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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA
Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
EPHC Clinic Conference Room, Portola Campus, Portola, CA
The Board meeting is accessible to the public via live streaming at: https://zoom.us/j/940313821 Or by phone at: Phone Number 1.669.900.6833; Meeting ID: 940 313 821
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting please contact the Clerk of the Board at (530)832-6564. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Eastern Plumas Health Care to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.
Presenter(s)
Gail McGrath
Gail McGrath
I/D/A Page(s) A
I
I/D
4. Public Comment Members of the Public
This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Board on items which are not on the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes ordinarily, unless the Board Chair indicates a different amount will be allotted. Comments should be limited to matters within the jurisdiction of the Board. Under Government Code Section 54954.2 – Brown Act, the Board cannot take action on any item not on the agenda. The Board Chair may choose to acknowledge the comment, or, where appropriate, briefly answer a question, refer the matter to staff, or set the item for discussion at a future meeting.

1. Call to Order
   
2. Roll Call
   
3. Board Comments
   

Board Members • Deletions/Corrections to the Posted Agenda
• Resolution 284 – LAIF

1. Auxiliary Report
   
2. Staff Reports
   • Chief of Staff Report
   • Chief Nursing Officer Report
   • Clinic Director Report
   • HR Director Report
   • Chief Financial Officer Report • Management Reports
   • Chief Executive Officer Report
   

Gail McGrath I/D
Eric Bugna, MD I/D Penny Holland I/D Rhonda Grandi I/D Lori Tange I/D
9
10-21
I
5. Consent Calendar Gail McGrath I/D/A A. Agenda
1-2

1. Meeting Minutes of 2.27.20 Finance Committee 3-4
   
2. Meeting Minutes of 2.27.20 Regular Board Meeting 5-6
   

D. Approve Resolutions – Signature Authorization

• Resolution 282 – Plumas Bank 7
  
• Resolution 283 – Bank of the West 8
  

• Service changes in response to COVID-19
Katherine Pairish
Staff I/D Jayne O’Flanagan I/D
I/D
1
Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Eastern Plumas Health Care
March 26, 2020 AGENDA – Continued
I/D/A 22-23 The CAH Committee recommends the following for approval by the Board of Directors:
8. Policies
A. PolicyReview
Annual Policy Review

• Ambulance Policies
  
• Clinic Policies
  
• Environment of Care Policies
  
• Infection Prevention Policies
  
• Information Technology Policies
  

• Nursing Policies
• Pharmacy Policies
• Radiology Policies
• Skilled Nursing Policies

1. Committee Reports
   • Finance Committee • Planning Committee
   
2. Board Closing Remarks
   
3. Closed Session
   

Board Members I/D
Board Members I/D
Gail McGrath I/D/A
A. Hearing (Health and Safety Code 32155) Subject Matter: Staff Privileges
B. Public Employee Appointment (Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)) Title: CEO
12. Open Session Report of Actions Gail McGrath I Taken in Closed Session
13. Adjournment Gail McGrath A
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors of Eastern Plumas Health Care is April 23 , 2020 at
EPHC’s Clinic Conference Room, 480 1st Avenue, Portola, CA, 96122.
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1. Call to Order
EASTERN PLUMAS HEALTH CARE DISTRICT MEETING OF THE STANDING FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MINUTES
Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
EPHC – Administrative Conference Room
500 1st Avenue, Portola, CA
Meeting was called to order at 8:34 a.m.

1. Roll Call
   Present: Paul Swanson, M.D.; Harvey West
   Staff in attendance: Katherine Pairish, CFO; Jayne O’Flanagan, Acting CEO; Ashlie Preston, Executive Assistant
   Absent: None
   
2. Approval of Agenda
   The agenda was approved as submitted.
   
3. Approval of Minutes
   The minutes were approved as submitted.
   
4. Board Comments
   No comment was received.
   
5. Public Comments
   No comment was received.
   
6. CFO Report
   Report of January Financials
   Summary: For the seven months ended January 31, 2020 we posted $24,640,631 in gross revenue. This was over our budgeted amount of $22,749,078 by $1,891,553. Year-to-date net patient revenue after contractual adjustments and allowances was $15,117,758. This was over our budgeted amount of $13,591,871 by $1,525,887. Year-to-date net loss was $810,312 and our budgeted net loss was $1,797,010. For the month of January, gross patient revenue was over budget by $380,099 and we posted a net profit in the amount of $175,265. This was mainly due to receipt of the $60,000 Anthem grant and $145,000 for the ambulance grant.
   Revenues: Year-to-date total Inpatient revenue was over budget by $693,687. Outpatient revenue was over budget by $1,156,322 and Clinic revenue was over budget by $41,544.
   Expenses: Total operating expenses for the seven months were over budget by $720,503.
   Salaries and Benefits: Combined Salaries and Benefits were under budget by $19,812.
   Purchased services and professional fees were over budget by $345,734. This was due
   mainly to un-budgeted legal and recruiting fees.
   Repairs & Maintenance: Repairs & Maintenance were over budget by $106,522.
   Supplies: Supplies were over budget by $286,288.
   Depreciation Expense: Depreciation Expense was under budget by $153,910. This is mainly due to timing of purchases.
   

3
Meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of Eastern Plumas Health Care
February 27, 2020 MINUTES - Continued
Other Expenses: Other expenses were over budget by $51,291. These include training, travel, and dues and subscriptions.
Revenue Cycle: Gross Accounts Receivable ended the month at $5.7M. Gross Accounts Receivable days at January 31, 2020 were 50 - Up a bit from December, 31, 2019 but still very good. We budgeted 58 and best practice is 55.
Additional Information: Days cash on hand at January 31, 2020 was 63. Down 15 days from December mainly due to the funding of the HQAF IGT in the amount of $697,548. January 31, 2019 days cash on hand was 50.
We are continuing to be as conservative as possible with cash in order to maintain the required balance to fund upcoming IGT's (Intergovernmental Transfers). We will be funding the 18/19 Rate Range IGT in the amount of $1.49 million mid-March.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:18 am. 

​

JOINT STATEMENT ON FOOD SUPPLIES FROM CALIFORNIA GROCERS ASSOCIATION AND CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
From the farm to the grocery store, every segment of California’s food distribution system is working conscientiously to fill any gaps and make sure consumers have reliable supplies of safe, affordable food and farm products.
As all of us come to terms with the impact of COVID-19 and the steps we must take to slow its spread, we have seen surging demand for a number of grocery items. That sudden, unexpected demand meant stores became depleted of some products. But we expect the system to correct itself as we adjust to the demands and ramp up supplies.
Assuring continued plentiful supplies of food and grocery products will require work, cooperation and patience from everyone along the supply line, including shoppers.
Farmers and ranchers continue to harvest and ship foods to market as usual. They have adjusted daily activities to keep themselves, their employees and their products safe.
People on farms and ranches, in packinghouses, processing plants, trucking firms and grocery stores, have been working diligently to harvest, pack, process, ship and stock the food and grocery products we all need. It’s a 24-hour-a-day job, and by working around the clock, we’re catching up with demand.
Food is plentiful and safe. The supply chain will replenish itself. There’s no need to buy more than you can use. We’ll all get through this, together.
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Advice to Keep Your Kids Safe in the Digital World and Make the Best of a Challenging Situation with Kindness, Gratitude, and Optimism
Great Falls, VA. March 23, 2020 -- There's no question that these coming days, weeks, and maybe even months are going to present new challenges with COVID-19, but with these new challenges come new opportunities. Our response to these trying times can make all the difference. Look for the silver linings.

When we look back on this journey in the future, we hope we can each say we did our best to respond with kindness, gratitude, and selflessness. Be encouraged that the coronavirus crisis is temporary, but the lessons learned and good habits developed during this journey are lasting.
Opportunities for families who are home bound:

• More time available to spend connecting with family (play board games, make meals together, watch movies, enjoy crafts, go on bike rides, learn a new skill)
• Ability to complete projects on your "to-do" list
• More focus on personal and family health and wellness (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual)
• A chance to rethink priorities, slow down, rest and count your blessings.

To help manage anxiety, look for ways to show kindness and pay it forward by applying the Golden Rule to help others:

• Stay connected with friends and colleagues while practicing responsible social distancing which is an intentional act of kindness!
• Offer to get groceries and needed items for those who are self- isolating or quarantined.
• Thank those serving on the front lines of this pandemic (doctors, nurses...anyone who must continue to interact with the public daily).
• Make a needed call or send a note, e-mail, or social post encouraging others around you. Utilize Enough Is Enough's Random Posts of Kindness which include graphics and sayings to tweet, text, post and share on social media, as well as the ability to create customized posts. This is a free and easy opportunity to show kindness!

In all cases, please remember to follow CDC recommended guidelinesto keep yourself and others safe and healthy.
Greater amounts of downtime likely means more time spent on internet-enabled devices. Technology can be your ally if used responsibly and safely.

It's up to parents to be the first line of defense to keep kids safe from the dangers of pornography, sexual exploitation, predators, traffickers and cyberbullies.

• Closely monitor and establish guidelines on all devices that connect to the internet, including cell phones, tablets, gaming systems and televisions.
• Follow Enough Is Enough's safety guidelines by practicing common sense tips in combination with parental controls tools on every device (see the Rules 'N Tools Checklist).
• Set daily screen time limits.
• Technology tools, solutions, and resources to keep kids safe and secure online can be found at InternetSafety101.org.

​
By Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
The Coronavirus is a pandemic that most of us don't understand, but we are learning. This disease has taken over 9,000 lives and made over 220,000 more people sick. We've heard via television about it starting in China and its impact even before arriving in America. 
 
So far this is what we know about Coronavirus. The disease is life threatening.  If the disease does not kill you, there is a chance you will be very sick with severe respiratory problems. Thousands of respirators are needed across the country because of the nature of the disease.  Who wants to be in an intensive care unit of a hospital on a respirator? 
 
The virus is teaching us that we are a fragile human race. We are vulnerable to disease, death and chaos. Our masses of wealth can disappear almost overnight. The stock market has fallen like a rock. As of this writing, everything that the stock market gained in the three years that Trump has been President has been wiped out. What if it crashes totally? How many companies will go bankrupt and everything people have invested will be gone? We could experience a kind of poverty that our country has not known for a long time. 
What was it like during the Great Depression? I remember old folks talking about those hard times. Could we be in for that kind of a difficult time, or even worse? 
 
We are learning that what previously seemed far-fetched and unrealistic, for our great economy and planet, is possible. It just takes one plague to rearrange our lives. One virus cleans out the grocery stores, idles our jobs and robs our bank accounts. One virus immobilizes our society and robs us of the social interaction that we have taken for granted. 
 
Most of us are always looking down the pike for better days and greener pastures. Typically, we are on the hunt for the bigger and the better. We usually don't miss the good things of life until we no longer have them. Sadly, we spend a lot of life looking beyond or looking back and we miss the present. I'm sure you've heard before that "now" is life's greatest gift. That's why we call it the "present."  
 
The Coronavirus is no "gift" and is certainly something we want to put behind us as soon as possible. When this is behind us maybe we will feel different about sitting in our favorite restaurant, a beauty salon, house of worship or entertainment venue. Many Americans already look forward to going back to work and resuming paychecks. Hopefully, grocery stores will once again have ample food, toiletries and other basics that we have come to take for granted. 

When we are beyond all this, maybe we won't take all that we have for granted, or will we?
Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
  

THE CORONAVIRUS was upfront and center during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held through teleconference on Tuesday, March 17th. During department manager’s reports, Sheriff Mike Fisher stated they currently have limited response for patrol and are trying to handle as much as possible over the phone and email to limit non-essential contact and keep deputies healthy for as long as possible. He said the Sheriff’s Department is not going to medical calls unless needed and have reduced traffic in the dispatch center. Fisher reported that one employee is out on a self-quarantine after returning from abroad and two employees are currently out sick. He stated he has two cadets enrolled in College of Siskiyous, which is suspended for two weeks, possibly further due to the virus. The two are back and currently assigned into dispatch for training The department’s goal is to keep the dispatch center up and running since it is the 9-1-1 hub in the county.
In the Health and Human Services, Lea Salas, said the office doors have a notice stating if you have a cold, cough, or feel sick you must call the front desk, and you aren’t allowed in, but can be helped over the phone. If they don’t have symptoms they can come in and are required to use hand sanitizer.  Salas stated they are monitoring who is here each day, and currently put in an order for laptops because all clinical staff is over 65 and will need to work from home. She said most of the clinical staff are calling clients so services can still move forward. Salas reported that most transports have been cancelled, as most of their drivers are over 65. She stated other than that things are running pretty smoothly, have a plan in place and are flexible with how they move forward.
During the Forest Service update, Sierraville District Ranger Quentin Youngblood stated as of last week and after a number of conference calls, doors are locked with a placard of information and if you answer no to questions asked you can call the front desk and they will let you in, adding they are still open for business just doing an initial screening to visitors. He said a lot of folks are now working from home.




DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION on Library Services Agreement with Plumas County was had during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held by teleconference on Tuesday, March 17th. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals led the discussion, he stated Plumas County suggested the agreement be effective July 1, 2020, which has been tentatively agreed upon.
Sierra County has agreed to take on human resource and employee related services, which include supervision of paid staff and includes payroll. The two counties can deal with IT issues as they see fit. Compensation was a big deal, but Beals hopes it’s now clear. There may be other funding streams available with grants. Any up and down on revenue is understood and can happen year to year. 2.8% of the Plumas County Librarian’s salary is committed to Sierra County for a total of $4,000. 3.7% of select services amounts to $2,200 and committed 5.5% to overhead of costs, which is $7,600. Beals said the only issue is the benefit side of the salary. Sierra County Auditor, Van Maddox had anticipated something like this and they money has already been put it into the budget. Supervisor Sharon Dryden appreciated all the work Beals and Maddox have done. Her concern is the supervision of those employees. She stated if we take on the employees, who is going to write these job descriptions, and what department is going to oversee these employees, adding we don’t run libraries. Dryden said she did talk to Superintendent of Schools James Berardi who has a school librarian and will be the county librarian in the summer. She wondered if the school district could oversee the employees, and they could run literacy programs, and summer reading programs. Maddox thought that would be quite advantageous to the County to have someone who knows something about running libraries. Beals requested no action be taken and to wait until the second meeting in April for final approval. The item was approved by consensus unanimously with the absence of Supervisor Peter Huebner, who was absent the entire meeting.




A PUBLIC HEALTH CORONAVIRUS PRESENTATION was held as a timed item during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ teleconference meeting, March 17th. Sierra County Public Health Nurse, Shanna Anseth said the good news was so far no positive cases of Coronavirus in Sierra County. She explained the typical process that our body goes through when we have virus is to form antibodies. COV19 is a new virus that no one has antibodies for so everyone can get it. Anseth said they are trying to slow the rate of infection so health care systems do not get overwhelmed, and messaging has been more focused on prevention. Testing is not available in Sierra County at this time and they do not expect that to change. Local health care providers can collect the samples. Testing must be done in a controlled laboratory in San Diego and they receive results in 3-5 days. At this time they have not sent anyone in for testing. Supervisor Sharon Dryden asked what about the people that go to the clinic. Are you monitoring those people and does the health department get those numbers? Anseth stated that is a gap. They do not have to notify the health department. No testing of Sierra County residents has been done that they know of. Anseth said currently there are 425 positive cases in California and 8 deaths.
Emergency Preparedness Outreach Coordinator, Letina Vanetti, stated they have been ramping up since January 20th. On March 3rd they decided the volume and intensity had reached a level to activate the ICS system (Incident Command System). She explained the ICS as a tool that is a structure on how you would manage the incident. Vanetti stated yesterday they went from a Level 1 to a Level 2, as the world seems to changing on a daily basis, and they are looking at a lot of closures and economic impact.
Supervisor Jim Beard asked about costs for testing. Vanetti said it’s a sample collection for testing and there are no fees, but the problem is there’s a limited supply. The health department is not set up to collect samples for testing. They will send patients to the clinic to have the collection done.
Health and Human Services Director Vickie Clark stated they are working with all stakeholders to get out accurate messaging to try and maintain some of the panic and fears and working to do messaging on social media.
Dryden attended a Disaster Preparedness meeting at Loyalton Senior Center recently and stated they are ramping up on how to continue providing services to our most vulnerable population, our seniors. The decision has been made to transition from congregate meals to take home meals only and once snow is gone looking at curbside takeout and if they are able to offer meals on weekends too. Costs are a $3 suggested donation for seniors and $6 for the public 60 years and under.
Clark said they are looking at what the essential functions are and looking at some ways to repurpose staff to other duties. She felt there is a lot of resiliency in Sierra County and people are pretty good at being prepared, as seen from the power outages. She is currently putting a plan together to do some outreach to the vulnerable population who may need it. Supervisor Lee Adams remarked that having groups congregate now is silly and was happy the Loyalton Senior Center is being proactive.
Adams wanted to hear from the Health Department what actions they wanted to see from the Board. Clark said they have signage they can share with other departments, feels there should be a ban on out of county travel, allowing people to telecommute from home. They are taking roll call every day, and tracking who’s home sick. They are trying to limit dealing with the public as little as possible and tracking who comes in. Adams stated they need to operate under the premise that everyone is potentially a carrier. He said if you can do things over the phone there’s no need to come in. If we all stay safe, that’s the result of being over-reactionary. He felt one case would paralyze this county.


AN URGENT ITEM was added to the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ agenda on Tuesday, March 17th to give the Board permission to do an emergency proclamation. County Counsel David Prentice stated he felt they have reached a point where the Governor may put the entire state on lockdown. He said there’s no downside to making a proclamation of emergency. Emergency police powers come in to play with a proclamation of emergency to prevent evictions and cutoff utilities due to non-payment, though he stated that a lot of utility companies are indicating they won’t cutoff services for lack of payment due to this crisis. He said the Governor is leaving local orders up to the County at this point, but added that may change tomorrow. Supervisor Lee Adams stated 40 counties have proclamations right now, including neighboring Nevada County. Supervisor Paul Roen said special funding through the legislators was authorized that morning for $500,000,000 for this issue. Prentice stated the federal government is looking at $80 billion. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals was concerned with the exact wording on a local proclamation, stating it is critical as you can twist yourself up when trying to obtain funding. Roen received word from a school principal during the meeting that schools were closing until April 13th. He said this magnified the need to take action that day. Adams felt the sooner they did the proclamation the better as a consistent policy was needed throughout the county. Prentice stated once they approved the proclamation, it would be on each agenda so they could continue to make necessary changes. A proclamation of local emergency was passed unanimously effective immediately and a continuation of this meeting will be held Friday, March 20th at 1 p.m. through teleconference for Chairman Beard to sign and discuss any possible changes.

Date: March 16, 2020

As of March 16, 2020, there are ZERO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra County.
To protect public health, specifically individuals identified as high risk, and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, the Governor of California, in coordination with The California Department of Public Health issued a press release strongly recommending those who are 65 or older and vulnerable to COVID-19 to self-isolate.
Therefore, Sierra County Public Health Agency strongly suggests the following:
High risk populations including those 65 years and older; those with compromised immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes should self-isolate.
What does it mean to Self-isolate?

• Stay home: You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
  
• Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas; such as grocery stores, other retail stores
  and restaurants.
  
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation.
  
• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
  How to self-isolate?
  
  • Have supplies on hand
    
  • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand
    
  • If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
    
  • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies.
    
  • Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family and
    neighbors to assist with running errands, replenishing supplies and emotional support.
    
  • Plan activities that create a sense of change and purpose, such as rearranging the furniture or cleaning
    the house, can help create stimulation and mental well-being.
    What will this achieve?
    The elderly (65 and older), those with compromised immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for complications if contracted COVID-19. The timely implementation of aggressive strategies that create social distance and those that reduce close contact of people has proven effective in prior pandemics at delaying rates of transmission and reducing illness and death.
    By decreasing the prevalence of disease across California and in Sierra County we will:
    

•
704 Mill Street (530) 993-6746
Fax (530) 993-6759
Lea Salas- Director
Kathryn Hill- Clinical Director
(530) 289-3711 Fax (530) 289-3716

• Reduce the number of Sierra County residents who contract COVID-19 before an effective treatment or vaccine is available.
  
• Protect those most likely to experience severe symptoms, such as older residents and those with underlying chronic conditions.
  
• Preserve and protect our health care delivery system, including our health care workforce, so that they can care for the least healthy individuals in the community for any medical condition, not just COVID-19.
  What is Social Distancing and how is it achieved?
  Social distancing is a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases. It requires the creation of physical space between individuals who may spread certain infectious diseases. The key is to minimize the number of gatherings as much as possible and to achieve space between individuals when events or activities cannot be modified, postponed, or canceled.
  Achieving space between individuals of approximately six feet is advisable. Additionally, there is a particular focus on creating space between individuals who have come together on a one-time or rare basis and who have very different travel patterns such as those coming from multiple countries, states or counties.
  What is the role of the community?
  
  • Practice universal precautions: Washing hands with soap and water; avoiding touching eyes, nose or
    mouth with unwashed hands; practice social distancing; and staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough
    
  • Assist those in the community who are being requested to self-isolate; such as high risk population
    
  • Religious services be temporarily canceled or have protocols in place to create social distancing and
    practice universal precautions. Provide alternate service option for high risk population.
    How long will these limitations apply?
    At this time, it is unknown how long these limitations will apply. As with all guidance that relates to COVID-19 response, Sierra County Public Health will revisit this guidance on a regular basis to evaluate the continued need for it, or any changes to elements of it and continue to adhere to direction from Governor of California and California Department of Public Health.
    For additional information, please visit Sierra County’s website: http://sierracounty.ca.gov/582/Coronavirus- COVID-19 ,or CDPH: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx, or CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 
    

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SUSANVILLE, Calif., March 12, 2020 – The Lassen National Forest is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts because of the many lakes and streams it contains. With so many opportunities to catch the big one, our Forest is often the host of many commercial uses activities such as fishing events and fish guiding operations.
Sound stewardship of your National Forests includes the proper management of commercial activities and appropriate permitting of these types of special events.  Commercial use or activity on National Forest System (NFS) land occurs when there is a charge for a fee (entry or participation) or if the primary purpose is the sale of goods or services, regardless of the intent to produce a profit.
“It is essential to be aware of the requirement for a permit when using Forest Service facilities events or services,” said Deb Bumpus. “These events or services include boat launches where fishing tournaments are held or guiding services that occur on NFS lands, such as the Canyon Dam or Almanor Boat Launches.”
 
Operating or hosting events on NFS lands without a permit is illegal and in violation of the Code of Federal Regulations, 36CFR261.10 ©, 36CFR 261.10 (k), 36CFR 261.10 (n) for which a citation may be issued.
 
Violations of these regulations are Class B misdemeanors punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 or up to six (6) months in jail, or both.
 
To start the process of obtaining a permit for your event or operation on NFS land, contact the Forest Service office in the area where you wish to have your activity. The administrator is available for guidance on the application, requirements, and fees. Depending on the size and duration of your activity, there may be other costs for which you are responsible for as part of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage or a performance bond to ensure the protection of the environment and site cleanup may be required.
 
Please contact your local Forest Service Office for information about special uses and to obtain the necessary permit application forms:
 
• Eagle Lake Ranger District - (530) 257-4188 
• Almanor Ranger District - (530) 258-2141
• Hat Creek Ranger District - (530) 336-5521
 
For additional information about recreational activity permits, please visit our website at:
https://www.fs.fed.us/specialuses/special_com_uses.shtml
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
# # #
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 
People v Robert Jaegar (19CR4085)
 
On February 11, 2020, Robert Jaegar, age 55 of Sparks, NV, was convicted of misdemeanor vandalism in connection with driving off with a fuel hose from the Sierraville gas station.  Mr. Jaegar was ordered to pay a fine and restitution to the gas station.  He was also placed on one year summary court probation. 
 
People v. Jeremiah Daniel Brittingham (19CR4078)
 
On February 11, 2020, Jeremiah Daniel Brittigham, age 46, of Loyalton, California, was convicted of misdemeanor corporal injury on a domestic partner.  He will be sentenced on March 24, 2020.
 
People v. Franklin Eugene Dalpaz (CR03974X)
 
On February 13, Franklin Eugene Dalpaz, age 43, formerly of Loyalton, was sentenced following a conviction of felony child abuse.  He was sentenced to 4 years in prison, with execution of the sentence stayed, and placed on 4 years formal probation.  He is to take a 1 year child abuser’s class, and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Austin Dennis Thomas (19CR4055)
 
On February 25, 2020, Austin Dennis, age 21, of Cotati, California, was convicted of violating Fish & Game Code section 2006(a), possession of a loaded shotgun on a public roadway.  He was placed on 1 year summary court probation and was ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Sethyne Elizabeth White (19CR4069)
 
On February 28, 2020, Sethyne Elizabeth White, age 63, of Loyalton, was convicted of grand theft and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,600.58 to the State of California Medi-Cal Department.  She was placed on summary court probation.
 
People v. Peter John Money (19CR4077)
 
On February 28, Peter John Money, age 20, of Loyalton, was convicted of driving under the influence and vandalism.  He was sentenced to 5 days in jail; ordered to pay restitution to the State of California, pay a fine, and perform 20 hours of community service.  He is also required to take a DUI class and has a one year driver’s license suspension. 
 

 
 
 
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—To kick off the celebration of California Arbor Week (March 7-14), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers of the importance of planting power-line friendly trees.
 
When the right tree is planted in the right place, the benefits are many, including keeping homes cool by providing shade, enhancing property values and cleaning the air. If the right tree is not planted in the right place and too near power lines, it is subject to removal and it can cause public safety issues and power outages.
 
“Safety around power lines is always important, especially when it comes to planting trees. There are hazards to avoid both above and below the ground. Trees that are small when planted may grow to heights that can interfere with overhead power lines and lead to outages. They will require pruning or even removal. California Arbor Week is the perfect opportunity for residents to learn about safe tree planting and the various tree options that provide all the scenic and quality-of-life benefits while avoiding power lines and other utilities,” said Jim Monninger, senior manager of PG&E’s Sacramento and Sierra divisions. 
 
PG&E offers free downloadable planting guides specific to different regions across its service area, including high fire-threat areas. These guides offer information on what to do before planting, how to plant and care for a tree, characteristics of recommended small trees and more. 
 
If you are planting trees near power lines please:
 

• Visit www.pge.com/righttreerightplace to learn about up-to-date planting guidelines near power lines and download a free guide for planting in your area. 
• When planting a new tree near power lines outside of high fire-threat districts, leave space for it to remain at least 10 feet clear of all power lines throughout its lifespan, including crown expansion and ensure it is no taller than 25 feet at maturity.
• In high fire-threat districts plant only low-growing, fire resistant shrubs near power lines. This can extend the defensible space around your property.  For more information regarding defensible space visit www.readyforwildfire.org
• Call 8-1-1 at least two days before planting trees or landscaping to have underground power lines and other utilities marked. 
• Keep all trees, people and equipment at least 10 feet away from high-voltage electric power lines. Performing any work near power lines can be dangerous.

 
California’s Arbor Day is celebrated on March 7, in honor of famed horticulturist Luther Burbank’s birthday – and because this date is typically ideal for planting trees in most areas of the state. In 2011, the California Legislature designated the week of March 7 to March 14 of each year as California Arbor Week, and to urge California residents to observe the week with appropriate tree planting activities and programs.
 
About PG&E
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.
 
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PG&E meteorologists are forecasting a change in the weather pattern over Northern and Central California this weekend and early next week with rainy conditions and colder temperatures. PG&E is closely tracking the weather system and will be mobilizing crews and materials into areas expected to feel the brunt of the storm, so they can get to work and restore service to impacted customers more quickly.
PG&E’s meteorology team has developed a Storm Outage Prediction Model that incorporates real-time weather forecasts, historical data and system knowledge to accurately show where and when storm impacts will be most severe. This model enables the company to pre-stage crews and equipment as storms approach to enable rapid response to outages.
Storm Safety Tips:

• Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, pets and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
• Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup.
• Have fresh drinking water, ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. Blue Ice from your picnic cooler also works well in the freezer.
• Secure outdoor furniture: Deck furniture, lightweight yard structures and decorative lawn items should be secured as they can be blown by high winds and damage overhead power lines or property.
• Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on power lines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
• Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
• Safely clean up: After the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 811 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

 
Other tips and more information can be found at www.pge.com/weather.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Sacramento – The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the 4th quarter of 2019. As of February 18, 2020, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $84.4 million in revenue reported on the 4th quarter 2019 returns due by January 31, 2020, and the cultivation tax generated $23.6 million.
 
Sales tax from cannabis businesses totaled $64.7 million in revenue for the same period. Sales tax applies to sales of cannabis, cannabis products, and other tangible personal property. Certain retail sales of medicinal cannabis are exempt from sales and use taxes when the purchaser provides at the time of purchase a valid Medical Marijuana Identification Card issued by the California Department of Public Health and a valid government-issued identification card.
 
Total tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry is $172.7 million for 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2020. This does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction. Previously reported revenue for 3rdquarter 2019 returns was revised to $170.1 million, which included $84.4 million in cannabis excise tax, $22.7 million in cultivation tax, and $63 million in sales tax. Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns, and other tax return adjustments.
 
Since January 2018, total program revenue to date is $1.03 billion, which includes $498.1 million in cannabis excise tax, $123.4 million in cultivation tax, and $403.1 million in sales tax.
 
In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15 percent cannabis excise tax upon purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax.
 
To learn more, visit the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses on the CDTFA website.


The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis taxes, as well as a variety of other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs account for over $70 billion annually which in turn supports local essential services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.
 

Good morning!

Tuesday was a big night for California! With 92% of the precincts reporting, it appears that the Prop. 13 school bond measure is headed towards defeat. Why is this important? The measure was the largest of its kind in California history. With Sacramento’s propensity to spend more than it raises in taxes, the bond likely would have caused future tax hikes to pay for it. Statewide, voters appear to have rejected county and local bond measures at higher rates than previous years. In Orange County, where 80% of bonds have passed since 2010, only one of the nine bond measures looks like it might succeed.

One of the reasons for this big bond bust is Californians wising up to the fact that year after year they must pay out larger portions of their incomes to satisfy Sacramento. Take education, for example. As CPC fellow Edward Ring points out, we are now spending over $20,000 on average to educate each student in California. Yet, they lack proficiency in reading and math! Read more.

Last Thursday, the city of San Jose held an opening ceremony for its  first tiny home community for formerly homeless residents. Mayor Liccardo noted that unlike many affordable housing units, “the cabins offer an effective, low-cost option to get more people off the streets and on their way to becoming stably housed.” For a price tag of just over $2 million, the city developed the site, built 40 tiny houses, and constructed other facilities. 

Graduate students at UC-Santa Cruz have been dismissed by the university for organizing a wildcat strike. The graduate students, many of whom work as teaching assistants, refused to turn in grades until they received a $1,412 monthly raise. According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, “After offering graduate students new support — including a $2,500 annual housing supplement and extended funding guarantees — UCSC eventually gave the grade strikers an ultimatum: Submit course grades by Feb. 21, or be fired from spring appointments.” Still, 74 students chose to not submit grades, which led to their termination. Their contract, negotiated by United Autoworkers of America Local 2865, is negotiated through 2022 and contains a no-strike clause.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency due to the growing number of people contracting coronavirus. The virus, which is present in 12 counties, has sickened over 50 people in the state. Following the first death on Wednesday evening, the state moved to declare an emergency Thursday morning. 

Also in Los Angeles County, the Board of Supervisors voted to eliminate criminal administrative fees. CPC President Will Swaim, who has long called the practice immoral, noted,“The government does not have the right to shake down people for money.” Read more.

PG&E has another problem on its hands. Last month a federal judge ordered the utility company to hire more tree trimmers to reduce the risk of wildfires.  But, as NBC Bay Area reports, “Attorneys for PG&E said in court filings Monday that the company is unable to provide a deadline by which it will hire a set number of new contracted workers to cut trees and branches around power lines.” If you need a reminder of how we got here, CPC contributor Chris Reed surveys the history of PG&E’s incompetence since 2011. Read more.

Finally, are you affected by AB 5, California’s new law that harmed the ability of people to work as independent contractors or in the gig economy? If you have been hurt by AB 5, we would like to know your story. Please contact me at koppany@calpolicycenter.org.

Upcoming Events:
Documentary Screening and Book Signing
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library will host Dennis Prager and Hollywood producer Mark Joseph for a screening and discussion of the documentary No Safe Spaces on Monday, March 9. Admission to this event includes the purchase of one copy of No Safe Spaces. Additional copies of the book may be purchased during registration or at the event. To register for the event, click here.

Art Laffer & Emmanuel Saez Debate the Wealth Tax at Pepperdine
Art Laffer, Presidential Medal of Freedom award recipient and inventor of the Laffer Curve, will square off against Emmanuel Saez, UC-Berkeley economist and Elizabeth Warren advisor, in a debate over the wealth tax at Pepperdine University on March 12th. The event is hosted by The Steamboat Institute as part of its Campus Liberty Tour, which brings debates on big issues to college campuses across the country. Find out more and register for free here.


Perspectives on America Today and the Importance of Culture
The National Review Institute will host a seminar in Newport Beach on March 24 and in San Francisco on March 25 on the perennial fight against socialism. Lindsey Craig, Rich Lowry, Jay Nordlinger, John O’Sullivan, Kyle Smith, and Kevin Williamson will explain why our culture matters now more than ever. For more information, and to register, click here.

Crisis: Housing and Homelessness in California
Cato will host a day-long conference on the growing homelessness epidemic plaguing the Golden State on Friday, April 17. This conference will also mark the premiere of a series of short documentary films featuring Kelley Cutler, with the Coalition on Homelessness. To register for this event, click here.

If you have any upcoming events in the state, please send them to me!


As always, if you’d like to join our movement to save California, we invite you to support us. Click here to donate to CPC.



ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA POLICY CENTERThe California Policy Center promotes prosperity for all Californians through limited government and individual liberty.

 
Plumas County Public Health Agency is working closely with local health care partners, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to inquiries for testing for COVID-19. CDC determines the criteria for those who may be monitored and tested for COVID 19. To date there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Plumas County. Those who meet the criteria for monitoring and/ or testing are considered Persons Under Investigation (PUI). Plumas County Public Health Agency currently has seven PUI’s who are either being monitored or are being tested. Plumas County does not have the capability to test for COVID-19; therefore, all tests are conducted at a state lab. The test results are not yet available. It is estimated that results will be available by March 9.
 
At this time, the risk level for California as well as Plumas County remains low. As of March 4, 2020, the following information was provided from the state: 53 Positive cases; 1 Death;  9,400+ number of people self-monitoring who returned to the U.S. through SFO or LAX; 49 Number of local health jurisdictions involved in self-monitoring; 14 Labs with test kits.  Plumas County Public Health Agency has been actively and extensively planning with our local health care providers, schools and county organizations. Here are some of the things we are doing: we have activated our department operations center, established a Joint Information Center; providing information, guidance documents, and technical support to community partners and community members; coordinating with federal and state authorities and local health care providers to implement screening and monitoring protocols.
 
Every person has a role to play. The most important things that you and your family can do is to practice universal precautions: Washing hands with soap and water; avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough or shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms, and have reason to believe you may have been exposed, you should call your health care provider before seeking care. Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk. Be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history. You can also take the following precautionary measures: avoid contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and get a flu shot.
For additional information, please visit PCPHA’s website: https://www.plumascounty.us/91/Public-Health-Agency ,or CDPH: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx, or CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

SACRAMENTO -Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) introduced a measure to protect driver's information collected by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

 
In 2018, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) that created rights for consumers, protecting them from unscrupulous businesses collecting and sharing their private data.

 
Despite these new regulations, a recent media investigation showed that the DMV generates over $50 million annually selling data that drivers are required to provide in order to receive a license or register a vehicle.

 
SB 1121 will prohibit the Department of Motor Vehicles from selling or allowing access to driver's license or vehicle registration information, which exposes Californians to infringement of their private information.

 
For Californians to obtain a driver's license or register a vehicle, they must provide the DMV with private and personal information, especially since the introduction of California's new Real ID, which requires additional personal documents to verify someone's identity. The information is provided to the Department on the assumption that it will remain confidential.

 
"It is a legitimate fear that someone may steal your identity, hack your accounts, stalk you, or just make your life miserable," said Senator Brian Dahle. "The government that you entrust with your personal information should not add to that fear and then profit from it."

 
As a government agency utilized by nearly all Californians, the Department of Motor Vehicles should not be able to sell this personal information to anyone outside of law enforcement for any reason. This breach of data is now a concern for everyone who uses the DMV, but especially for victims of robocalls, scams, stalking, harassment and assault.

 
Senator Brian Dahle represents California's 1st Senate District, which contains all or portions of 11 counties, including Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Siskiyou, and Shasta.

 
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Video of Sen. Dahle on the ​

 
Sierraville Fire and Rescue is again hosting the Tour de Manure metric century, a supported bicycle ride in Sierra Valley on Saturday, June 20.
 
The 2020 tour is the 12th annual event and is sure to sell out of the 500 available registration spots. “The gentle terrain and the choice of 30-, 45- and 62-mile routes make this a great ride for every kind of cyclist, from people doing their first supported ride ever to the experts looking for distance and light hills”, says Doug Read, the founder of the Tour.
 
The Tour de Manure begins between 8 and 9 a.m. at the firehouse at 102 E. Main Street in Sierraville, 25 miles north of Truckee on California Highway 89. Fees are $65 through June 6 and $75 thereafter until event day. Kids 12 and under pay $30. Participants will receive this year’s version of the infamous “raging bull” T-Shirt designed by Jay Huebert, as well as SAG wagon support, rest stop food and amenities, and a big finish line party with a BBQ and live music. Alibi Ale Works in Truckee, and the Brewing Lair in Blairsden are this year’s featured breweries. Live finish line music will be offered by Mike Hogan and Friends, and the BBQ is being catered by “When Pigs Fly”, based in Sierraville, with chips and salsa furnished by Sierraville’s Los Dos Hermanos restaurant.
 
“This event is the major annual fundraiser for the local Fire Department,” says Read. “A huge contingent of volunteers from in and around Sierraville come out to help stage this ride. It is a true community endeavor.”
 
Sign up at www.active.com. Get a mail-in entry form and learn more about the Tour de Manure at www.tourdemanure.com. Follow the Tour on Facebook as well.

 
Retirement and the effects of aging come with a lot of changes, but at least one thing remains constant.
 
Every April 15th, Uncle Sam wants to make sure you’re paying any taxes you might owe him.
 
“Whether you’re retired or not, the IRS is still going to be interested in your income,” says Chris Orestis, the president of LifeCare Xchange who is known as the “Retirement Genius.”
 
“That said, though, there are tax rules that are specific to older Americans, so it’s important to be aware of the different ways you might be able to reduce your tax bill that weren’t available to you when you were younger.”
 
He says some factors to be mindful of as you plan or file your taxes include:
 
You may qualify for a larger standard deduction. For many Americans, including many seniors, there’s no reason to itemize your deductions anymore because the standard deduction is so high – $12,200 for a single person and $24,400 for a married couple filing jointly. But you can get an even higher standard deduction if either you or your spouse is 65 or older, and a still higher deduction if either of you is blind. “If you aren’t itemizing, then you want to make sure you’re getting the maximum standard deduction that you are allowed because that’s going to impact how much of your income is taxed,” Orestis says.
 
Yes, your Social Security benefit may be taxed. The rules for how much – if any – of your Social Security benefit is taxed can be tricky, so you want to be extra careful with that, Orestis says. According to the Social Security Administration, if you’re filing as an individual, and your Social Security benefit plus any other taxable income you have is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may be taxed up to 50 percent of your benefit. If your combined income is more than $34,000 then up to 85 percent of the benefit may be taxable. For married couples filing jointly, if the combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits. If your income is more than $44,000 then up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.
 
You may be able to deduct long-term care insurance premiums. Owners of long-term care insurance policies can take tax deductions on premiums they pay for qualified plans – as well as other reimbursed medical expenses such as Medicare premiums – as long as the premiums are greater than 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, Orestis says.
 
Selling your life insurance policy has advantages. “There can be significant tax benefits for people who sell their life insurance policy through what is called a ‘life settlement,’ ” Orestis says. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the proceeds from a life settlement are fully exempt from federal taxes if the policy owner is terminally or chronically ill. Those who are not terminally or chronically ill do pay capital-gain taxes on the proceeds from the sale, minus the amount in premiums the policyholder paid over the life of the policy.
 
You may want to increase contributions to your retirement accounts. Of course, many seniors aren’t adding anything to their IRAs or 401(k)s. Instead, they are regularly withdrawing money to pay for monthly living expenses. But if you’re still working, you can increase your contributions, which can both reduce your tax bill now and give you an even larger nest egg when you do retire, Orestis says. The IRS limits how much you can contribute each year, but that limit increases once you turn 50. For example, for both traditional and Roth IRAs, people younger than 50 can’t contribute more than $6,000 annually, but those 50 and older can contribute up to $7,000.
 
“The important thing to remember is that you may have options at tax time that you hadn’t thought about,” Orestis says. “Knowing the tax rules and how they apply to your personal situation, and seeking professional advice, can make a huge difference.”
 
About Chris Orestis
Chris Orestis, known as the “Retirement Genius,” is President of LifeCare Xchange and a nationally recognized healthcare expert and senior advocate. He has 25 years experience in the insurance and long-term care industries, and is credited with pioneering the Long-Term Care Life Settlement over a decade ago. Known as a political insider, Orestis is a former Washington, D.C., lobbyist who has worked in both the White House and for the Senate Majority Leader on Capitol Hill. Orestis is author of the books Help on the Way and A Survival Guide to Aging, and has been speaking for over a decade across the country about senior finance and the secrets to aging with physical and financial health. He is a frequent columnist for Broker World, ThinkAdvisor, IRIS, and NewsMax Finance, has been a featured guest on over 50 radio programs, and has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, NBC News, Fox News, USA Today, Kiplinger’s, Investor’s Business Daily, PBS, and numerous other media outlets.
 

 
 

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today shared consumer resources and tools from the California Department of Justice in recognition of National Consumer Protection Week. These resources can be found at www.oag.ca.gov/consumers.
“Consumers, especially those made vulnerable by age or language barrier, are constant targets for scammers and fraudulent business practices,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “We encourage the public to utilize these consumer protection tips and learn how to spot, avoid, and report consumer-related schemes.”
Helpful Consumer Resources: 

• 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 matters.

• Housing and Vehicles – Consumers can find resources for landlords, tenants and for other housing-related topics, 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, as well as learn about topics ranging 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, are 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.

• Report Misconduct – 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.

Attorney General Becerra is committed to protecting California consumers. Previously, he issued investigative subpoenas requiring Facebook to produce answers and documents related to its business practices including, among others, the management of its relationship with Cambridge Analytica. He also announced a $120 million nationwide settlement with Johnson & Johnson to resolve allegations that the company violated state consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the effectiveness and safety of its hip implant devices. He furthermore filed a lawsuit against Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company, alleging that the company engaged in false advertising, made false statements on credit applications, and deceived customers regarding add-on products and additional charges. Recently, Attorney General Becerra issued an advisory for consumers highlighting their new rights as part of the California Consumer Privacy Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2020.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the nation braces for a widespread outbreak of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, today the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) sent Congress and other policymakers a series of key policy changes necessary to mitigate the impact and spread of the virus in the U.S.


ACEP’s recommendations center around three main objectives: providing access to care for those infected or suspected infected; securing an adequate health care workforce; and ensuring adequate resource allocation. Among the specific policy changes, ACEP recommends:

• Implementing alternative testing centers for faster, more cost-effective testing while freeing up hospital capacity for those who need it most and allowing those who test positive to self-quarantine;
• Ensuring full coverage of testing and diagnosis by payers without patient cost-sharing;
• Prioritizing availability of personal protective equipment for emergency workers and other frontline personnel responding to the outbreak;
• Ensuring the production of medications and supplies relevant to COVID-19 is prioritized and that they are distributed directly to needed sites of care; and
• Increasing transparency of the supply chain for these products to better identify and proactively address potential shortages.

As anticipation grows for more widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in the U.S., emergency physicians are on the frontlines of caring for those affected. As the national medical society representing emergency medicine, ACEP is the preeminent source for clinical, advocacy and emergency patient guidance. ACEP is producing a series of resources and checklists for emergency departments and the public to keep our health care workers and patients safe. You can visit www.acep.org/coronavirus for ACEP’s policy recommendations and the latest clinical guidance for emergency care teams.


Contact: Steve Arnoff | sarnoff@acep.org | www.emergencyphysicians.org | Twitter: @emergencydocs


The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org.

​

The Superior Court of California, County of Sierra is still seeking nominations of Sierra County citizens interested in serving on Sierra County’s Juvenile Justice Commission (“JJC”). Interested parties are strongly encouraged to nominate themselves.

The JJC is tasked with oversight of the County’s juvenile justice operations, as well as nominating individuals to be considered for appointment as the County’s new Chief Probation Officer. This is an urgent matter as the current Chief Probation Officer will be retiring April 30, 2020.
The County provides reimbursement of $25.00 per meeting for attendance at up to two meetings per month. The time commitment for service is anticipated to be greater during the first few months due to the County’s need to hire a new Chief Probation Officer. Thereafter, it is estimated the time commitment will be 1-4 hours per quarter.
Additional information and nomination forms for service are available by contacting the Court Executive Office at (530) 289-2930, or by visiting the Court’s website at: https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/divisions/4791.htm.
Please do not delay in acting as the Court needs to form this Commission now. 

​

PG&E Encourages Customers to Update Their Contact Information
In Advance of Wildfire Season
 
Updates Needed from More Than 200,000 Customers In Preparation for
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
 
 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is sending postcards to more than 200,000 customers encouraging them to update their mobile number, email and other key information so the company can contact them in advance should it become necessary to temporarily turn off power for safety this fire season.
These customers, who live throughout PG&E’s service area, have incomplete or no contact information on file.
It is important that all customer information is up to date so PG&E can share important wildfire safety alerts. This is especially critical for medical baseline customers. In addition to notifying customers directly, PG&E also will provide outage updates and information through channels such as social media, local news, radio and the pge.com website.
“As a result of a drier than expected January and February, the 2020 wildfire season may arrive sooner than expected, so we all need to be better prepared to stay emergency-ready and to keep our families and friends safe,” said Chief Customer Officer, Senior Vice President Laurie Giammona. “We are asking our customers to be sure we have their latest contact information so we can do our best to reach them in advance of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff event.”
The Public Safety Power Shutoff program is one of many precautionary safety measures the company has put in place as part of its Community Wildfire Safety Program to reduce wildfire threats and strengthen communities for the future.
Extreme weather threats can change quickly. PG&E’s goal, dependent on weather and other factors, is to send customer alerts through automated calls, texts and emails at 48 hours, again at 24 hours, and again just prior to shutting off power.
Besides updating their contact information to prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoffs, PG&E encourages customers to do the following:

• Have an emergency plan for wildfires and discuss it with your friends, family and neighbors
• Check in with your elderly neighbors and friends who may have special needs
• Update or create a go bag or 72-hour kit that can be used if you need to evacuate
• Prepare an emergency supply kit with food, water, flashlights, batteries and other critical supplies
• Customers concerned about pet safety during a PSPS should identify which kennels, shelters or veterinarians can care for pets during an emergency ahead of time
• Clear defensible space around your home or business

PG&E thanks customers who have already taken action to ensure they will receive its wildfire safety alerts. For customers who have not yet confirmed or updated their contact information, PG&E strongly encourages everyone to do so by visiting www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling the PG&E contact center at 1-866-743-6589.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.