Friday, March 29, 2019
California Federation of Republican Women
Nam-Yong Horn, President

Allison Olson, CFRW Advocate


Bills Bills Bills
We are now in the thick of committee season. This means bills will really start to take shape, with language and amendments from committees added. There are many bills we are following this legislative session, but this week the Capitol Update we will focus on some of the Assembly bills we are tracking. Please keep in mind that many, many bills slip through the legislature virtually unnoticed by Californians. We need to be educating Californians about what is truly going on under the capitol dome.
AB 18 (Levine, D): Firearm Excise Tax- Assemblyman Levine wants to levy a $25 excise tax on every firearm purchase in our state. Every purchase, every time. Assemblyman Levine thinks that too many guns are bought and sold in California and hopes this high tax will curb the purchasing of firearms. Once again, this bill would do nothing to address gun crimes in our state, but only places an undue burden on those purchasing guns legally. What this would do is encourage criminals to buy guns illegally, or worse, steal them, because of the exorbitant tax.
Location: Assembly Public Safety Committee
Hearing: April 9th
AB 134 (Bloom, D): Drinking Water Tax- This bill really comes from Governor Newsom's budget agenda to tax our drinking water. In the current bill form, there is no real language in the bill yet about it's function, but that didn't stop the Democrats on the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee to pass the bill and send it to the Assembly Appropriations committee. Hopefully Californians will be able to know how much water they are planning to tax and at what rate before the next committee passes the bill, but don't count on it.
Location: Assembly Appropriations Committee
Hearing: None Yet
AB 138 (Bloom, D): Soda Tax- Assemblyman Bloom would not only like to tax your water, but also your soda. This bill proposes a 2-cent tax per ounce of soda sold. Apparently, the legislature thinks you can't control your own soda consumption, so they'd like to tax you out of drinking it.
Location: Assembly Health Committee
Hearing: April 9th
AB 392 (Weber, D): Use of Force- Assemblywoman Weber is trying again, but this time with more support. AB 329 wants to change one word in the law but would have vast repercussions for our law enforcement officers. Currently, regarding the use of force for police officers, the law states that a reasonable use of force is allowable in the apprehension of a suspect. This bill would change the word "reasonable" to "necessary", making it more difficult for our officers to do their job. This not only would make the officers themselves less safe because they may be second-guessing their decisions, but that, in turn, would make our communities less safe.
Location: Assembly Public Safety Committee
Hearing: April 9th
AB 755 (Holden, D): Tire Change Tax- If you didn't know it already, you are being taxed each time you change your tires, for each tire. Currently that tax is .75 cents per tire. This bill would increase that tax to $3.25 per tire, per tire change. This is a regressive tax, that mostly effects our state's poor and low-income residents. Those who have to drive further to work who change their tires more often. Those who can't afford the expensive, longer lasting tires so they have to change their tires more often. The liberal Democrats claim to champion the poor and low-income workers. But the majority of the new taxes and tax increases coming out of Sacramento are regressive, meaning they disproportionately affect those they claim to fight for.
Location: Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee
Hearing: April 9th
AB 766 (Chui, D): Soda Ban- More nanny state nonsense. AB 766 will ban soda containers that are larger than 16 ounces at restaurants, gas stations, and mini-marts. Assemblyman Chui is calling it an "unsealed beverage container portion cap", but what is to stop someone from buying three 12 oz cans and downing them in a row? The logic behind the bill is flawed and the "government knows better" mentality is dangerous.
Location: Assembly Health Committee
Hearing: April 9th
And finally, here are a few good bills out of the Assembly. With only 19 Republicans in the Assembly, it is difficult to get any good bill passed. But we hope these two in particular have broad support.
AB 1571 (Kiley, R): Free Speech on Campus Act- First of all, it should be mentioned that even needing a bill that strengthens the First Amendment in our state is concerning. AB 1571 would protect the free speech of our College Republicans, when they bring conservative speakers to their campuses. All Assemblyman Kiley is asking is that our College Republicans are afforded the same rights and privileges as every other student on our state community colleges, CSUs, and UC when asserting their freedom of expression. This bill was killed in committee last legislative session- why would the liberal Democrats in Sacramento want to suppress free speech on our campuses? It's because it's speech they don't agree with. Our state needs to recognize that all speech should be protected on our campuses, unless it incites violence.
Location: Assembly Higher Education Committee
Hearing: April 9th
Which brings us to our last bill of the bunch…
HR 22 (Gallagher, R):  Removal of Professor Clover- Would resolve by the Assembly of the State of California supports free speech and the right of professors and students to express different ideas and engage in constructive dialogue in an environment that is free from violence and intimidation, but violent rhetoric that endangers individuals or a group of people should not be tolerated. The Assembly urges University of California, Davis Chancellor Gary S. May, University of California President Janet Napolitano, and the Regents of the University of California to remove Professor Joshua Clover from the classroom and terminate his employment at the University. Some back story is required here. In January of this year, Officer Natalie Corona of Davis Police Department was executed, in cold blood, while performing a routine traffic collision stop. A man walked up to the scene, shot the officer in the back of the head, and then walked away. For the past two years, UC Davis English Professor Joshua Clover has advocated the killing of police officers, even as specifically as "shooting them in the back of the head", on his Twitter account. This was discovered by UC Davis students in the aftermath of Officer Corona's murder. So far, Professor Clover has been put on "administrative leave", has not apologized for his comments, and he is still enjoying a paycheck via the University of California. The UC Regents have been silent on the issue. Professor Clover should be terminated for his comments, and it is abhorrent that this has not occurred yet. If you are an alumni of ANY UC school, if your children or grandchildren are either alumni or currently attending ANY UC school, please contact the UC Regents and let them know they will not be receiving any more funding from you or your family until Joshua Clover is fired! CLICK HERE to contact the UC Regents.
Location: Assembly Printer
Hearing: None Yet

​

The excitement of each year’s Fair begins with the arrival of the Exhibit Guide. Fair Manager John Steffanic says it’s time to get excited! The theme for the 2019 Plumas Sierra County Fair is “Show What You Grow, Share What You Know!”. “It probably should have said “Show What You Grow, Raise and Made”, but that wouldn’t have rhymed.” Said Steffanic. The exhibit guide is filled with divisions and classes that let everyone who lives in the area show what they have made, grown or raised.
 
The number of competitive exhibits is a direct reflection of the health of any Fair, and the Plumas Sierra County Fair Board is constantly urging everyone to take a look at the exhibit guide and enter something. In recent years, the number of exhibits in the Floriculture and Home Arts buildings has been dropping. This could be due to less Home Economic classes being offered in school, or to the passing of long time exhibitors. Whatever the reason, the Fair really needs to find more people willing to share their cookies, jams, sewing, cut flowers, vegetables and crafts. Although the entry fees are very affordable, most are only $2, the PSCF Foundation has decided to remove that possible barrier by paying for all entry fees in Floriculture and Home Arts this year. The only exclusions are entry fees for the Family/Organizational Gardens, and quilts. The offer does not apply to Art Barn or Livestock entries. Any other categories are free in 2019!
 
The steps are simple; browse the exhibit guide, decide what you might like to enter, fill out the entry form, turn it in to the Fair office by the deadline (Most are July 12, many of the Floriculture entries are due just the week before the Fair), and then bring your entries to the Fair on the dates shown in the guide. Since there are no fees, feel free to enter as many things as you want. For instance, if you think you might want to enter your homemade bread, go ahead and enter it. When Fair time comes, and maybe there is a reason you can’t get the bread done, it’s no big deal. You aren’t out any money, but at least you could have entered the bread if you had gotten around to it.
 
There are many categories that are not what some people would think of at a Fair. There are certainly the classics; jelly, baked goods, zucchini, flowers and needlepoint. But there are also divisions that are unique, and might not require a particular skill to enter. There is a Division for Giftwrapping. Do you write poetry? Enter your poems. Make a shadow box. The Fair actually provides the box, so all you have to do is gather the items you want to display, and come to the fairgrounds to arrange them in the box. You can enter soap or candles you have made. You can decorate a cake, pie or confection, even if you didn’t make it, the judging is on the decoration. Enter jerky, or salsa. Crochet a rug, sew a Christmas tree skirt. There are categories for all these.
 
If you have an African Violet, or a cactus, or a Boston Fern that thrives in your home, please share it with everyone by entering it in the Floriculture Building. Some people don’t have a green thumb, but love plants. There are several divisions for silk or dried flower arranging. Finally, everyone should know that to enter something from your garden, you only have to turn in an entry form the Friday before the Fair. Perhaps it is some cut flowers, or some fresh carrots or onions. Don’t forget about the oddities; largest vegetable, oddest shaped vegetable or the heaviest tomato. These are all things the public needs to see!
 
Printed Exhibit Guides are available at all Plumas Bank branches and public libraries. Copies can also be picked up at the Fair Office. A downloadable version is available on the Fair website; www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net. The Fair has also taken the extra step of breaking the book down by sections for those that still have dial up and don’t necessarily need the entire book. Livestock entries are due on June 21 and most all other entries are due July 12.

Motorists Urged to Increased Driving Distance Between Snow Removal Equipment
 
MARYSVILLE—In this Caltrans News Flash, we’re urging California drivers to give some space to snow plow operators as they work to clear highways. We ask drivers to slow down, devote their full attention to what’s ahead on the road and refrain from passing snow plows. Road conditions behind a plow are better than conditions in front of it. While we’re now in spring, the snow removal season is still in full swing with snow blanketing highways this week and more snow projected in the coming week.
 
For the safety of the traveling public and the Caltrans crews making it possible for you to reach your destination, please don’t crowd the plow.
 
This video can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/dontcrowdtheplow
 
This News Flash is the 193rd 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 go to http://bit.ly/ctnewsflash.

 
            Sierra County residents are invited to gather for the National Day of Prayer at noon, May 2, at the Loyalton Fire Department flagpole for an interdenominational observance of prayer for America.  
            Janet McHenry, National Day of Prayer coordinator for Sierra County said, “The theme for the 2019 National Day of Prayer is Love One Another and comes from the words of Jesus in John 13:34, ‘Love one another. Just as I have loved you.’”
            McHenry said the event is a simple, come-as-you-are, informal one without speeches or even music. “We are challenging each of the local churches,” McHenry said, “to send at least ten people to the flagpole prayer event. Materials will be available for people to take home to help them remember our government officials in prayer.”
            In case of inclement weather, McHenry said the event would be held at the Loyalton Community Church at Second and Lewis streets.
The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans. Officially, the NDP was established as an annual event by an act of Congress in 1952 and was signed into law by President Truman. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the NDP. President Bill Clinton signed a bill in 1998, designating that the President would issue an annual NDP proclamation to encourage people to turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force, an organization separate from the U.S. government, provides resources to encourage communities to pray for the well being of America and for those in leadership on all levels of government, church, and educational areas of influence. The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May.
More information about the National Day of Prayer is available on the NDP website: https://nationaldayofprayer.org.
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Two more influential enforcement endorsements for Brian Dahle
Assemblyman Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) today announced that he has received the endorsements of two former Republican primary opponents Rex Hime and Ted Dziuba.

“After spending four months with all the candidates on the campaign trail, it is clear to me that Brian is the best choice to serve Senate District 1,” stated Rex Hime. “Brian has a core set of conservative principles that guide his decision making, and his knowledge and experience in the private sector provide him perspective that allows him to connect with the day to day struggles of business owners, working families and taxpayers.”

"I’m pleased to have the support of Rex Hime and Ted Dziuba, the other two Republicans who ran in the primary," stated Dahle.  For them to come on board the day after the primary really says a lot and I am glad to have earned their confidence."  

With thousands of ballots still to be counted, Dahle finished first on election night and proceeds to the run-off election with fellow Republican Kevin Kiley. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2019 and will conclude the race to fill the vacant 1st Senate seat.  For more information and to see the entire list of endorsements, please visit www.BrianDahle.com.

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On April 2, 2019, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will conduct the fourth snow survey media availability of the season. This event invites members of the media to join DWR staff as they measure water content in the snowpack. The April survey typically takes place when the snowpack is at its deepest and water content, a key indicator for water supply, is at its highest for the season. DWR may conduct another survey in May, depending on forecasts and changes to snowpack.
 
When:     Tuesday April 2, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
Where:    Phillips Station, intersection of US 50 and Sierra-at-Tahoe Road (directions below)
Who:       California Department of Water Resources
The Phillips Station snow course is one of more than 260 snow courses across the Sierra Nevada that DWR manually or electronically measures each winter and early spring. Data collected from the monthly snow surveys help determine the amount of water that will melt and run off to state reservoirs during warmer months. The information is critical to the water managers who allocate California’s natural water resources to regions downstream.
 
Following the survey, conducted by DWR’s Snow Survey Section, DWR leadership will respond to questions from the media, and be available for interviews immediately following the briefing.
 
For those unable to attend, video and photos of the survey, along with staff comments, will be available the afternoon of April 2.
 
Directions and instructions for media:

• Be prepared for mountain driving conditions and carry chains.
• Snowshoes are recommended.
• The Phillips Station snow course is located on private property. Media should not arrive before 10 a.m. per landowner’s restrictions. Early arrivals may be towed.
• Arrival at Phillips by 10:30 a.m. will allow time for parking in the designated location on Highway 50 or in Lot E at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort. Approved parking areas are designated in the maps below. No parking is allowed along Sierra-at-Tahoe Road.
• Access to the snow course behind landowner’s home will not be allowed prior to event. Violators may be asked to leave.

 
Map (below) shows location of home and snow course. Limited media parking available along Highway 50 in areas designated on map.
 

Auburn – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has transitioned to online residential burn permits for residents living within the state responsibility area of Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra counties effective immediately.

The online application will provide a convenient method for obtaining a burn permit for residents within these counties. Applicants can access the website at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/, watch the mandatory video which reviews burning requirements and safety tips, fill in the required fields, submit the form and a dooryard burn permit will be created. The applicant must then print the permit. Permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued and must be reissued annually on or after January 1st of each year.
Residents wishing to burn MUST verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning by contacting:

•   Nevada & Sierra Counties – Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Western Nevada County: (530) 274-7928
  Eastern Nevada County: (530) 582-1027
  Western Sierra County: (530) 289-3662 Eastern Sierra County: (530) 994-3561
  
•   Yuba County – Feather River Air Quality Management District: (530) 741-6299
  
•   Placer County – Placer County Air Pollution Control District
  Auburn area (within 12 miles): 530-889-6868 Outside Auburn, toll-free: 1-800-998-BURN (2876)
  

Residents are urged to take precautions while burning outdoors to prevent starting a wildfire. A
leading cause of wildfires this time of year is escaped debris burns. Ensure that burn piles are no larger than four feet in diameter, have a 10-ft. clearance of bare mineral soil around the burn pile and a responsible adult must be in attendance at all times with a water source and a shovel.
Dry, natural vegetation, grown on the property can be burned outdoors in open piles unless prohibited by local ordinances. No household trash or garbage can be burned outdoors at residences.
For more information on how you can protect your family, home and property by creating and maintaining defensible space visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
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​Step back in time and enjoy movies at The Yuba Theatre this summer as the Movie Night series returns.  The Yuba Theatre has been showing movies since it was originally built in 1940 by Verne Shattuck.  Anna and Ray Brett purchased the theatre in 1946 and ran the theatre for years, showing movies 7 nights a week in the beginning.  When this author was a girl, movies were 35cents and popcorn 10cents, by my recollection.  Everyone came out to see the movies and there was a line to get in.  Everyone agreed there was nothing like a good western at The Yuba Theatre.  I remember sitting in the front row turning with excitement to look above the heads of the teenagers making out in the back row because I knew that when Ray’s head appeared in the projection room the cartoons were going to begin, Hanna Barbera and Looney Tunes.  We didn’t have previews or advertisements for concessions, or reminders to turn off our cellphones. 
In the 70’s the theatre was purchased by Eben and Betty Smart, and mostly operated by their boys, my friends, Knight and Rett.  They showed four screenings a week, and two different movies a week, driving all the way to Marysville to pick up the huge film trays that came from San Francisco.  We had a lot of fun in those days.  Then came the TV.  Then came the VCR.  And then the movies stopped.
The Sierra County Arts has revived this community event and are pleased to announce our series will be showing a variety of critically acclaimed and entertaining movies this summer.  The series will be enhanced this year by our new bigger, better, mechanical screen installed by technical guru Greg Bostrom.  We can’t afford to show first run movies, but our authentic experience is worth the $7 suggested donation to get in.  This series preserves Downieville’s historical and cultural vitality.  The popcorn is delicious too! 
The Arts Council must pay full license fees to show these movies and we are always looking for sponsors who would like to sponsor a show.  Our line up this year includes – Mary Poppins Returns(already sponsored by the Riverside Inn), Silverado, Ready Player One, First Man, and On the Basis of Sex.  We also will have a movie for the Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race and Festival sponsored by Santa Cruz and yet to be determined.  If you would like to sponsor a movie, please contact B.J. Jordan at 530-289-3673 or email:info@sierracountyartscouncil.org.  Sierra County Arts Council is State Local Partner with the California Arts Council.  

March 25, 2019 
(Washington, D.C.) – Over 100 organizations representing water and agricultural interests in the Western U.S. urged Congress today to use any infrastructure package under consideration to help address severe hydrological conditions in the West. 
“As a nation we must continually invest in the Western water infrastructure necessary to meet current and future demands,” the groups stated in a letter sent to key congressional committees and Western senators. “Our existing water infrastructure in the West is aging and in need of rehabilitation and improvement.” President Trump has said infrastructure might be one area that both political parties in the 116th Congress can agree upon. The Democratic Party’s to-do list also includes an ambitious infrastructure program. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.—one of the recipients of the letter—now chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he intends to lead efforts to produce a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure bill to fund transportation and water projects. “We agree with Rep. DeFazio’s assessment that infrastructure is a place of potential common ground and agreement in this Congress,” said Pat O’Toole, president of the Family Farm Alliance, one of the signatories to the letter. 
“Despite a much-above-average snowpack, many California water users will still face water shortages in 2019,” California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson said. “That underlines the need to improve our water infrastructure, so we can make more efficient use of water for both our economy and environment.” 
“The recent wet weather notwithstanding, we know that persistent drought conditions in the western United States are the new normal,” said Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif. “For this reason, our nation must invest, in earnest, in the long-term security of our water supplies in the West.” 
The letter underscores that water conservation, water recycling, watershed management, conveyance, desalination, water transfers, groundwater storage and surface storage are all needed in a diversified management portfolio. 
“We need you to ensure that Western water users have every tool available to survive and recover from years of drought and to prepare for the hard, dry years the future may hold,” the letter states. “We call upon each of you to push forward on infrastructure and in so doing you must use any infrastructure package to not only address our nation’s chronic needs surrounding roads and bridges, but to also include water infrastructure needs for storage and conveyance.” 
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The Southern California News Group came down hard on Capitol Democrats’ plan to make it easier for school districts to push through property tax increases.    
 
The editorial points out that “union-backed politicians don’t want to do anything about” skyrocketing pension costs (which are set to triple from 2013 to 2020), so they’re looking to devastate the common-sense protections that keep Californians from getting taxed out of their homes.
 
The paper goes on to condemn the Democratic argument “that it would be right and fair for… public sector unions and their favored politicians, to rig the system…to raise taxes and therefore the cost of living…to sustain a failing status quo.”
 
When schools make the case that they’ll use money efficiently, California voters have been willing to support local tax increases.
 
Apparently, that’s too high a bar for Democrats.
 
They’d rather change the rules than explain why taxpayers should cough up even more to rescue districts that bankrupted themselves with giveaways to their union allies.
 

 
The California Natural Resources Agency and Department of Conservation Announce $20 Million Block Grant Awards for the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program
The California Fire Safe Council in Partnership with the Watershed Research and Training Center has been awarded a Three Million Dollar Statewide Sub-Grant
SACRAMENTO – The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program aims to help communities prioritize, develop, and implement projects to strengthen fire resiliency, increase carbon sequestration, and facilitate greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment.
The California Fire Safe Council in partnership with the Watershed Research and Training Center (WRTC), will deploy and facilitate community involvement and capacity building investments modeled after the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’ successful Watershed Improvement Program (WIP) approach in priority watersheds in need of forest-health activities across the state with a special focus on those at-risk from catastrophic wildfire and ripe for capacity building.
“With California facing unprecedented wildfire risk, we need every tool available to put the state on a path toward long-term wildfire prevention and forest health,” California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot said.         
 “The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) will receive approximately $1.7 million over three years to build community and institutional capacity for community wildfire resiliency,” said Tracy Katelman, Executive Director of CFSC. “Working with The Watershed Center, CFSC will place three coordinators and staff in key locations around the state to build local and regional capacity to improve forest health and help Californians learn to live safely with wildfire.”
 “Our mission is to create and sustain healthy lands and healthy communities through local workforce training and development,” said Nick Goulette, Executive Director of The Watershed Center. “We look forward to working with CFSC and the other block grant recipients to deploy community capacity building approaches that we’ve honed over the last two decades to support natural resource management, economic development, and community resilience to wildfire.”
The Watershed Research and Training Center, headquartered in Trinity County, has been facilitating the development and implementation of watershed-based forest conservation for over 25 years. Over the last 20 years, we have been a national leader in mentoring, training, and peer network development in support of community and landscape resilience to wildland fire, most recently through our leadership with the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network.
The California Fire Safe Council has been mobilizing Californians to protect their homes, communities and environments from wildfires for over 25 years. Along with our grant-making and our past liaising for the Firewise USA recognition program, we have a deep history of providing capacity building and technical assistance for local Fire Safe Councils, and in facilitating cross-sectoral investments in wildfire resilience.
                                    

A Sierra County Adult 

EduCAtion Planning Meeting was held Wednesday night, March 13th at Golden West in downtown Loyalton with 35 tasty tri-tip dinners served.  
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Merrill Grant gave a slide show presentation and introduced Coordinator Wendy Jackson who has been on the job a month, “off to a good start.” School Board President Mike Moore and newest Board member Andy Genasci were introduced as was Sierra County Supervisor Jim Beard.  Dr. Grant was “stoked and excited,” over the adult education with money brought on line and funding a modular. He talked of local control and keeping it within the County office to better represent the stakeholders and citizens with local decisions, being very specific to needs.
Attendees were encouraged to fill out post-it notes on what they’d like to see offered, how they’d use the program and to identify issues or problems.
Jackson identified program areas on what they can do from basic academic skills: English as a Second Language, older adults, assisting elementary and secondary school children and helping parents learn skills, adults with disabilities, career technical education and pre-apprenticeship, working with employers to improve skills and to promote from within.
Giving real life examples included Dave Roberti and how programs are certificated and the cost savings to employers.
Jolene Regan, a financial advisor and mortage loan officer out of Eldorado County handed out information on “Financial Freedom” with courses on Finance 101, Credit Repair 101 and Home Ownership 101.
Marty Creel, EMT and fire fighter with the Downieville Fire Department, gave examples of  EMT classes and being able to take the national registry class and how it can lead to work in fire service. 
Health and Human Services Supervisor Vickie Clark talked of a “classroom on wheels,” hoping for centralized locations and help with transportation and noting “child care can be a barrier.”
Val Bourque with Business and Career Network out of Quincy told of teaching resumes and working with all partners. She said there were a number of programs to help small businesses.- Cont. next column Brian Devlin works as facilities maintenance at the elementary school and talked of an introduction of wiring and a common sense approach to electronics and his hope of getting a curriculum.
Local bookkeeper, Kelly Norton talked in favor of life skills, credit and finance, basic tax return, that people are not taught.
Victoria Fisher had a concern over classes held on campus and was told they cannot vet someone for adult education. Dr. Grant stressed they would do their due diligence and many school districts do adult education this way.
Wendy and Dr. Grant are to decide on classes and create a catalog from which to sign up. Classes will be free to the community depending on the type of course.


______________________________

​FEDERAL LEGISLATION to extend Secure Rural Schools for another two years has bipartisan support and is expected to pass, was reported by Sierra County Supervisor Lee Adams during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday.  Additionally, he stated there is bipartisan legislation to create a trust fund for Secure Rural Schools that would make it indefinitely funded.

SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF Mike Fisher reported during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, in Loyalton he was able to make one promotion. Deputy Cameron Crawford was promoted up to Detective Sargeant and is currently assuming the role as Patrol Commander county-wide. He stated they hired Scott Bayley as a Deputy Sheriff I pending graduation from the police academy in Stockton.
Fisher said the Sheriff’s office has had 11 search and rescues since January and three were back to back, last Thursday – Saturday, adding all turned out positive results. 
He reported the office was able to get eight new computer towers to replace at the substation and the deputy computers at the main office, adding it was pretty exciting since some were purchased when Supervisor Lee Adams was still Sheriff.

PRESS RELEASE
On March 21, 2019, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a local Downieville citizen regarding a phone scam. The scammer was using fake caller ID and the phone number displayed was the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office number (530) 289-3700. The caller identified himself as a Sierra County Deputy Sheriff and provided a fake name and badge number. The scammer possessed personal information about the individual called. Scammers often obtain information such as names, addresses, and vehicle registration information.
Scammers are telling would be victims they have an arrest warrant and to avoid going to jail they must pay money through the Cash Advance America system. The scammer also claimed the California Attorney General’s Office was involved, and if payment was not made, law enforcement officers will respond within thirty minutes to arrest them.
This style of scam is very similar to recent phone scams in Plumas County. If you receive unsolicited calls demanding money and payment is to be made through gift cards and or wire transfers it is most likely a scam. The best action is to just hang- up and not provide the caller with any information. As a general rule, law enforcement does not call and notify you if you have an active arrest warrant.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a possible scam, or if you believe you were the victim of a scam please contact the sheriff’s office.
SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (530) 289-3700 ### 

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Following several strong winter storms that brought snowpack and precipitation to above average levels, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced it will increase the 2019 State Water Project (SWP) allocation. Most SWP contractors will now receive 70 percent of their requests for the 2019 calendar year, an increase from the 35 percent allocation announced last month.
“Just ten weeks ago it looked like we may have been facing another dry year in California,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Fortunately, we’ve turned a corner and now it’s shaping up to be a great year for water supply. California’s hydrology varies year to year, which is why all Californians must work together to use water wisely.”  
The allocation is assessed monthly and the final allocation is typically determined in May. Last year’s final allocation was 35 percent.
As of March 7, the Northern Sierra 8-station index recorded above average precipitation for water year 2019. While the state has not reached record precipitation like that seen in 2017, February was the third wettest recorded in the Northern Sierra index since 1921 and the sixth wettest in the San Joaquin index since 1913. The statewide Sierra snowpack is 156 percent of average for this date.  
 
Most of the state’s major reservoirs are at or above their historical averages for this time of year. Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir, is currently at 76 percent of capacity and 103 percent of average for this time of year. Shasta Lake, the Central Valley Project’s (CVP) largest reservoir, is at 83 percent of capacity and 106 percent of average. San Luis Reservoir, the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States where water is stored for the SWP and CVP, is at 99 percent of capacity and 112 percent of average. In Southern California, SWP’s Castaic Lake is at 81 percent of capacity and 92 percent of average.
 
Reservoir storage, snowpack, precipitation, and releases to meet water supply and environmental demands are among several factors used in determining allocations.
 
DWR transports SWP water to 29 SWP contractors which serve more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland. The 2019 allocation of 70 percent amounts to 2,942,158 acre-feet of water.
DWR’s California Data Exchange Center website shows current water conditions at the state’s largest reservoirs and weather stations and measures current rain and snow precipitation.
 

For Immediate Release: March 20, 2019
 
Contact: Adeline Yee   I   Information Officer   I   (916) 651-8725
 

Deep Snowpack Expected to Create Dangerously High and Cold Swift Waters
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With the Sierra Nevada snowpack estimated at 153 percent of average, California’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is warning water enthusiasts including anglers to take extra precautions this spring. Rivers will continue to rise as snow melts and will be dangerously cold. Simple actions such as knowing the water conditions (is it too cold or swift?), knowing your limits, wearing a life jacket and simply not entering rivers during spring runoff, can save a life.
 
“Even the strongest swimmers can be stunned by cold water and become incapacitated,” said DBW’s Acting Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “You’re not only putting yourself at risk, but also your family and friends. You can avoid tragic outcomes by being aware of water conditions and taking some simple precautions.”
 
Rising waters often cover obstacles below the surface. Debris, trees and rocks combined with cold, swift water creates treacherous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers and hikers cooling off at the water’s edge. Temperature is also a factor. Swift water from snowmelt can be as cold as 35 degrees and trigger shock, paralysis and drowning.
 
At Auburn State Recreation Area (SRA), 45 people have drowned in the rivers since 1986. “Tragically, I’ve responded to these preventable incidents several times, especially when the weather is warm but the rivers are extremely cold and the water is running high,” said Mike Howard, Auburn SRA Superintendent. “My advice for this spring season is to not put yourself or your loved ones at risk of falling into the water and do not try to swim during the spring runoff. It is best to stay away from the river right now.”
 
Prevention is the best way to avoid drownings. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed. By the time a person is struggling in water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.
 
Here are some water safety tips:
 
Know the Risks

• Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning.
• Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.
• Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature, and causes impairment that can lead to fatalities.
  
  

Learn About Self-Rescue Techniques

• Do not panic if you fall into the water.
• Do control breathing. Do not gasp for air. A sudden unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than ½ cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. When someone remains calm, he/she has a greater chance of self-rescue.
• If you are in a boat and it capsizes, stay with your boat. Try to climb on top. It will help you stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers.
• Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket and regain control of breathing.
• If you find yourself in the river, aggressively swim to the shore. Do not swim against the current. This uses energy very quickly and nobody can swim upstream in swift current.
• If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as seat cushions or an ice chest.
• If you do fall into a river without a life jacket on, watch this video to help you survive.

 
Know your Limits

• Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface - this is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.

                                                                                                                                                                  
Wear a Life Jacket

• Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming. Wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket can increase survival time.
• Anyone within 20 ft. of water should be wearing a life jacket in case of an unexpected fall. This is especially true with children.
• A life jacket can also provide some thermal protection against the onset of cold water shock and keep you afloat until someone else can rescue you.
• Need a life jacket? Check online to find a life jacket loaner station for a day or weekend use.

 
Whitewater Rafting and Paddling

• Most California rivers are fed by the mountain snowpack, so they are cold year around. Even on warm, sunny days, rafters and paddlers must be prepared to deal with the water temperatures. The dangers increase as water temperatures decrease below normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F).
• DBW offers whitewater enthusiasts informative safety videos online about the dangers of high, fast and cold water safety.

 
Parental Supervision

• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

 
For more water safety information, including boating laws, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.  

 
On 3/14/2019 at approx. 0648hrs Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a call of a fully involved structure fire at 69067 Mohawk Vista Drive, Blairsden Ca.
 
The first fire unit on scene from Eastern Plumas Fire Department, reported rescuing one subject from the garage area of the residence. It was also reported a second subject was still in the bedroom area of the residence.
 
The rescued subject was contacted by Sheriff’s Deputies and related the cause of the fire was arson and the person responsible was a temporary employee hired to work at the residence.
 
While additional agencies were responding to the scene, CHP reported contacting a male subject near the area of the fire scene on Hwy 89. The subject was wet and walking on the side of the roadway.
 
Sheriff’s Office personnel responded and contacted Nicholas Alexander Phillips, who was transported to EPDH.
 
Phillips was taken into custody and booked into the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office on Arson and Homicide charges.
 
The investigation of the scene continues at this time. The name of the victim will be released after identification and notification of next of kin are complete.    

​Agencies involved: Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Eastern Plumas Fire Department, Graeagle Fire Department, Plumas Eureka Fire Department, Sierra Valley Fire Department, Susanville Inter Agency, Eastern Plumas Ambulance, Cal Fire and PHI.      

 
SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Public Safety Committee Vice Chair Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement that he will unilaterally suspend California’s death penalty, in defiance of California voters who overwhelmingly rejected a measure to end capital punishment just three years ago:
 
“Governor Newsom just abandoned his promise to be a leader for all Californians by putting his own views above the will of the people. In 2016, Californians spoke loud and clear by rejecting a plan to repeal the death penalty by a decisive margin. It’s insulting that Governor Newsom would go back on his promise to honor the voters’ choice.
 
“It’s not just voters that Governor Newsom is disrespecting, but murder victims and their families as well. What do you say to someone who’s finding out from a press conference that their loved-one’s killer won’t face justice?
 
“Death row inmates are not ordinary criminals. They are kidnappers. They are cop-killers. They are rapists who murdered their victims. These are the monsters Governor Newsom is protecting.”

 
By Glenn Mollette 
 
Is it possible to have a "new" news story?  We now have a college admission's scandal.  Breaking stories of wealth and influence traded for admission to some of the nation's most prestigious colleges are just now unfolding.  Allegedly Hollywood stars to corporate CEOs are being named for spending hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to obtain a son's or daughter's admission to some of America's most prestigious universities. Some students have reportedly received athletic team and even academic recognition based on financial influence. There will be more to come from this story. 
 
"Whatever it takes to get ahead," is the philosophy of a segment of our culture. Sometimes this is seen on the Interstate when one motorist endangers hundreds of other drivers by driving a hundred miles per her while weaving in and out of traffic. Where does this put him and all the interstate drivers? In a very dangerous setting. The reckless driver takes on the attitude, "To heck with the world. The interstate is all about me." Too often this selfish attitude maims and kills others. 
 
Criminals have adopted this philosophy. Their attitude is, "Why work hard? Just rob a store or a bank?" This attitude hurts others and eventually lands the criminal in jail.
 
Job seekers who pad their resumes with false degrees and bogus glorious achievements have to live in fear that someone will check out their credentials. Their scam hurts the employer because they aren't really as competent as they profess and other employees and potential other real candidates are hurt by competing with liars. 
 
The attitude trickles down to the used car dealer who is not forthcoming about what is really wrong with the car you are buying or the maid who finds a way to steal something every time he or she cleans a room or someone's house. 
 
Can you imagine a high school graduate being placed on an athletic team who has never played the sport before? All for money? What is life really going to be like for that kid when the practice session starts?  What happens when the college professor starts grading papers at Yale for the kid who got accepted based on falsified information but can't write a paper or read see Spot run? Is someone going to keep the money flowing for the student to receive passing grades? What happens when the student is passed through graduation? How long will he or she remain employed? 
 
Being a celebrity and big money will obviously get you somewhere. Falsifying information and bribing people may move you further along the way. Eventually the way is a dead end if not a fast track to jail. 

California Treasurer Fiona Ma, Senator Steve Glazer, Assemblymember James Gallagher, and KCRA’s Kevin Riggs Among Featured Guests
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 12, 2019 – One week from today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in California, the voice of small business, will host its annual Small Business Day at the Capitol to engage with policymakers and advocate for small business policy priorities.
“Our small business members count on NFIB to advocate on their behalf throughout the year, but on March 19th policymakers get to hear from our members directly at our annual Small Business Day at the Capitol,” said John Kabateck, NFIB State Director in California. “We are excited to host NFIB members from across California who have taken precious time away from their small businesses to be in Sacramento for the day.
“We are also honored to host California Treasurer Fiona Ma at our luncheon program to discuss the state of California’s fiscal health and her top priorities to support small businesses. Following her remarks, Kevin Riggs will moderate a discussion between Senator Steve Glazer and Assemblymember James Gallagher regarding their legislative priorities and ideas to cultivate a more friendly small business climate in California.”
Additional speakers include Senator Scott Wilk, Senator Brian Jones, Senator John Moorlach, Assemblymember Vince Fong, Assemblymember Robert Rivas, and more! Click here for all the details and to register.
The event is complimentary for non-dining credentialed members of the media.
###
For more than 75 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.

 
WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2019) — Almost 30 people in the United States die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes every day—that's one person every 48 minutes. In 2017, there were 10,874 deaths from alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Emergency physicians see firsthand the tragic consequences of impaired driving and urge you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely this year.
 
“Avoidable choices like drinking and driving can lead to lives lost or irreparably changed,” said Vidor Friedman, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Be smart and take public transportation. Or, designate a driver, before any celebration begins. If you are in an area where motorized scooters are popular, don’t drink and scoot. If you are a parent, talk to your teens about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s important to remember that no drink is worth risking your safety or your life.”

No safe level of alcohol can be consumed prior to driving. Impairment begins as soon as alcohol can be detected in the blood stream, which can happen after even one drink. Your ability to pay attention is affected and your reaction time is impacted. Peripheral vision and other cognitive functions are impaired at levels that vary from person to person. Anyone with a 0.08 blood alcohol level can show impairment in terms of critical driving tasks, including braking, steering, lane changing, making judgments, and maintaining attention.
 
Anyone who drinks and drives is a problem drinker. Young people are most at risk because their inexperience puts them at greater risk for traffic crashes at any level of blood alcohol. And, teenagers generally have lower tolerance for alcohol than adults.
 
Combined with other risk-taking behaviors exhibited by this age group, such as speeding and aggressive driving, alcohol raises the risk of crashes significantly. Currently, every state and the District of Columbia has 0.08 BAC laws in effect, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). 

Visit www.emergencycareforyou.org for more information.
 
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 Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. 

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today issued a reminder to consumers of the many resources and tools available from the California Department of Justice to help them protect themselves. These resources are available on www.oag.ca.gov/consumers.  
There, consumers can find a variety of helpful consumer tips:

• Money, Credit, and Debt – Consumers can learn how to protect their hard-earned money and watch out for financial scams, including how to deal with banks, credit card issues, loans, debts, and other financial issues.
• Housing and Vehicles – Consumers can find resources for landlords, tenants and other housing-related issues, as well as learn about auto-related issues including auto repair, insurance, and car rentals.
• Sales Offers, Purchases, and Returns – Consumers can discover how to protect themselves from scam sales offers, from checking a company’s background to spotting the warning signs for scams related to credit cards, zero-interest financing, crowdfunding, trial products, junk mail, magazine scams, sweepstakes, online purchases, and online privacy threats.
• Contractors, Consultants, and Other Companies – Consumers can learn how to vet – or report complaints about – contractors, immigration consultants, financial advisors, attorneys, investment professionals, estate planners, tax preparers and tax scams, tech support scams, travel agents, and healthcare providers.
• Commonly Targeted Groups – Unfortunately, scammers often target certain groups of consumers, including immigrants and limited-English consumers, seniors, veterans, students, and children. In addition, helpful information on military consumer protection issues including scam alerts, and resources and tips for financial readiness, is available on the Attorney General’s Military Consumer Protection page.
• Common Scams – Consumer can learn how to protect themselves from common scams, including charity scams, identity theft, living trust mills, loan modification fraud, and pyramid schemes.

Attorney General Becerra urges consumers to report complaints if they suspect misconduct. Complaints regulated by other government agencies should be reported directly those regulating agencies. Consumers can find the appropriate agency and contact information using the complaint referral table offered on the Attorney General’s website at www.oag.ca.gov/consumers/complaint-referral-table.
Consumers seeking to file a complaint against a business not regulated by another agency may file directly with the Attorney General’s office by calling (800) 952-5225 or visiting www.oag.ca.gov/complaint.

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Clint Snyder
March 7, 2019Phone: (530) 224-3213
 
SACRAMENTO – The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has fined Washoe Fuel Inc. $660,521 after its failure to clean up a former bulk fueling business caused chronic harm to the water supply in the Plumas County town of Quincy.
 
In a case dating back more than a decade, the Board found that petroleum products leaking out of large storage tanks at the company’s Allied Washoe site on Crescent Street in Quincy are negatively impacting the nearby groundwater supply, including a well once operated by the local water district and the Quincy Community Services District’s sewer system.
 
The Central Valley Water Board first alerted the company to the magnitude of the problem in 2007 when it issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order, which required Washoe Fuel to address the environmental threats at the site.
 
“The failure of Washoe Fuel to comply with the Cleanup and Abatement Order has resulted in a hardship to the town of Quincy by removing one of its supply wells from service,” said Clint Snyder, Assistant Executive Officer for the Central Valley Water Board.
Washoe Fuel’s failure to comply with the Board’s directives resulted in the contamination of well water and its negligence means a water supply well for the City of Quincy that remains out of commission.
 
In addition to the fine, Washoe Fuel. is still required to clean up the property until it is in compliance.
The Central Valley Water Board is a state agency responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the quality of California’s water resources. For more information, visit the Board’s website, https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley   
Below is a picture of the location.