build climate resiliency. Since then, the Summit has continued to advocate for solutions to the crisis. These themes will be an ongoing area of focus during the 2022 California Economic Summit in Bakersfield on October 27-28.

Caltrans Director’s Policy Commits to Safe System Approach to Eliminate Deaths and Serious Injuries on California Roadways

2/24/2022

SACRAMENTO — Building on its longstanding commitment to safety, Caltrans today is unveiling a new Director’s Policy on Road Safety which commits the department to the Safe System approach and reaffirms the vision of reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries on state highways by 2050.

“Caltrans is fully committing to a fundamental shift in road safety and is laying the framework for significant reductions in roadway deaths and injuries,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “We play an important role in the building and maintaining of the state’s highways. With the numbers of serious injuries and deaths trending the wrong way, now is the time to focus even more on what we can do to save lives and work collaboratively with other stakeholders who play a role in roadway safety.”

California and the rest of the nation are seeing an increase in fatalities and serious injuries on the roadways. In California, more than 3,600 people die each year in traffic crashes and more than 13,000 people are severely injured. More than 3,200 people died on the state’s roadways in the first nine months of 2021 – a 17 percent increase from the previous year.

To address this trend, Caltrans is aligning departmental activities, as appropriate, with the Safe System approach, which identifies several interconnected elements to achieving a vision of zero fatalities and serious injuries – safe road users, safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and post-crash care. As part of this policy, Caltrans commits to:

Prioritizing “safety first” in highway planning, operation, construction and maintenance.
Focusing on eliminating the most serious crashes, rather than all crashes.
Eliminating race-, age-, ability- and transportation mode-based disparities in road safety outcomes by addressing historic and current barriers to transportation access and safety.

This policy takes steps to further institutionalize a shift that began in 2020, as state transportation leaders recognized a bolder and more focused approach was necessary to combat the troubling rise in fatalities and serious injuries on California roads. The state’s 2020-24 Strategic Highway Safety Plan – managed by Caltrans and involving more than 400 stakeholders – was updated to include the Safe System approach.

This policy also aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategyreleased in January, which set the first national goal of zero roadway fatalities and recognizes the Safe System approach as encompassing a range of roadway safety programs and stakeholders.

“The U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted the Safe System Approach that guides our safety actions within the recently announced National Roadway Safety Strategy to address the national crisis in roadway fatalities and serious injuries,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “We commend Caltrans for adopting this approach and working to bend the curve on roadway fatalities to zero.”

The Safe System approach is based on the following principles:

Eliminate death and serious injury: While no crashes are desirable, the Safe System approach prioritizes addressing crashes that result in death and serious injuries.
Humans make mistakes: People on the road will inevitably make mistakes that can lead to crashes. The transportation system is designed and operated to accommodate human mistakes and injury tolerances, and avoid deaths and serious injuries.
Humans are vulnerable: Crash forces contribute to deaths and serious injuries. Minimizing speeds and impact angles reduces the risk of death and serious injuries.
Responsibility is shared: All stakeholders, including road users, vehicle manufacturers, policy makers, law enforcement, licensing and education entities, those in road design and maintenance, and others must commit to working together to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes to zero. No one entity can achieve this goal alone, and it will take the coordinated effort of stakeholders working across a variety of disciplines to improve safety outcomes.
Redundancy is crucial: Reducing risk requires that all parts of the transportation system are strengthened, so that if one element fails, there are still multiple layers of protection.
Safety is proactive and reactive: Through both proactive and reactive safety efforts such as road safety audits, traffic investigations, road monitoring, flexible design, and others help identify potential areas for safety enhancement to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes.

Caltrans’ adoption of the Safe System approach builds on its ongoing work to improve safety on the state’s transportation system. In December, Caltrans adopted a new policy for all new transportation projects it funds or oversees to include “complete street” features that provide safe and accessible options for people walking, biking and taking transit.

For more information about Caltrans’ new safety guidelines, visit its Safety Program webpage.

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California Offers Abundant Opportunities for 2022 Spring Turkey Season

2/24/2022

California’s general spring turkey season opens statewide March 26 and runs through May 1. With growing populations of wild turkeys in many parts of the state, spring turkey season has become one of the more anticipated opportunities on the hunting calendar.

This year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will host 95 special turkey hunts during the spring turkey hunting season. To apply for special hunts please visit CDFW’s online sales site to purchase your $2.42 application for opening weekend. Additional hunting days and locations throughout the season are available and separate $2.42 applications are required for each opportunity.

Among the many opportunities to hunt wild turkey this spring:

Youth and Archery Opportunities: To view specific hunting dates for youth-only and archery-only seasons, visit CDFW’s regulations webpage.

CDFW’s SHARE Program offers public hunting opportunities on private properties. In 2022, spring turkey SHARE hunt opportunities are available on two private ranches in Tulare County, the 722-acre River Ridge Ranch and the 975-acre Hart Ranch. Applications for these special SHARE hunts must be made through CDFW’s online sales site. There is a $12.42 application fee for each hunt that provides economic incentives and liability insurance to participating landowners. For more details on these hunts, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/SHARE.

Dozens of CDFW-managed wildlife areas will be open to wild turkey hunting on a walk-in basis throughout the season. Please visit CDFW’s Ecological Reserves and Wildlife Areas of California web page for a listing of these lands and the recreational opportunities available.

The application deadlines are Feb. 26 for the Junior Hunts, March 5 for the opening weekend General Season hunts and archery-only hunts, and March 9 for the Balance of the Season hunts.

Shooting hours for spring turkeys are from one half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Both a hunting license and upland game bird stamp validation are required to hunt wild turkeys. An upland validation is not required for junior hunting license holders.

Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per day with a spring season limit of three birds.

Nonlead shot is required when hunting with a firearm anywhere in the state. Turkeys can be legally hunted with air rifles of at least 0.177 caliber. Crossbows may be used for the general turkey season but not during archery season without a disabled archers permit. For more information on regulations, visit the CDFW Hunting Regulations webpage.

Turkey hunters are strongly encouraged to review the CDFW Wildlife Area Operational Changes Due to COVID-19 web page prior to visiting any state-operated wildlife area to understand all required health and safety practices in place to help protect visitors and staff. Turkey hunters are further advised to check with the local management of the individual property they are planning to hunt for specific entry procedures, details and other regulations.

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Online Registration is now OPEN for the 2022 Little League Season

2/23/2022

Online Registration is now OPEN for the 2022 Little League Season! Click on the link in our Bio or the one provided below to get started!
http://clubs.bluesombrero.com/sierravalleyll
2022 Registration Fees are $40.00 for T-Ball and $50.00 for Baseball & Softball. Please note there is a $3.00 service fee per player.

California Farm Bureau President Responds to Central Valley Project Announcement

2/23/2022

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced today that it anticipates zero water allocations this year from the Central Valley Project, likely marking the second straight year that California farmers and ranchers will be denied critical water resources.

California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson said the announcement underscores why California needs to act now to build water infrastructure supported by voters.

“We are disappointed, but not surprised, by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project water allocation announcement,” Johansson said. “This demonstrates the overdue need for new water storage. In 2014, California voters were promised $2.7 billion as a down payment on building new water storage after they overwhelmingly approved Proposition 1, a $7.1 billion water bond initiative. Construction has yet to begin.

“We can no longer afford to neglect our aging water infrastructure, which was once the envy of the world. If we are serious about water resilience and addressing climate change, we must invest in water storage and delivery infrastructure to capture precipitation in wet periods to sustain us amid our new norm—longer, harsher periods of drought.”

The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 31,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 6 million Farm Bureau members.

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Although Areas of Plumas County Still Inaccessible, State Crews Making Progress in Clearing Debris Generated by Dixie and Beckwith Complex Fires

2/22/2022

Nearly 60 Percent of Properties in County Participating in California's Consolidated Debris Removal Program Cleared of Eligible Debris
SACRAMENTO – Although areas of Plumas County remain inaccessible due to heavy snow from the major winter storms that hit the area earlier this year, state contractors have cleared burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from nearly 60 percent of homes and properties in the county whose owners enrolled in the state'sConsolidated Debris Removal Program after last year's Dixie and Beckwith Complex fires.
The 384 properties in the county cleared to date represent 59.9 percent of the 641 parcels participating in the full debris removal program. Another 160 properties are taking part in the program's hazardous trees only element.
In Greenville alone, the historic gold rush-era town just east of Lake Almanor where the Dixie Fire decimated the central commercial district and destroyed more than 400 homes, almost three quarters of participating properties have now been cleared. The 283 cleared properties represent 72 percent of the properties in that community that are participating in the program.
Under the program, administered by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), in collaboration with county officials, participating property owners incur no direct costs.
Property owners opted into the program by submitting a Right-of-Entry form (ROE) to their county, which allows the state to begin work on their property and incur no direct costs for the removal of burned metal, concrete, ash, contaminated soil and hazard trees from their properties.

In El Dorado County, contractors have removed debris generated by the Caldor Fire from 540, or 91.7 percent, of the 589properties in that county whose owners enrolled in the full debris removal program. Another 160 parcels are taking part in the hazardous trees only element,

Crews have cleared debris generated by the River Fire from 48, or 98 percent, of the 49 sites in Nevada County participating in the full debris removal program. They also have removed debris generated by the River Fire from 42, or 97.7 percent, of the 43 parcels in Placer County participating in the full program.
In Lassen County, crews have cleared debris generated by the Dixie Fire from 18, or 40 percent, of the 45 parcels enrolled in the full debris removal program. Another two properties are participating in the hazardous trees only portion of the program. Portions of Lassen County have also been inaccessible due to snow, complicating debris removal efforts
Earlier, contractors finished removing eligible debris generated by the Washington Fire from all 11 properties inTuolumne County participating in the full program, as well as debris generated by the River Fire from all five properties in Alpine County participating in the full program.
Statewide, crews have removed debris from 1,280, or 74,6 percent, of the 1,715 parcels enrolled in the full program. An additional 341 properties are participating the hazardous trees only element of the program.

Across the state, post-fire hazard tree removal operations are also well underway on participating properties. State-contracted arborists have marked just under 42,000 fire-damaged trees for removal, and to date crews have felled and removed approximately 22 percent of these hazard trees. Removing hazard trees is an important step in ensuring fire-impacted communities are safe for rebuilding.

State and Federal officials are reviewing additional commercial parcels that may be subsequently approved for debris removal.

Data as of 4:50 p.m., February 22, 2022

Property owners cannot start rebuilding until fire debris is removed from their properties and soil samples taken from the property meet state environmental health and safety standards.

Property owners also can do the work themselves through a licensed, private contractor, but the work must meet the same state standards as the State Program. If work is started by the property owner or contractor, they become ineligible for the State Program.

State debris removal officials remind property owners that only fire-generated debris such as burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil is eligible for cleanup. Unburned refrigerators or other appliances and any debris not generated by the wildfires are ineligible.

Debris officials also stress that participating owners must avoid disturbing the footprint of the destroyed structure and should not remove any debris themselves, other than small valuables. Property owners recovering valuables should wear personal protective equipment and take appropriate precautions. Any debris removal work done by property owners will result in their disqualification from the program.

Steps Left to Complete

Before homeowners can begin rebuilding, cleared properties need additional work including:

Separate contractors collect soil samples for verification at a laboratory that they meet state environmental health and safety standards.
Contractors next may install erosion control measures.
Certified arborists or professional foresters assess wildfire-damaged trees in danger of falling on the public or public infrastructure for removal by separate contractors.
Finally, state officials inspect the property to verify all completed work meets state standards. Debris officials submit a final inspection report to local officials to approve the property for reconstruction.

Property owners can track progress on the Debris Operations Dashboard for the 2021 statewide wildfires. The dashboard is updated every hour and provides users with the ability to search by county or address.
About the California Consolidated Debris Removal Program:
This Program has two phases:

In Phase I, local government, state and federal agencies have organized teams of experts and contractors to inspect the property and assess, make safe, and/or remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, herbicides, pesticides, propane tanks, asbestos siding, and paints. Phase I is automatic and includes all residential properties that have been destroyed by the fires.
In Phase II, local, state and federal officials will coordinate to conduct fire-related debris removal from the property elected to participate in the State Program by signing a Right-of-Entry Form.

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In Honor of International Day of Happiness: New Book Inspires Focused Positivity

2/22/2022

Long Beach, CA, February 21, 2022 — Psychological research has confirmed that we would all be happier and more successful if we could think more positively. Yet, as many of us are aware, thinking positively can be a challenge. Timed for International Day of Happiness (March 20), Focused Positivity: The Path to Success and Peace of Mind (Rowman & Littlefield; ISBN: 9781538153284), from author John F. Tholen, Ph.D., presents a science-based program that makes positive thinking accessible. Cognitive therapy (CT) has become recognized as the “gold standard” of psychological treatments, and the most efficient form of CT is the focused positivity strategy.

Over his 40-plus years in practice as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Tholen created thousands of messages to improve the self-talk of clients whose motivation and emotional well-being had been disrupted by excessive attention to dysfunctional thoughts—those that cause distress without motivating constructive action. After retiring in 2017, he began compiling and categorizing alternative thoughts that are functional—likely to inspire hope and self-assertion. The result is Focused Positivity, a user-friendly manual for overcoming counterproductive thought patterns to permit a more fulfilling life.

Focused Positivity integrates psychological philosophy with research discoveries about the relationship among our thoughts, feelings and actions, as well as about assertiveness, relaxation, habit change and even the competition that occurs between the two sides of the brain. The book presents a unique set of easy-to-follow steps that can be accomplished in a few minutes each day. Dr. Tholen’s focused positivity strategy employs the closest thing we have to a “superpower”--our ability to shift the focus of our attention—to diminish anxiety, inspire self-assertion and gradually attain a more balanced view of our circumstances, capabilities and potential.

In the book, readers will learn:

- How to counteract our inherent negativity bias—the disproportionate attention we pay to whatever most angers or frightens us—so that we can attain a more balanced and reasonable perspective on both ourselves and the world around us.
- How to recognize the dysfunctional thoughts that spontaneously pop into our minds and disrupt our emotional state and motivation—even though they are almost always unreasonable, incomplete or completely wrong.
- How to find—and focus on—reasonable alternative thoughts that are more functional; in other words, balanced, reassuring and motivating.
- How to use our own personal belief system—whatever that may be—to create functional thoughts that can be powerful for each of us, even in what seems the worst of times.
- Strategies for managing excessive self-criticism, reprogramming prejudicial self-talk, taming dysfunctional fear, reframing trauma and creating the illusions that we think of as personal strengths, such as willpower, self-discipline and even resilience.
- How to become comfortable being respectfully self-assertive to enhance self-esteem and establish balanced relationships.
- Healthy methods of relaxation and mindful meditation for managing anxiety, fear and anger … and more!

Enlightening and empowering, Focused Positivity offers expert guidance and a proven action plan for overcoming self-defeating thoughts, improving self-confidence, attaining personal goals and enhancing peace of mind.

About the Author
John F. Tholen, Ph.D., is a cognitive psychologist with more than 40 years of experience helping clients shift the focus of their attention to achieve their goals, strengthen their relationships and feel better about themselves. For more information about the book, please visit focusedpositivity.net.

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Solo Vehicle Fatality, S/B US 395, 1.2 Miles N/O Nevada State Line

2/22/2022

On 02/21/2022, at approximately 1915 hours, an unidentified white male adult was driving a maroon 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada, in the number one lane of southbound
US-395, north of the Nevada/California state line at an undetermined speed. The driver allowed his vehicle to drift off the east edge of the roadway, and the vehicle traveled onto the brush covered dirt median. As the vehicle traveled south through the median, it slid clockwise, dug into the soft dirt of the median, and began a roll over sequence. During the rollover sequence, the driver was ejected from the vehicle. A motorist ahead of the involved vehicle witnessed the collision, searched the vehicle for occupants, and called 911. Members of the Truckee Meadows Fire Department arrived at the scene and located the ejected driver. During the roll over and ejection, the driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Personnel from the Nevada Highway Patrol, Sierra Valley Fire Department, Sierra County Sheriff Department, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol also arrived at the scene and assisted with the investigation. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was not wearing his safety belt while driving. This collision is still under investigation by the Sierra County Sheriff office and the California Highway Patrol.

Don't Worry About What Other People Think

2/22/2022

By Bryan Golden

Are you concerned about what other people think about you and how you lead your life? Are your decisions influenced by the way you anticipate other people will see them? Are you worried about criticism? Does ridicule bother you? Why are you concerned about someone else's thoughts or opinions anyway?
We grow up being taught to worry about what other people think. How many times did you hear, “What will the neighbors think?”, “What will your friends think?”, “What will the relatives think?”, or “What will people think?” in response to something you did or wanted to do?
When you adjust your behavior to conform to what others think, you stifle your goals and restrict your happiness. Continually striving to meet someone else’s goals in place of your own, causes you endless frustration.
Too many people structure their entire lives in response to their concern for the opinions of others. Where they live, who they marry, their occupation, and who they associate with, are just some of their decisions determined by what other people think.
Why do we fall into this trap and what can we do about it? It starts with our craving for acceptance. As children we seek approval from our parents. Over time this need spreads to friends, relatives, and even strangers. Additionally, the hunger for acceptance is combined with seeking to avoid criticism, ridicule, and rejection.
These are powerful emotions because they are based on the fear of “what if.” What if people make fun of me? What if I’m not included? What if people don’t invite me? What if people don’t approve of what I’m doing? The list is endless but the result is the same: conforming to what other people might think ultimately makes you unhappy.
The irony is that even when you do what you think other people want, they either don’t care or aren’t satisfied anyway. So, after adjusting your life, nothing has changed except the fact that you are continually unhappy. So, in the end, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
Today is the day to break free in order to start living on your terms. You begin from where you are right now. There’s no point to lamenting any past decisions. Your objective is to avoid repeating past mistakes while moving forward.
It doesn’t matter if you are criticized for taking control of your life. After all, attempting to avoid criticism didn’t work out too well. There is no obligation to explain why you are changing direction. You don’t have to convince anyone that this is the right course for you.
Where you want to go from here is based on an honest assessment of yourself. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you like? What do you dislike? What are your goals? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it’s essential that you take time to figure them out.
Next, you need to formulate a step-by-step plan to get where you want to be. Each step must be small enough to be manageable. If one step seems too big, break it down into smaller sub-steps.
Now it’s time for action. The formula for success is taking one step at a time. Don’t worry about what other people think. The direction of your life and your happiness is your responsibility.
Setbacks are a normal part of goal attainment. Yet, this is the point at which you will be inundated with negative advice, criticism, and even ridicule. Ignore all of it. When you stumble, get up, dust yourself off, and resume your journey forward. You will be very pleasantly surprised by how much more joy you experience by not worrying about what others think.

Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at Bryan@columnist.com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2022 Bryan Golden

Missing person: James Thornton

2/20/2022

Office of the Sheriff Office of Emergency Services

1400 E. Main Street, Quincy, California 95971 • 530-283-6300 •
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, February 20, 2022, after an extensive search of Keddie Ridge by numerous search and rescue personnel, the body of James Thornton was located. Thornton was last seen on January 17 and was reported missing by family on February 7th. His body was discovered after Search and Rescue located some personal items of Thornton in the area a few days prior and began to focus heavily on this area.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The case is under investigation.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our condolences to the Thornton Family. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the CHP Northern Air Division, the California Rescue Dog Association and our own Search and Rescue personnel for their efforts.
Visit us online at plumascounty.us and follow us on Facebook

Results of Calpine Firewise Survey

2/20/2022

Hi All,

I am so proud of my neighbors and my town! I went through the surveys you filled out and confirmed what I already suspected. As a community, we are are well educated, optimistic, eager to learn more, willing to work on our places, willing to volunteer to help each other, and prepared to take care of ourselves and help others in an emergency. Here is a breakdown of the responses:

Most of us know quite a bit about the FIREWISE USA® program
Almost everyone thinks that the FIREWISE USA® program can make us a lot safer from wildfire
The best way to tell the community more about FIREWISE is through email and the bulletin board
Most of us know a lot about how to make our buildings safer from wildfire
Almost everyone wants MORE information on how to make their buildings safer
Time and money are the big things that prevent us from doing more to make our buildings fire resistant
Only a few of us know 'A lot' about what to do first to make our buildings more fire resistant
Almost all of us know quite a bit about creating defensible space
Only a few of us know 'A lot' about how to prioritize our work on defensible space
We would do more work on our defensible space :

- if we had more time
- if we knew what to do first
- if we knew who to hire
- if we had the tools

Almost everyone would have yard waste to haul away on a green waste pickup day
EVERYONE would be willing to volunteer for an hour to help a neighbor with defensible space
About half of us would like to have a group of volunteers helping us with defensible space
Everyone has at least somewhat of a plan to evacuate in an emergency
Most of us would be able to help a neighbor evacuate
Most of us have house numbers visible from the street

The Firewise committee will now put together a 3 year plan that will address the recommendations made at our community risk assessment last fall while making use of the strengths and needs revealed by the survey.

Thanks for your participation. Please send comments and suggestions to calpinefirewise@yahoo.com

Calpine Firewise Coordinator
Dolly Chapman

SIERRAVILLE FIRE FEB. 16TH ACTION IN PHOTOS

2/16/2022

Pasquetti Barn burned about 3 p.m. and required mutual aid.........

PLUMAS-SIERRA CATTLEWOMEN SCHOLARSHIPS

2/16/2022

The Plumas-Sierra Cattlewomen are again happy to offer scholarships to this years’ graduating seniors and to last year’s recipients who are continuing their studies and again meeting the qualifications. The amount of the scholarships will be determined by the number of applicants, proceeds from the previous year sale of tickets for our Brand Quilt and the generous support of our communities.
Eligibility Requirements:

The applicant must have been a resident of Plumas or Sierra County for one year.
If the applicant is from a farm or ranch family, he or she may enroll in any course of study at a college or vocational school.
If the applicant is from a non-farm or ranch family, he or she must enroll in agriculturally related programs.

Application packets further outlining qualifications are available now at your high school or at our website: plumassierracattlewomen.org
Contact information:

Kathleen Goicoechea        775-530-8544          Karen Rickman 530-400-7737
PO Box 883                                       or                    PO Box 2403
Loyalton, CA 96118                                               Portola, CA 96122
dkgoicoechea@psln.com                                     abitofbeach@gmail.com

LaMalfa Announces Wildland Fire Suppression Grant to Local Business

2/15/2022

Chico, CA – Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R – Richvale) announced a United States Forest Service Indefinite-Delivery contract award to the Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression, Inc. This contract award was part of several made throughout the country for Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) qualified wildland firefighter crews. The contract period is for five years from 2/8/2022 to 2/7/2027 and is not to exceed $140 million.

“I applaud the hard work of the Firestorm crew and their dedication to the forestry industry. Type 2 wildland firefighters are essential in wildland fire management, and are at the forefront of dangerous conditions to build fire lines across backcountry terrain with hand tools and chainsaws. They are a leader in emergency services and forest management in the Butte County area. I look forward to seeing more of their good work in our area,” said Congressman LaMalfa.

“Firestorm is thrilled with the new award of the Type II Initial Attack Handcrew Contract. Over the next 5 years this contract will allow us to develop and train 600 new professional firefighters within our organization and 5,000 nationally. Our firefighters will be a part of Initial Attack Wildland firefighting crews that will be available for fighting Wildland fires throughout the state and nation. In addition, if utilized properly by state and federal agencies, our crews will be a critical asset, with the capacity and skills, to perform thousands of acres of critical forest health projects in our national forests and around our local communities,” said Leah Wills, Co-Owner of Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression.

“Firestorm has been contracting and providing wildland handcrews for the Federal Government for over 25 years. These new awards will allow us to continue to be a substantial employer in the State of California and provide hundreds of jobs annually.”

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

Guardians of Rescue on a Desperate Mission Nationwide to Help Dogs Left Out in Cold Temperatures

2/15/2022

Guardians of Rescue is helping dogs left out in the cold, one insulated dog house at a time

SMITHTOWN, New York – (February 15, 2022)–The headlines have been filled with information about how cold it’s been around many areas of the country. While we humans crank up the heat and reach for extra layers, many dogs are not so lucky. There are dogs around the country being left outdoors, without proper shelter, even when it’s freezing outside. Guardians of Rescue is on a mission to help make their lives a little warmer, by providing them with insulated dog houses.

"Every day we witness how animals are being failed by weak and ineffective laws, explains Robert Misseri, president and founder of Guardians of Rescue. “We’ll continue to advocate for stronger protections, but the dogs can’t wait that long, they need our help right now.”

Most caring people wouldn't dream of leaving a dog outside in cold temperatures, especially when it drops below freezing. But sadly, there are dogs around the country that are left out in the freezing temperatures regularly. Each year, many die from extended exposure to the elements.

In many states, it’s still legal to keep dogs outside if they have been provided shelter. The problem is that the shelter they are typically provided with is not adequate for the temperatures they are being exposed to. This results in them suffering. While animal protection laws are slowly making improvements around the country, they won’t happen fast enough to make a difference this winter.

Guardians of Rescue is urging people to get involved and help with their mission of bringing them protection. The non-profit regularly sees dogs living in make shift shelters, under tarps and other unsuitable conditions. To tackle this need, the rescue organization has its country-wide teams working around the clock to reach dogs living outside and where owners are unwilling to bring animals indoors, or decline the option to surrender dogs, the group installs insulated dog houses, no freeze water bowls, coats for dogs who will benefit from them, attends to any medical needs, and ensures the dogs have food and clean water.

“We are using every resource possible to get shelter to these dogs, but the need is greater than ever before and we are deeply grateful to our supporters whose kind donations make it possible for us to take action,” added Misseri. “When the law does not protect these dogs, we will do everything in our power to help as many as we can - they have no one else looking out for them.”

Recently, the group helped one of their rescue partners in providing a dog with shelter. The dog was living tethered outdoors in the cold and was suffering. Other groups tried to provide help, but were not successful. Guardians of Rescue negotiated with the dog’s owner and came to an agreement that the group would provide the dog with shelter. He is now in a secure run, no longer tethered, and has a warm insulated dog house, as well as plenty of food and fresh water.

Dogs should not spend a lot of time outdoors once it is 45 degrees or below, and not more than 10-15 minutes when it’s at freezing or below. In fact, how long a pet can be left in such temperatures is even regulated when taking flights. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, airlines must shelter pets from extreme temperatures. They specifically state that kenneled dogs must not be exposed to temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below for more than four hours.
To donate to help support the mission of purchasing insulated dog houses, visit the site: https://guardiansofrescue.networkforgood.com/projects/153500-help-for-dogs-left-out-in -the-cold.
Guardians of Rescue assists animals out on the streets and investigates animal cruelty cases. It is located in New York and it helps animals in many places around the country. It is also instrumental in helping military members with their pets. To learn more, get involved, or make a donation to support Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.

About Guardians of Rescue
Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well-being of all animals. It provides aid to animals in distress, including rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.

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CAL FIRE NOW ACCEPTING WILDFIRE RESILIENCE BLOCK GRANT APPLICATIONS

2/14/2022

$10 million in funding available to support private forestland owners

(Sacramento) CAL FIRE is announcing up to $10 million in funding available for Wildfire Resilience Block Grants. Funding to support private forestland owners is provided through the Budget Act of 2021 and supports California’s goals of improved forest health, resilience to climate change, and reduced forestland impacts due to devastating wildfires as outlined in California's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
The purpose of the Wildfire Resilience Block Grant Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force Action Plan goals 1.09 – 1.15
CAL FIRE will accept proposals starting February 14, 2022, with proposals due no later than April 1, 2022. A virtual workshop to introduce the Wildfire Resilience Block Grant Guidelines and the on-line application process will be held on February 24, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional application information including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and deadlines can be found on our website. All grant work must be completed by March 30, 2026.
Applicants are limited to counties, resource conservation districts, special districts, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that have the capacity to deliver a forestry-based assistance program.
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Hazardous Tree Removal Work Continues Along Sierra Highways

2/11/2022

One-Way Traffic Control in Several Locations

MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is reminding motorists to expect intermittent one-way traffic control on several Sierra highways through March for emergency tree removal operations.

After record-breaking winter storms in December coupled with high mountain winds, hundreds of trees along Sierra highways pose a hazard and need to be removed. Caltrans initiated a $3.7 million emergency contract with Tyrrell Resources, Inc. of Truckee to do the work.

Most tree removals will occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes or up to 30 minutes for larger trees.

Work next week is scheduled on the following highways:

State Route 20 (SR-20) in Nevada County from Scotts Flat Road to White Cloud Campground;
SR-49 in Yuba County from Marysville Road to Camp Pendola Road;
SR-193 in El Dorado County from Penobscot Road to Bear Creek Road;
Interstate 80 (I-80) from the SR-174 connection to Monte Vista. The I-80 work will require the closure of the #2 eastbound lane Monday through Wednesday and the #2 wesbound lane Thursday and Friday.

District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

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FEMA FLOODPLAIN MAPS - IMPORTANT MEETING!

2/11/2022

FEMA floodplain meeting Feb. 15 at Sierra Brooks Lodge at 5 pm. This is important as it could affect insurance rates. Loyalton will hold meetings as needed but the map shows the entire town in the flood plain which is not right. Please attend.

2020 California Citizens Redistricting CommissionClears One Legal Challenge Hurdle for Final Maps

2/11/2022

SACRAMENTO, CA—Today, the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) announced the absence of a lawsuit challenging the new Congressional, Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization maps. Article 21, section 3(b)(2) of the California Constitution states that any registered voter in this state may file a petition for a writ of mandate or writ of prohibition, within 45 days after the commission has certified a final map to the Secretary of State (SOS). Because maps were certified to the SOS on December 27, 2021, the deadline to file a lawsuit was February 10, 2022, at midnight.
“We're glad to cross this first legal threshold to effectuate the people’s maps,” stated Commission Chair Russell Yee. “The absence of a state lawsuit challenging these maps is a testament to the effectiveness of California's open, publicly accessible redistricting process and the design of its independent redistricting commission. We worked hard to apply the constitutional redistricting criteria and consider testimony from throughout the state, especially from minority communities. While the maps do not please everyone, we believe they are fair and equitable. We would have confidently defended these maps in court but are thankful we now won't need to.”
The possibility of other legal challenges remains. Article 21, section 2(i) of the state Constitution states that the map enactment date (12/27/2021) triggers the 90-day period for a referendum petition to be filed. In the absence of a sufficient and timely referendum petition being filed, the maps would otherwise become “effective” 90 days after enactment/certification (3/27/22).
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated a congressional map in Alabama that a lower court ruled hurt Black voters. The state Constitution's legal challenge deadline does not apply to any challenge that might be filed in federal court alleging a violation of the U.S. Constitution or the federal Voting Rights Act.
Every 10 years, after the federal government publishes updated census information, California must redraw the boundaries of its electoral districts so that the state’s population is evenly allocated among the new districts.
In 2008, California voters passed the Voters First Act, authorizing the creation of the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw new State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization district lines. In 2010, the Voters First Act for Congress gave the Commission the responsibility of drawing new Congressional districts following every census.
For more information, please visit www.WeDrawTheLinesCA.org.
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More than 4,400 Properties Participating in 2020 Wildfire Debris Removal Program Can Begin Permitting Process for Reconstruction

2/11/2022

Nearly 99 percent of participating properties have been returned to local officials after completing the entire debris removal process

SACRAMENTO – More than 4,400 of properties whose owners signed up to participate in California's debris removal program following the 2020 wildfires have completed the entire debris removal process and can now begin reconstruction.

Administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), the State’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program works to remove eligible fire-related debris, including burned metal, concrete, contaminated soil and ash from burned properties at no cost to the property owners.

So far, 4,403, or 98.6 percent, of the 4,466 properties enrolled in either the full debris removal program or the program's hazardous trees only element have been returned to county officials. The return of the properties to county officials clears the way for owners to begin the permitting process for reconstruction.

In October 2021, the state reached a huge milestone in clearing wildfire debris from 2020's record fire season – 100 percent of properties were cleared of debris. In addition, state crews finished clearing more than 1.25 million tons — or over 2.5 billion pounds — of ash, debris, metal, concrete, and contaminated soil from the nearly 4,000 properties that took part in California’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program. That’s equivalent to nearly 42,000 fire engines.

Those properties not yet returned to officials in their respective counties still need soil testing, erosion control, or hazard tree removal to ensure the parcels are safe for families to rebuild.
In 2020, more than 8,000 climate-induced wildfires burned 4.2 million acres of California, destroying more 5,991 homes.

To view the data, please visit the 2020 Debris Operations Dashboard.

California’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program

Implemented under the leadership of the Cal OES and local governments, the Consolidated Debris Removal Program offers survivors of the wildfires a streamlined option to clear their properties with no out-of-pocket costs. Following the specialized removal of household hazardous waste from burned parcels, CalRecycle oversees and manages contractors conducting the second phase of debris removal. Once cleaned, each property is tested to ensure that no residual toxins, such as heavy metals, remain to endanger those rebuilding.

Debris removal operations are coordinated across local jurisdictions, state agencies and departments, federal representatives, and Tribal representatives. Property owners who wish to conduct their own cleanup or hire private contractors to remove wildfire debris are still bound by local safety and environmental standards and requirements.

For more information on the state’s wildfire recovery efforts, visit Cal OES’s dedicated page.

PG&E to Customers: Stay Safe, Secure Valentine's Day Balloons with a Weight

2/10/2022

Balloon-caused outages increased 27 percent in 2021

SIERRA DIVISION, Calif.— With Valentine's Day festivities taking place next week, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers that nothing puts a damper on a romantic evening faster than a widespread power outage. If your holiday celebration includes metallic balloons, make sure they are securely tied with a weight to keep them from floating away. Metallic balloons that contact overhead power lines can disrupt electric service to an entire neighborhood, cause significant property damage and potentially result in serious injuries.
In 2021, metallic balloons that drifted into PG&E power lines caused more than 600 outages, a 27 percent increase from the previous year and the highest number of balloon-related outages that PG&E has seen in a decade. In 2021, in PG&E’s Sierra Division, balloons hitting overhead power lines caused 14 outages, disrupting power to more than 9,000 customers. In 2021, in PG&E’s Sierra Division, balloons hitting overhead power lines caused 9 outages, disrupting power to more than 500 customers.
“Balloons are a fun way to liven up holiday celebrations, but if they aren’t tied down with a weight, it’s easy for them to float into overhead power lines and disrupt service to entire communities. Keep your holidays safe by ensuring metallic balloons are secured by a weight,” said Jeff Deal, Vice President, Electric Distribution, PG&E.
The top six cities in PG&E's coverage area that reported balloon-related outages in 2021 are San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Oakland, Richmond and Stockton. Sometimes these outages interrupt electric service to important facilities such as hospitals, schools and traffic lights. You can see for yourself by checking out this video that shows how balloons can create safety issues: PG&E Mylar Balloon Safety.
In order to significantly reduce the number of balloon-caused outages and to help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy Valentine’s Day, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important safety tips for metallic balloons:

“Look Up and Live!" Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic balloons to be released outside, for everyone's safety.
Do not bundle metallic balloons together.
Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite, drone or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Trying to retrieve it yourself is extremely dangerous. Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
Celebrate special occasions safely by ensuring that metallic balloons are secured with a heavyweight and never releasing them outdoors. You can learn more of these safety tips at safetyactioncenter.pge.com

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

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BBB Scam Alert: Top Valentine’s Day scams

2/10/2022

See more BBB's Valentine's Day scam alerts and tips at BBB.org/Valentine.
Feb. 10, 2022 -- This Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be big, according to projections by the National Retail Federation, which suggests that consumer spending will reach nearly $24 billion.
As you prepare to celebrate, there are few common scams that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re hoping to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, beware of these three scams regularly reported to BBB.
Impostor websites
From fake jewelry sellers to online dating sites, consumers should always be on the alert for impostor websites. Scammers can easily lift official photos, sale promotions and logos directly from the website for a popular jewelry brand. With professional graphics and unbeatable prices, scammers build an attractive website that looks eerily similar to the real thing.
Red flags:

Products are available at extreme discounts.
The seller requests customers pay with cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency.
Customer service is unreachable.

Romance scams
Falling victim to a romance scam can be particularly devastating. Victims can lose thousands of dollars, and they’re often left feeling heartbroken and betrayed because they really believed they’d found a good partner. Read more about romance scams for safe online dating advice.
Red flags:

The relationship moves very fast.
You never meet in person.
They ask for money.

Fake florist scam
Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day? Don’t procrastinate or you may end up falling for a scam. BBB has received many reports of shoppers who thought they were ordering flowers from an online florist... but either got nothing at all, or a disappointing arrangement. Don't let phony florists ruin Valentine's Day.
Red Flags:

The business has no reviews or bad reviews (always check BBB.org!)
You can't find a return policy or satisfaction guarantee.
The deal is "too good to be true."

What to do if you encounter a scam
If you encounter a suspected romance scam, cut off all contact with the perpetrator by blocking their accounts and phone number. Then, report your experience to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
For more information about romance scams, visit BBB.org/romance.

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For more information, please contact Alma Galvan, agalvan@bbbemail.org. Interviews can be done in English and Spanish.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.