Washington D.C. -Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) responded to Governor Newsom’s proclamation extending the statewide drought emergency and request that the California Water Board pressure cities and urban water districts move to a Tier 2 drought, meaning they would mandate 10-20% reduction in water use and eliminate water usage of certain ornamental uses. In California, the environment receives roughly 50% of all water in the state, followed by agriculture at 40% and urban/ manufacturing at 10%.
 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa stated, “Limiting urban water use makes sense in this major drought, but a reduction of at most 20% of urban use yields only 2% net total, i.e. 20% of 10%. To date, neither the state nor federal government has announced major curtailments of the largest user of water, the ridiculous pie in the sky environmental water mandates. We are facing a major drought and everyone, the “environment” included, needs to share in the pain.
 
It is insane in a year even the President of the United States is warning of food shortages, that the state and federal government continue to prioritize unchecked amounts of water for fish. Restricting water for human basic needs such as food makes no sense, at a time when agriculture, which produces the food we need to survive, already has been cut an estimated 70% between the state and federal government. The state plan is to not deliver agriculture water in order to save deep water in the lakes for fall run salmon. California is the largest agricultural producing state in the nation, and with many crops, if we don’t grow it, American consumers won’t get it. Inflation is hitting the low-income earners the hardest, how much worse will that be when basic food commodities prices skyrocket over the next 18 months because the government chose fish over people? There is a very limited window of time to get this policy right. Right now, farmers are planting during 2022 what U.S. consumers will use in 2023. Once the planting window is over there aren’t do-overs for another year; the crop year is lost, once the water is wasted meeting unattainable temperature or salinity goals for fish, we won’t have it. 
 
Government policy is pricing the people out of the supermarket to satisfy their environmentalist masters.”
 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
 

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom ignores the obvious need to fund much needed water storage and conveyance in drought years. Governor Newsom signs a new executive order to direct the State Water Board to consider a ban on watering lawns at businesses. Central Valley’s Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Kern County) issued the following statement:
 
“California faces its third consecutive year of drought. The Governor has yet to fund above groundwater storage despite a multi-billion dollar surplus.
 
“Conditions are dire.
 
“Conservation is another band aid to a long term state crisis.
 
“The State has not planned adequately for drought years. The need for reliable and dependable water supply infrastructure and conveyance is paramount to public health, food production and economic viability.
 
“It is time to put our state on a better path with a stable and secure water supply by investing in more water infrastructure.”

SACRAMENTO--State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will be joined by state leaders during a special hearing to discuss literacy strategies, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30. The special hearing is hosted by the State Superintendent’s Task Force on Literacy and Reading by Third Grade, and is designed to gather input on a number of literacy strategies that are being proposed in legislation and the state budget—including designated reading coaches and family outreach to support literacy.
“Reading is a gateway skill. When children learn to read, they can read to learn anything,” said Thurmond. “We also know that when students don’t learn to read by third grade, they are at greater risk to drop out of school, and they are at greater risk to end up in the criminal justice system. We are committed in our work to support learning recovery of our students and are making every effort to strengthen literacy programs in our state.”
Last September, Thurmond launched an initiative to ensure students learn to read by third grade by 2026. He has pledged to help secure passage of resources in the proposed state budget that would provide reading specialists and coaches for California students in need. Thurmond and the California Department of Education are also sponsoring key legislation that would expand literacy programs to fund home visits to help families reach literacy goals—Assembly Bill 2465 (Bonta), expand Freedom School Summer Programs—Assembly Bill 2498 (Bonta) and provide grants to school districts to support biliteracy and to build dual-immersion programs—Senate Bill 952 (Limón).

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​Who would have thought bringing some culture to our county would be such an effort? Regardless of the challenge, the work continues. Two of the three postponed Popsapalooza concerts from last year have been rescheduled over the next couple of months. The PSCF Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds, has scheduled, cancelled, postponed and presented a wide range of performances featuring musicians from the Reno Pops Orchestra and the Ruby Mountain Symphony of Northern Nevada. Despite the challenges of COVID and wild fires, the Foundation is committed to showing-off the fairgrounds as a top venue for diverse entertainment.
 
The first concert will feature “The Collective”, “...one of the most creative and distinctive jazz ensembles in the northwestern United States” according to the publication For the Love of Jazz. The band features saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Josh Reed, pianist Adam Benjamin, bassist Hans Halt and drummer Andrew Heglund. Each of these dedicated musicians maintains busy individual performance schedules while forming the core of the Program for Jazz and Improvisational Music at the University of Nevada, Reno. All of the members are passionate about sharing the knowledge of their instrument, improvisation, composition, history and other aspects of jazz. The Collective has released four albums and members have recorded many albums on their own and with numerous groups.
 
This performance at the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds on Friday, March 13 at 7pm will feature some original jazz music from their recent recording session in Colorado. In addition, the group will perform some jazz classics, including Thelonious Monk compositions that were recorded by the group in a 2021 live streamed concert from the Laughing Planet in Reno, Nevada.
 
The Sierra Brass Quintet, founded in 2019 and comprised of faculty members from the University of Nevada, Reno Department of Music, will perform on Saturday, June 11 at the fairgrounds. Their performances are filled with the artistic range of genres and styles stemming from baroque and classical to improvised jazz and popular arrangements. During the school year they can be found performing for educational programs throughout the Pacific Northwest, and during the summer, recording on stages such as the state-of-the-art Hall Recital Hall in the new University Arts Building. Members have performed and toured with such musicians and ensembles as the National Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Houston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Collective, Paquita D'Rivera, the Alias Brass Company, and the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass.
 
The group is made up of trumpeters Jonathan Bhatia and Joshua Reed, Natalie Brooke Higgins on horn, Jim Albrecht on trombone and Russ Dickman on tuba. They will be performing diverse selections from the likes of Aaron Copland to Randy Newman, as well as classical pieces and contemporary film music. All concerts begin at 7pm and tickets are $20 per performance. They can be purchased at the door, at the Fair Office or on-line. Tickets that were purchased for last year's postponed concerts will be honored at these performances. For more details about the PSCF Foundation or the Popsapalooza Concert Series, visit www.plumas-sierracountfair.net.
 

SACRAMENTO - The New York Times published a very informative piece outlining the reasons why California’s gas prices are so much higher than the rest of the nation.
 
The story accurately pointed out that higher gas prices in California are “mostly because of our high gas taxes and the costs of regulatory programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
 
“California drivers are paying record-setting prices at the pump while the state sits on a record-setting surplus,” said Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).“Sacramento Democrats are tone deaf if they think people don’t need a break at the pump.”
 
Senate Republicans in Sacramento believe there are immediate solutions to lowering gas prices in California. Earlier this month, Senate Republicans sent a letter to Governor Newsom outlining the benefits of our solutions which would lower gas prices in California. Read letter here.
 
The Orange County Register’s Editorial Board agrees that cutting the gas tax by 50 cents a gallon would provide immediate relief to drivers. The board pointed out: “It would be much simpler, and faster, to cut the gas tax and the sales tax. That’s what states like Connecticut and Maryland have already done.” 

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For press inquiries or questions, please contact Jacqui Nguyen, press secretary for the Senate Republican Caucus, at 858.999.7706.

New federal regulations are headed our way that will affect air travel in Spring 2023. Get prepared now with a REAL ID.
 
If you have not yet applied for your REAL ID, be aware that federal requirements for travel will soon go into effect, making this the last spring break you can travel without one! Starting May 2023, you will need to show a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or other federally approved identification –like a passport—at TSA airport checkpoints nationwide or to visit secure federal facilities.
 
Q1: What is a REAL ID?
 
A1: A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. And soon, the federal REAL ID Act places new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the U.S. and to enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses. A California issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a gold bear and star in the top right corner.
 
Applying for a REAL ID requires one proof of identity document (like a birth certificate or passport), two California residency documents (like a bank statement or utility bill)), your social security number and a trip to a DMV office. Your office visit will be quick if before you go you fill out the online application and upload your documents. U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.
Q2: I just received a renewal notice for my driver’s license and am eligible to renew by mail. Can I obtain my REAL ID by mail also?
 
A2: Since the REAL ID is a form of federal identification, you are required to visit a DMV office in person when applying for one for the first time. However, you will be able to renew your REAL ID online when the time comes.
 
Take advantage of the online options to speed up your DMV visit to get your REAL ID. Go to REALID.dmv.ca.gov to start your application online and upload documents using the online services portal. Then take your uploaded documents with you when you visit your local DMV office and bring applicable fees. You can speed things up by scheduling an appointment in advance or check local wait times and head right into the DMV office of your choice to finish your application.
 
For more information or answers to questions not listed here, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
 
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• 66% think current drunk driving penalties are not harsh enough. 
• 1 in 4 admit they would still drive first thing in the morning after a big night of drinking.
• Infographic on zero-tolerance opinions by state.

The NHTSA reports that across the United States, nearly 30 people are killed each day in drunk-driving accidents, which equates to roughly one preventable death every 50 minutes due to irresponsible driving. Despite the legal consequences of drunk driving, it appears that so long as alcohol is legal and people drive cars, there will be incidents that involve intoxicated road use – with some, unfortunately, resulting in fatalities. The federal limit to legally operate a vehicle in the US is a 0.08% blood alcohol content, however in 2018, Utah implemented the strictest blood-alcohol driving limits in the country dropping from 0.08% to just 0.05% blood or breath alcohol concentration.
DesertHopeTreatment.com conducted a survey of 3,445 people to determine how they feel about implementing a statewide 0% drinking and driving tolerance policy, and found that 1 in 3 (33%) Californians support the idea - this compares to a national average of 33%. On a national level, women are far more supportive of this idea with 40% agreeing compared to 28% of men.
Any amount of alcohol in the system reduces the skills necessary for safe driving, including impaired judgment, vision, color distinction and reaction time. With Utah’s 0.05% BAC limit, the NHTSA compareddata from the last full year before the legislation was passed and the first year in which the lower legal limit was in place. This comparison showed that Utah had a reduced traffic fatality rate by 18.3% and there were 19.8% fewer fatal accidents in 2019 even though drivers logged more driving miles. 
Infographic showing zero tolerance opinions by state
The survey also discovered that a significant portion of respondents do not believe drunk driving penalties are harsh enough with 66% agreeing that this is the case. And, reassuringly, 3 in 4 said they would report a friend or family who decided to drive drunk.
Worryingly, it was found that more than 1 in 4 (28%) respondents believe it’s worse to use a cell phone while driving than it is to drive while under the influence. Distracted driving in any way, shape or form poses a direct risk to the driver their passengers, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians on the road; in 2019, more than 3,100 lost their lives. Using a phone detracts the driver’s attention away from the road much in the same way, intoxicated driving affects the driver’s mental state. In both circumstances, the driver loses the effectively focus on the road. Another concerning find from the survey revealed that 33% of respondents said they weren’t aware of the 0.08% BAC figure to legally drive a car.
The data also uncovered that nearly 1 in 4 (24%) drinkers admit they would still drive first thing in the morning after a big night of drinking. Although the legal limit is 0.08% in most states, this volume of alcohol still has the ability to impair a person’s driving ability when it comes to factors like short term memory loss, reduced information processing capability and impaired perception. In fact, in 2018, there were 1,878 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents in which drivers had BACs under the legal limit.
There is no definitive answer on how long it takes for a person to metabolize alcohol and reach a state of total sobriety, and drinking after a night of drinking is highly discouraged. It is imperative to remember that driving with a BAC at any level presents a serious risk to yourself and every other person on the road. Getting behind the wheel at any level of intoxication should not happen and is something that can be avoided via a number of available alternatives. It is wise to make plans regarding transportation prior to a night of drinking or have some other plan in place that would prevent anyone who is intoxicated from operating a vehicle.
Excessive drinking causes a host of other issues besides eliminating a person’s ability to drive safely. If drinking in this manner is a common occurrence, it may be time to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol or seek the help of a qualified addiction professional.  

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Echo 4h, Sierra Valley Little League, and the highschool girls softball team worked together to clean up the park area and ball fields on Sunday March 20th to get ready for the upcoming season. Kids, parents, and coaches worked hard removing trash, weeds, leaves and setting up the fences. Everyone is excited to kick off the season!
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SACRAMENTO, CA – Today Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) announced he has introduced Assembly Bill 1708 to repeal the Sanctuary State law in California that took away the ability of local law enforcement to notify federal authorities about the release of an undocumented immigrant from jail.
 
“A few weeks ago our community experienced an unspeakable tragedy that could have been avoided if not for harmful policies passed by the California Legislature,” said Assemblyman Kiley. “My prayers are with the family of the victims, this should never have been allowed to happen. We must repeal the Sanctuary State law immediately to prevent avoidable tragedies like this in the future.”
 
In 2017, the Legislature passed and Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 54 (De León). This bill prohibited, with limited exceptions, local law enforcement from sharing information regarding the release of undocumented immigrants from jail. In opposition to the bill, the California State Sheriff’s Association wrote:
 
“Our overarching concern remains that limiting local law enforcement’s ability to communicate and cooperate with federal law enforcement officers endangers public safety…SB 54 would preclude staff in our jails from notifying ICE, at their request, of the pending release of certain wanted, undocumented criminals – including, but not limited to, repeat drunk drivers, misdemeanor hit and run drivers, those who assault peace officers, serial thieves, animal abusers, chronic abusers of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin, and known criminal gang members arrested for most misdemeanor crimes.”
 
On February 28, 2022, a man who was in the country illegally shot and killed his three daughters and their chaperone at a Sacramento church. Just days before, the gunman had been arrested on charges of resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, and driving under the influence. The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) asked to be notified about his release from jail, but this never occurred due to prohibitions under California’s Sanctuary State law.
 
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley represents the 6th Assembly District, which includes the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County communities of Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan.
 

 
 
(Washington, DC) – Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced he is accepting submissions for the 40th annual Congressional High School Art Competition. The theme for this year’s competition is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. America’s Open Roads and Open Skies.
 
LaMalfa said: “The Congressional Art Competition is a tremendous opportunity for talented high school students to compete to showcase their abilities to the entire country. This year’s theme allows our young artists to highlight the unparalleled beauty of the North State and our country. I’m especially interested in seeing art depicting antique era vehicles, steam trains or early diesels, early aircraft thru the 50s, vintage cars, etc. I look forward to seeing the winning artwork displayed in our nation’s Capitol building. Good luck to all those who will be competing!”
 
The winning entry will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol as part of a nationwide exhibit dedicated to displaying the talents of young people representing each state. Information regarding the guidelines for the competition can be found here.
 
All artwork must be submitted by Friday, April 22nd to any of my district offices or staff members. This year, we have staff available for pick up for: Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, and part of Eastern Shasta County. Staff and office contact information is listed below. For all other counties please contact your local district office to schedule a drop off time.  The winner will be contacted by Tuesday, May 3rd.
 
Chico District Office
120 Independence Cir.
Suite B
Chico, CA 95973
Telephone: (530)343-1000
 
Redding District Office
2885 Churn Creek Rd.
Suite C
Redding, CA 96002
Telephone: (530)223-5898 
 
Auburn District Office
2399 Rickenbacker Way
Auburn, CA 95602
Telephone: (530)878-5035 
 
 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
 

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 2022 Plumas Sierra County Fair is “Celebrating Fairs Past”. Maybe we need to look to our past to remember what it is like to have a Fair after this pandemic and fire camp. Even if we have to learn it all over again, it all begins with entering something in the 2022 Plumas Sierra County Fair, July 28-31. This year’s exhibit guide is filled with divisions and classes that lets 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. 2019 saw the most dramatic increase in exhibits in decades! Part of the credit goes to better outreach through the schools and organizations, but a huge chunk of the credit goes to the PSCF Foundation, the non-profit group that supports our local Fair. The Foundation covered entry fees in most of the divisions offered in an effort to break down some of the barriers some novices may feel when entering something for the first time. Well, it worked! Total entries jumped up by over 500, compared to most years that might see a 100 entry swing up or down. They have decided to do it again; all entries in the Floriculture building, except for the gardens and table settings, are free. All entries in the Home Arts building, except for quilts and professional divisions, are free. And new this year, all sculpture and poetry entries in the Art Barn are free.
 
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 8, 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 COVID inspired sourdough 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 aptitude 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. 2019 had a shadow box full of things that were found on the fairgrounds with a metal detector that was fascinating. 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 July 1 and most all other entries are due July 8.

 
Spring is Here; Follow these Simple Steps to Improve Energy Efficiency in the Home
 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— This week Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) marks the beginning of spring by offering simple steps to keep energy efficiency in mind during the March Equinox.

It’s entirely possible to use both the furnace and air conditioner on any given spring day as temperatures can range dramatically from day to night.
 
Here are ways to stay comfortable in the home this spring while managing energy use and electric bills:
 

• Install and set a programmable thermostat. Save an estimated 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat.
• Reduce water heating costs. Lower the water heater temperature and install low-flow showerheads.

 

• Switch to ENERGY STAR appliances, fans, and electronics. Using ENERGY STAR certified products throughout the home could save nearly $750 over the lifetime of the products.
• Choose energy-saving lighting. Replacing 5 of the home’s most frequently used lights with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR bulbs could save up to $75 a year in energy costs.
• Maintain your heating and cooling system. Check and replace air filters regularly.  A qualified technician can help with annual maintenance.

Customers can also reduce costs this spring by tracking and analyzing energy usage with the following steps:
 

• Create an Online Account - Customers can access energy cost and usage with information down to the day, see a personalized rate comparison to determine if they are on the best rate, and more. Sign up for an online account at www.pge.com.
• Take a Home Energy Checkup – In less than 5 minutes, customers can find how much of their home energy use goes to cooling, heating hot water, appliances, lighting, and other uses. The results enable customers to make customized changes to enhance the home's energy efficiency, along with estimates of how much money can be saved. www.pge.com/home-energy-checkup

PG&E offers a variety of financial assistance programs for income-qualified customers including California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE), Family Electric Rate Assistance[1] (FERA), Energy Saving Assistance Program, and payment plans. For more tips on how to save this spring and summer, visit www.pge.com/summer.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.





[1] FERA is a monthly discount program on electric onl

State will continue to expand drought actions heading into a third dry yearSACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced it must reduce the State Water Project allocation to 5 percent of requested supplies for 2022. DWR previously set the allocation at 15 percent but a historically dry January and February, with no significant storms forecast for March, requires a reduction in the allocation to conserve available water supply.
In addition to the 5 percent allocation, DWR will also provide any unmet critical health and safety needs of the 29 water agencies that contract to receive State Water Project supplies.
“We are experiencing climate change whiplash in real time with extreme swings between wet and dry conditions. That means adjusting quickly based on the data and the science,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While we had hoped for more rain and snow, DWR has been preparing for a third consecutive year of drought since October. We are continuing with a series of actions to balance the needs of endangered species, water supply conservation, and water deliveries for millions of Californians.”
In a letter to the State Water Contractors earlier this month, DWR Director Nemeth stressed the need for proactive conservation measures now to prepare for ongoing extreme dry conditions.
DWR will make its next assessment of the State Water Project allocation following the next snow survey on April 1. A final allocation for the water year is typically announced in May or June.
The lack of significant precipitation in January and February has resulted in falling reservoir levels and reduced snowpack. As of today, statewide reservoir levels are about 70 percent of average. The statewide Sierra snowpack has fallen to 55 percent of average for this date, most of that snow coming from heavy snowstorms in December.
As the state prepares for a third dry year, DWR will preserve as much storage as possible in Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir. Water releases from Lake Oroville will be prioritized to maintain Delta water quality, protect endangered species, and meet senior water right needs.
Also today, DWR, along with its federal partners at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will submit a revised application for a Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) for operations from April 1 to June 30. The petition will seek flexibility for the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project to release less water into the Delta through June 2022 to conserve limited stored water in Shasta, Oroville and Folsom reservoirs. DWR and Reclamation had previously submitted a TUCP application for earlier in the year. However, December storms made that application unnecessary, and it was withdrawn. This new application is necessary due to dramatically changing conditions and covers modified dates and operational requests.  
Additionally, DWR is planning to refill the notch in the Emergency Drought Salinity Barrier in the Delta. Crews created a notch in the barrier in January to allow for fish passage and boat traffic during the winter. Work will begin on April 1 to fill in the notch, with completion by April 15. The barrier reduces the amount of saltwater intrusion into the Delta, allowing for reduced flows from upstream reservoirs to conserve water supply. The barrier is expected to remain in place until November 30, 2022.
While these necessary actions will help extend the state’s existing water supply, all Californians should do their part now to conserve as much water as possible to make it last. Governor Newsom has called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent with simple measures to protect water reserves. The October 2021 emergency proclamation expanded the drought emergency statewide and authorized the State Water Board to ban wasteful water uses, boosting conservation efforts. The State Water Board provides monthly updates on California’s water conservation efforts on their website. Californians can learn more about how to save water inside and outside the home at saveourwater.com.
The State is also taking action to support communities facing water supply challenges due to the ongoing drought. DWR is providing direct community assistance for drought relief projects and to communities who need it most to address water supply challenges and help build local resilience. To date, DWR has awarded more than $196 million in drought relief funding to communities throughout the state. Later this month, DWR will announce the next round of grant awards from the Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Programwhich assists communities facing the contamination or loss of their water supplies due to drought, as well as address immediate drought impacts on human health and safety and protect fish and wildlife resources.
Californians can now access current water conditions in real time at California Water Watch, a new website launched by DWR. This website will help Californians see their local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions down to their address or their local watershed. The site presents data from a variety of sources and allows the public to obtain a quick snapshot of local and statewide water conditions.

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Each Year, More Than 60,000 Visits to Emergency Rooms and Doctor Offices Are Averted
Because of Calls to CPCS First. 
March 17, 2022 – San Francisco – California Poison Control System (CPCS), the largest single provider of poison control services in the United States, is observing National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) on March 20–26. CPCS manages poisoning cases or questions related to topics such as medications, chemicals, drugs, pesticides, work-related hazards, poisonous plants, spiders, and snakes.
“It’s critical that information about how to prevent poisoning becomes more widely known and disseminated,” said Stuart E. Heard, Pharm.D., Executive Director, CPCS. “This year’s theme, ‘Here for the Ages,’ emphasizes that poison exposure can happen to people of all ages and that our Poison Hotline supports people in every decade of life.” He added that CPCS guides children and adults to be safe from a variety of poisons, including snakes, spiders, button batteries, mushrooms, medicines, vaping, edibles, and many other dangerous indoor and outdoor poisons. 
A highlight of the week will be CPCS and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo teaming up on March 22 for a virtual event on CPCS’s Facebook page to educate California residents about preventing rattlesnake bites.
In addition, CPCS has launched a new StoryMap tool called Let’s Talk Poison:Mapping a Poison-Safe California. This is an interactive tool that teaches people about poison-safety and contains interactive maps showing poison exposure rates by county in California this past year. To view, click https://arcg.is/1i9G1n1.
Additional resources for the public include:
o   A new Health Education Resources page to teach the public about poison safety and access free resources, materials, and programs to help minimize poisonings in their community.
o   A quarterly public newsletter called Poison Safety Updates. Folks can sign up here.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, every 13 seconds, a U.S. poison control center answers a call about a possible poisoning. Poisonings are a significant health problem in California, resulting in 300,000 calls to CPCS each year — this figure includes information and exposure calls. While poisoning exposures can happen to anyone, about 80 percent of all calls are made from the home, and nearly half of these calls involve children under the age of six. The most common causes of poisoning among young children are medicines, cosmetics, and personal care products. In most cases, a poison exposure can be safely managed at home, avoiding a call to 911 or a visit to a crowded hospital emergency room. The CPCS toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222, is answered quickly by pharmacists, nurses, and poison information providers, free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
About California Poison Control
For more information about California Poison Control, visit www.calpoison.org. CPCS provides news, tips and poison prevention facts on its Facebook and Twitterpages. Connect to learn more. In case of an accidental poisoning, immediately call 1-800-222-1222 (this number works in all states) for advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are handled confidentially. Interpreters for more than 200 languages are available at all times. CPCS also conducts public health surveillance and acts as a community sentinel notifying local and state agencies, the media and the public of potential health threats. The CPCS has four divisions located at UC Davis Medical Center; Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital; Valley Children's Hospital; and UC San Diego Medical Center. The CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

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Sacramento – Today, the California State Board of Equalization (BOE) released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Annual Report, which reported that the total net statewide county-assessed property value was $7.1 trillion, resulting in $79.9 billion of local property tax levies. Those property tax levies contributed $43 billion to schools and $36.9 billion to local government. This is an additional $4.5 billion, or a 6% increase, in property tax levies from FY 2019-20 of $75.4 billion.
 
“The increase in property tax levies to almost $80 billion is a clear reflection of California’s vibrant real estate market,” said Chair Malia M. Cohen. “As we transition away from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am heartened that these additional property tax revenues will provide significant funding for our schools and critical local government services.”
 
The BOE is constitutionally and statutorily responsible for the oversight of California’s property tax system. The FY 2020-21 Annual Report includes state- and county-assessed property values, aggregate qualifying property tax exemptions, and other statewide property tax data. New in this Annual Report are the highlights of BOE’s accomplishments in fulfilling its statewide role in the implementation of Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act. In November 2020, California voters approved Proposition 19, which made significant changes to certain property tax laws.
 
Past annual reports and additional information can be found on the BOE website.
 

 
The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is the only elected tax board in the country, and it is comprised of four Equalization District Members and the State Controller. Since 1879, the BOE’s constitutional and statutory duties include the oversight of the 58 County Assessors to ensure assessment practices are uniform and consistent statewide. In addition, the BOE directly assesses the property of regulated railroads and certain public utilities, collects the Private Railroad Car Tax, and is responsible for the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers.  BOE’s critical role in property tax administration by promoting fair and equitable assessments protects the tax dollars that schools, local communities, and the State of California depend on every day.
 
BOARD MEMBERS

TED GAINES
First District
Sacramento
MALIA M. COHEN
Second District
San Francisco
ANTONIO VAZQUEZ
Third District
Santa Monica
MIKE SCHAEFER
Fourth District
San Diego
BETTY T. YEE
State Controller
BRENDA FLEMING
Executive Director

 

SACRAMENTO, CA – The entire California Congressional Republican Delegation issued a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday in support of Assembly Bill 1638, legislation by Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) that would suspend the gas tax and provide families 51 cents per gallon in relief. From the letter:
 
"We write with serious concerns regarding fuel costs for California families. In recent months, the price of a gallon of gas has risen dramatically, with gas prices in California being the highest of any state in the country. With this in mind, we ask you to take immediate action to provide relief by suspending California's excise tax on gasoline for six months.
 
“All Americans are struggling against an inflation rate of 7.9 percent, and the cost of gasoline is up nearly 40 percent from this time last year. Even as prices skyrocket, California continues to tax gasoline at 51.1 cents per gallon. This, in conjunction with other taxes and fees, results in Californians paying the highest price per gallon in the country. While market forces are responsible for today's extreme prices, California's high taxes represent an added burden, and working Californians simply cannot afford gas prices approaching $6 per gallon.
 
“With the cost of goods rising across the board and the price of a gallon of gas at record highs now is the time to pursue all avenues of relief. We call on you to immediately suspend California's excise tax on gasoline for six months.”
 
In a separate statement on Fox Business, Congressman David Valadao who authored the letter said:
 
“[On Monday], the Democratic supermajority in California had an opportunity to provide real relief to hardworking California families who are struggling with record breaking gas prices. It is unfortunate they chose not to put more money back into the pockets of Californians by suspending the gas tax."

On the same day, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send a letter to the governor asking for a temporary suspension of the 51 cent-per-gallon state gas tax.
 
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley represents the 6th Assembly District, which includes the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County communities of Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan.
 
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There are currently 76 Members of the State Assembly. Yesterday, 18 of them voted for my bill to suspend the gas taxes. Another 18 abstained from the vote. And 40 voted no, welcoming $6 per gallon with open arms. 
You can see how everyone voted here and watch the proceedings unfold on the Assembly Floor here. All Republicans and one Independent voted yes; all Democrats abstained or voted no.
The backlash was swift as legislators heard from their constituents. By late afternoon, one even put out an apologia, explaining she only voted no because she hadn’t “read” the bill. The bill is two pages long. 
Newsom's reaction was beyond belief, even for him. He claimed my bill would “line the pockets of petro-dictatorship and oil companies,” adding that rising gas prices are “a direct result of Putin’s war.” 
Right after Newsom made this comment, Connecticut's liberal Governor humiliated him by announcing he was suspending his state’s gas tax, exactly as I proposed here. 
A Fox 40 reporter suggested the same thing would happen as with our State of Emergency vote before the Super Bowl. In that case, she said, our “strategy essentially worked” because we shamed the Legislature into finally taking up the Resolution. In fact, the Senate will consider it later today.
From yesterday's events, it's clear our government has never been more inept, corrupt, or out of touch. This is the time to join the fight for our state and country.
Help me continue the fight
Share this Post on Facebook
Kevin Kiley
California Legislator

Mountain View, CA- Lanhee Chen, a candidate for California State Controller, issued the following statement after legislation to temporarily suspend California’s gas tax failed to garner sufficient support to advance:
“The Sacramento politicians don't want to give California drivers the relief they desperately need from soaring gas prices. So, here's an idea: they should at least give us transparency into how much we are paying in gas taxes. Every Californian should see, at the pump, how much in state taxes, fees, and surcharges we are paying for each gallon of gas. We can easily see how much in taxes we pay on pretty much everything else we buy. With gas prices near $6.00 a gallon, Californians deserve to understand how much of that is going to Sacramento."


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SAVE grants assist local public agencies statewide to receive surrendered vessels and to remove and dispose of derelict vessels on coastal and inland waterways. BSEE grants augment local agency resources for patrol boats, engines and personal watercraft, search and rescue, patrol and diving equipment.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-- The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications to help local public entities enhance safety on California’s waterways and protect them from abandoned and unwanted vessels. The application period for the competitive grant programs, Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment (BSEE) and Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE), is open from March 15 through April 29, 2022. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and participate in an applicant workshop.
“With more than four million motorized and non-motorized recreational boaters on California’s waterways, it is important to support local public entities in enhancing public safety and protecting the environment,” said DBW’s Acting Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “Collectively we can provide more positive experiences to the recreational boating community.”
In 2021, DBW awarded 25 BSEE grants totaling $1.56 million and 27 SAVE grants totaling $2.75 million. This year, a total of $4.25 million in grant funding is available to eligible applicants.
Below are descriptions of the grant programs and available funding:
BSEE Grant Program
Up to $1.5 million is available to local government agencies that demonstrate a need for patrol boats, engines, personal watercraft, search and rescue equipment, and patrol and diving equipment. These competitive grants are to augment existing local resources and not to fully fund boating safety and enforcement patrol units. The U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Program provides BSEE grant funding.
SAVE Grant Program
Up to $2.75 million is available to local public agencies statewide to receive surrendered vessels and to remove and dispose of derelict vessels on coastal and inland waterways. Grant funding comes from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund. DBW awards grants on a competitive basis to eligible public agencies based on demonstrated need.
Applications for both grant programs must be submitted to DBW through the Online Grant Application System (OLGA). Prior to applying, the division encourages new applicants to view a 45-minute webinar that provides detailed instructions on creating an account in OLGA as well as navigating the application system. Additionally, DBW is hosting a 90-minute virtual workshop for each grant program to help applicants write competitive applications.
Below is detailed information on the workshops:

BSEE Workshop
Date:              Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Time:             10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location:       Virtual Webinar
RSVP:            Johanna Naughton via email or (916) 902-8795.
SAVE Workshop
Date:              Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Time:              1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location:       Virtual Webinar
RSVP:             Ron Kent via email or (916) 902-8821.
The workshops will be recorded for those unable to participate in the live presentations. Please see contacts above for any questions on the workshops.
Once grant applications have been reviewed and scored, DBW will send out notice of award letters via OLGA. DBW anticipates that awards will be announced by August 2022. Detailed information, including previous grantee recipients, is available on DBW’s website.


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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – This St. Patrick’s Day the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds drivers to avoid taking chances and make the right decision to have a sober ride home if their plans include alcohol.  Unfortunately, the party often ends with risky drunk drivers taking to the streets and endangering countless lives. 
 
“If you plan on drinking alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, do not rely on luck and designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, public transit or a taxi to ensure you reach your destination safely,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.  “Not having a plan in place if your celebration includes the use of alcohol can result in a crash, jail time, injuries, or even death.”
 
Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, CHP officers made 211 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI).  Tragically, that same day, three people died, and 76 people were injured statewide as a result of DUI crashes. 
 
Always remember to buckle up, avoid distractions while driving, and designate a sober driver if your St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes alcohol.  The financial impact of a DUI can be sobering as attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and car repairs can reach $15,000 or more in California. 
 
The CHP joins with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in reminding motorists that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”
 
To help keep the roads safe, the CHP encourages the public to report impaired drivers by calling
9-1-1.  Be prepared to provide the public safety dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, location, and the direction the vehicle is traveling.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. 
 
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SACRAMENTO – With rapidly soaring gas prices and a historic budget surplus, Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) and all members of the California State Senate Republican Caucus have doubled down on their efforts to provide financial relief for California drivers.
 
Today, Senate Republicans delivered a letter to Governor Newsom and legislative leaders calling for action NOW to reduce gas prices. The caucus is once again urging Governor Newsom to be bold and issue a full moratorium on the gasoline-excise tax, which would immediately reduce the cost of gasoline by 51.1 cents per gallon. Click here to download the letter.
March 14, 2022
 
The Honorable Gavin Newsom                                                         
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
 
RE: Request for a Full Gas Tax Holiday
 
Dear Governor Newsom
 
In the past several weeks, the average price of gasoline in California has jumped to record high levels as a result of rising inflation, and the growing conflict in the Ukraine. While it is nothing new for Californians to pay the highest gas prices in the nation, coming on the heels of the pandemic, working families simply cannot continue to support the level of taxation imposed by the Legislature. You are well aware of the adverse impacts of high gas prices and taxes that disproportionately impact our low- to middle-income residents, increase the cost of living, business costs and food prices, hampering our relief efforts and economic recovery. After all, it was just these considerations that led you to propose a limited gas tax holiday earlier this year and to announce a yet to be described rebate program during your State of the State speech.
 
Californians currently pay $1.27 more per gallon of gasoline compared to the national average. They pay 51.1 cents per gallon (cpg) of gasoline excise taxes, which absent your proposal to curb the inflation adjustment for a year, will rise to 54.1 cpg on July 1. At a time when the state budget is enjoying historic surpluses, we need to take bold action to help everyday Californians. Your proposal to postpone increases for a year is a small step in the right direction, but falls far short of protecting California working families and the economy from the devastating impacts likely to result from an extended conflict in Eastern Europe that disrupts oil supplies.
 
We can afford to think and act much bigger. A full moratorium on the gasoline-excise tax would immediately reduce the cost of gasoline by 54.1 cpg. The resulting revenue loss to the state of $8.1 billion is less than a fifth of the administration’s own forecast in January of a $45.7 billion budget surplus. The Legislative Analyst’s Office February update states that there is a good possibility of the surplus exceeding the initial estimate by $6 billion to $23 billion. This tax cut would spur the economy, just when we need it most and would represent much needed relief for working families struggling through the pandemic and those transitioning back from remote work. It would dramatically reduce the cost of living by driving down retail prices, and help control inflationary impacts on the economy that are driven by, among other things, the cost of gasoline. All this still possible without putting infrastructure projects at-risk if those funds are instead backfilled through the state budget.
 
For years, Democratic legislative leadership has refused to take a responsible approach to prioritizing infrastructure investments and have instead used general fund revenues that should be invested in infrastructure as a source of funding for other pet projects, while demanding ever-increasing taxes from motorists. It is past time for Sacramento to begin investing in real priorities, and using record budget surpluses to give Californians working families a break from California’s high cost of living and that includes the state’s high taxes and gas prices
 
We appreciate your statements about your openness to working with legislative leadership to help Californians struggling with high gas prices, which is why we are renewing our call from last year. For these reasons, we undersigned members of the California Senate Republican Caucus, call upon you to work with us to establish a full gas tax holiday for Californians and look forward to working with you on additional relief. Should you or your staff have any questions, you can reach me directly on my cell, or call my office at (916) 651-4021.
 
Sincerely,
                                                          
Senator Scott Wilk – 21st Senate District                                                      
Senator Brian Dahle – 1st Senate District                                           
Senator Jim Nielsen – 4th Senate District
Senator Andreas Borgeas – 8th Senate District                                               
Senator Shannon Grove – 16th Senate District                                     
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh – 23rd Senate District
Senator Melissa Melendez – 28th Senate District                                         
Senator Patricia Bates – 36th Senate District                                      
Senator Brian Jones – 38th Senate District
 
CC:     Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins  
           Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon  
           Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee Chair Nancy Skinner
           Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting
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Senator Wilk represents the 21st Senate District, which includes the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys. Learn more about Scott by visiting his website and be sure to connect with him on social media.

For press inquiries or questions, please contact Jacqui Nguyen, press secretary for the Senate Republican Caucus, at 858.999.7706.
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SACRAMENTO, CA – Today Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) released the following statement following the Legislature voting down AB 1638 (Kiley) to suspend the gas tax and provide immediate relief to working families in California:
 
"Today the Republican and Independent Members of the Assembly voted to save Californians 51 cents per gallon by suspending the gas tax. In addition, 18 members abstained from the vote. Unfortunately, the Supermajority rounded up enough votes to deny struggling Californians this modest measure of relief.
 
“Our state’s political leadership has never been so out of touch.”
 
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley represents the 6th Assembly District, which includes the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County communities of Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan.
 

 Assembly at LES featured Wild Things from Conservation Ambassadors.  They brought a skunk, an owl, a lemur, a possum, two cockroaches, and an alligator to share with students.
​Photos submitted

Dr. Glenn Mollette

America is no longer buying energy or vodka from Russia. Russians can no longer buy a McDonald’s hamburger. They can’t pay for their gasoline with a Visa, Mastercard or even an American Express card.  One thousand Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants have ceased operations in Russia. How tough can life become?

For a better picture of a tough life watch some of the news clips played daily on most television stations. See what the Russians are doing each day to Ukraine. Hospitals are bombed. Babies are murdered. Cities no longer exist. Tens of thousands have been killed by the Russian army. 

Speculations continue to be expressed among politicians and journalists that Russia may be guilty of war crimes. This seems like a bad joke. Russia has been guilty of war crimes from day one. They don’t care who they kill or how they kill the innocent people of Ukraine. They will use any kind of bomb or chemical to accomplish President Vladimir Putin’s evil whim to bring Ukraine under Russian rule. They will even accept weapons from China.

Hopefully we will never buy another thing from Russia. In the meantime, the remnant still battling the Russian Army needs the full support of NATO in weapons, money and humanitarian aid. Sadly, for the thousands who have already been killed it’s too little too late. 

While we are unplugging trade with Russia we must act accordingly toward China. China is not our friend. Just like Russia, we have made China rich with billions of dollars in trade each year. Plus, America is in debt, over a trillion dollars, to China. Stores across America must put American businesses back to work by buying as many American made products as possible. China has been eyeing Taiwan the same way Russia has been eyeing Ukraine. If Russia successfully takes Ukraine and can survive the aftermath look for China to invade Taiwan. China will then control most of the chips made that runs our cars, phones and computers. 

The next scenario is what happens to us when Russia and China combine their efforts toward the United States? Are we able to withstand an attack from Russia and China? It’s more than we want to comprehend today. This is why we must become energy independent. Why not use our gas, oil and coal until we have the infrastructure in place to run electric cars? 

In my local community of 250,000 people, I do not know of one electric car charging station. Local car dealers say it will be two to three years before they will have electric cars to sell. Most American communities are the same and we need time for the infrastructure to catch up. In the meantime, we should use the resources we have to run our country independently.

Gasoline prices and inflation are hurting America but consider what Russia is doing to Ukraine. Americans will survive the pain at the pump if America will go back to our own sources to supply our needs. 


Enjoy the book titled, Grandpa's Store, a reflection of my childhood by Glenn Mollette. Available from Amazon.com or wherever books are sold. The book is told from the perspective of a child and young teen from an era of simpler American small community life of the late fifties and early seventies.

Hear Glenn Mollette every weekday morning EST at 8:56 on XM radio 131
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