Six Dollars and Counting
On Monday, Republicans will be united on the Assembly Floor in voting for my bill, AB 1638, to suspend the gas tax entirely. I hope our Democrat colleagues will join us.
Before the vote, I’m holding a press conference at a Sacramento gas station with James Gallagher and Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk. You can watch live on my Facebook page at 11:45 AM.
We’ve already forced Newsom to change his position. He now agrees Californians need relief, but he’s only offering “rebates.” A check in the mail at some future time: we saw how well that worked with the EDD. 
Meanwhile, Newsom’s school mask mandate has formally expired. But the LA teachers union insists it’s “premature.” Any board member still voting to require masks needs to be challenged and defeated. Gratuitous cruelty to children is disqualifying.
Vaccine passports are also ending, with no evidence they did anything but create a black market for forged documents. My bill opposing passports never got a hearing.
That’s California for you: paying the highest gas taxes while driving over the deepest potholes; facing the highest government coercion while receiving the lowest government performance. Increasingly, that’s America for you as well.
We're fighting to set our state and country on a new course. And this week saw the biggest development of the campaign. I’m honored to now be the officially endorsed candidate of the California Republican Party.
Support my campaign for Congress
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Kevin Kiley
California Legislator

 
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R – Richvale) joined a group of Republican Members of Congress on an official trip to view the southern border in Arizona. During this trip, Members received an operational briefing from the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Yuma and toured their Centralized Processing Center. They also went on field tours to see the halted construction of the border wall and a staging site used by cartels to smuggle children across the border.
 
According to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) there were 153,941 illegal immigrant encounters at our southern border in January 2022, a 96% increase from the year prior. These increases coincide with the spike of illegal drugs, such as fentanyl, coming into our southern border. The CBP seized 11,201 pounds of fentanyl in FY2021, an 134% increase from the year prior; this amount is enough to kill every American seven times over. Fentanyl poising deaths doubled in 30 states between 2019 and 2021, and fentanyl overdoses are now reported to be the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
 
“The state of our border is truly horrific. When President Biden halted construction of the border wall, he left giant strips of land wide open for cartels to smuggle illegal drugs, dangerous weapons, and even human trafficking victims into our country. I was appalled to learn how the cartel ‘recycles’ child victims; taking them from their parents who owe the cartel and smuggling them into our country. Then, once the CBP finds the children and return them back to their families, the cartel takes them all over again. The human rights abuses and national security crisis needs to stop. The Biden Administration knows what’s going on, yet refuses to do anything about it,” said Congressman LaMalfa.
 
 
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.
 
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Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) voted against the proposed $1.5 trillion Omnibus spending package. The text of the 2741-page bill was only sent to Members in the early hours of the day before. Members of Congress were previously given an outline of the bill, but not made aware of the specific items or total spending in the legislation. Republicans successfully forced a separate vote on a negotiated Ukraine aid package and the U.S. defense portion of the bill. LaMalfa voted in favor of the separate defense and aid package while opposing the larger spending bill.
Rep LaMalfa said:
“Taxpayers cannot afford for Congress to keep spending at record levels. Last night’s bill is the largest annual spending bill ever, and we were given less than 24 hours to read the 2741 pages. The spending bill continues the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration and forces federal agencies to spend billions in borrowed dollars on green new deal programs. There are many individual pieces which I do support and would have in a more responsibly crafted bill. I am greatly concerned with the price to taxpayers and the poor priorities of much of the spending in these very difficult times. I cannot support a plan that continues to spend at such an unsustainable level. Our national debt now exceeds $30.2 trillion.”
 
A related, but separate vote contained limited funding for our national defense, military and humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine, as well as funding for missile defense.
 
“Our national defense is a constitutional imperative. I am happy Republicans forced a separate vote to ensure that our nation has the tools to defend ourselves. In the past year the world has become increasingly dangerous with Russian aggression in Europe, a botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, cyber-attacks on American infrastructure projects, and continued Chinese threats - we need to be prepared. Last night’s vote ensures we have the funding for the tools needed to defend our nation and protect our allies.”
 
 
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.

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Yesterday Newsom delivered his State of the State speech. It lasted 17 minutes. Asked to address our state’s problems, the unbearably long-winded Governor had little to say.

He certainly had nothing to say about crime. Earlier in the day, I’d held a major press conference to end the Prop. 47 mess Newsom helped create. I then walked into the Capitol for the hearing on the bill.
While voters overwhelmingly support it, the radical “Public Safety” Committee killed my bill on a party-line vote. Watch the press conference and committee hearing here.
This is far from over. Newsom’s enablers at the LA Times were so worried they devoted their entire editorial to attacking me, even calling the crime problem a “work of fiction.” Our focus now turns to a ballot initiative circulating to repeal Prop. 47.
One thing in the State of the State did catch my attention. Newsom suddenly wants to "address" gas prices with tax relief. If he's serious, he'll back my bill to suspend the gas tax. Otherwise, it's just the usual puffery.
Puffery is how I’d describe a new slogan he rolled out: “The California Way.” That's supposed to be a good thing, like when he told Biden we're a “model for the nation.”
In reality, Newsom’s “California Way” is ruining the greatest state in the country. We can’t let it become the “American Way” and ruin the greatest country in the world.
Help me fight for our state and country
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Kevin Kiley
California Legislator

With 100% of eligible drinking water debt covered, program now transitions to help relieve wastewater debt
March 8, 2022                                    Contact: Blair Robertson, Public Information Officer
SACRAMENTO – Only six months after federal funding was authorized by the governor and state legislature to relieve pandemic-related water utility arrearages, the State Water Resources Control Board has provided over $301 million to drinking water systems for past-due bills, aiding over a half million Californians who experienced COVID-19 economic hardships. With 100% of the eligible drinking water debt requested by participating water systems now covered, the arrearages program has transitioned to covering pandemic-related debt for wastewater bills.
Altogether 668 systems, collectively serving more than 80% of the state’s population, elected to participate in the drinking water portion of the Water and Wastewater Arrearages Program. They are required to credit their customers’ accounts within 60 days of receiving funds and notify them that their water bill debt has been cleared or reduced. Systems that did not participate are nonetheless subject to Health and Safety Code Section 116773.4(e)(1), which requires them to offer payment plans on debt accrued during the eligible period and disallows water shutoffs on customers who stay current on their plans. California implemented a blanket statewide moratorium on water shutoffs from April 2020 to December 31, 2021.
“The state prevented a health crisis for many Californians economically impacted by the pandemic by ordering a moratorium on water shutoffs for non-payment and staved off potentially serious financial damage to water systems by covering many of these households’ water bill debt,” said Darrin Polhemus, deputy director for the Division of Drinking Water.
“The Coachella Valley Water District appreciates the State Water Board’s swift action to implement the arrearages program, which has provided $213,171 to cover the outstanding bills of 880 of our customers who were financially impacted by COVID-19,” said Castulo Estrada, Board Vice-President at the Coachella Valley Water District. “We suspended service disconnections and late fees early in the pandemic to provide some relief to our customers, but their outstanding balances continued to grow. This funding has given them a fresh start.”
The board completed payments for drinking water debt accrued during the eligible period of March 4, 2020 to June 15, 2021 by January 31, 2022, the deadline set for paying off drinking water arrearages by the legislation that allocated $1 billion to establish the program. Remaining funds are now being used to offer wastewater systems relief for their customers’ pandemic-related utility debt.
The board conducted surveys in November 2020 and again in August 2021 to gauge the magnitude of the pandemic’s financial impacts on water systems and the households they service.
On January 19 the board adopted additional guidelines for addressing wastewater debt and the application opened Feb. 1.
“We are committed to getting relief to wastewater systems still feeling the financial impact of pandemic-related unpaid bills,” said Karen Mogus, deputy director of the Division of Water Quality, “and, as with drinking water arrearages, I am optimistic that all eligible wastewater debt will be covered by the program. However, eligible entities must apply for relief within the two-month window between February 1 and April 1, 2022; I encourage wastewater treatment providers and the cities, counties and sewer districts who bill for wastewater services to apply right away.”
To ensure water systems and their customers receive as much relief as possible, the arrearages program allows for broad eligibility criteria. For example, entities that previously transferred debt to a third party can still apply to clear debt for their customers, as can cities and counties that collect wastewater fees through tax rolls. In consideration of the varied billing patterns across water systems, the program allows applicants to request funding for any arrearages accrued during billing periods that intersect with the eligibility dates of March 4, 2020 through June 15, 2021.
Initial payments to cover wastewater debt for eligible applicants were approved on March 2, with all payments disbursed by mid-May. The deadline for applications is April 1.
The State Water Board’s mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper resource allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations.
 

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SACRAMENTO – Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to Governor Newsom to ask him tosupport a stable and affordable energy supply by adopting polices to allow Californians to take advantage of the abundant inland natural resources available in our state that will help ensure we are not dependent on foreign energy sources. Below is a copy of their letter.
 
March 7, 2022
 
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor, State of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
 
Dear Governor Newsom:
 
The images coming out of Ukraine are devastating, and we cannot ignore the fact that this war will negatively impact the everyday lives of Californians. An obvious outcome of this unprovoked aggression will be uncertainty in our state’s energy supply.
 
California is an “energy island;” we are disconnected from the other lower-47 states. Due to a lack of infrastructure and shipping costs, our state is extremely limited in its ability to import oil from other states that is needed to support energy needs for transportation, businesses, food production and everyday way of life. 
 
With limited access to oil from the other 47 states, California imports 75% of its crude oil supplies. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 2021, California imports 18% of its oil from Ecuador, 16% from Saudi Arabia and 15% from Iraq.
 
Unbeknownst to many Californians, the state also imports 6% of its crude oil from Russia. That translates to 18,347,000 barrels of oil that were shipped to us in 2021. The state’s reliance on foreign oil has only grown because of state and federal policies that have severely limited the production of affordable energy within California. With the conflict in Ukraine, there is going to be increased demand on volatile energy supplies – making California more vulnerable to price swings.
 
Rising global energy costs are already having a direct impact at the pump, with gas prices hitting a recent high of $7.59 per gallon. Currently, the average price for a gallon of gas is $5.28, and last year, it was $3.76.
 
California imports more oil from foreign countries and other states than it produces locally. Any interruption in the global supply will result in higher energy costs for Californians. All sectors of the state’s economy from food prices to manufacturing of goods will grapple with higher costs.
 
Given the uncertainty, experts fear the disruption to oil supplies will further increase gas prices, resulting in higher inflation. The Los Angeles Times recently noted that “economists worry that higher food and energy prices could push inflation into double digits,” which would affect all sectors of the state’s economy. 
 
We can and must protect working families and their ability to live in this beautiful state. To this end, we ask for your commitment in supporting a stable and affordable energy supply by adopting polices to allow Californians to take advantage of the abundant inland natural resources available in our state that will help ensure we are not dependent on foreign energy sources.
 
We must have more California energy production by Californians for Californians.
 
Sincerely,
 
Vince Fong
Assemblymember, 34th District
 
Carlos Villapudua
Assemblymember, 13th District
 
Melissa Hurtado
Senator, 14th District
 
James Gallagher
Assemblymember, 3rd District
 
Jim Cooper
Assemblymember, 9th District
 
Heath Flora
Assemblymember, 12th District
 
Rudy Salas
Assemblymember, 32nd District
 
Adam Gray
Assemblymember, 21st District
 
Jordan Cunningham
Assemblymember, 35th District
 
Shannon Grove
Senator, 16th District
 
Marie Waldron
Assemblymember, 75th District
 
Laurie Davies
Assemblymember, 73rd District
 
Chad Mayes
Assemblymember, 42nd District
 
Thurston “Smitty” Smith
Assemblymember, 33rd District
 
Megan Dahle
Assemblymember, 1st District
 
Jim Patterson
Assemblymember, 23rd District
 
Devon Mathis
Assemblymember, 26th District
 
Tom Lackey
Assemblymember, 36th District
 
Frank Bigelow
Assemblymember, 5th District
 
Kelly Seyarto
Assemblymember, 67th District
 
Steven Choi, Ph.D.
Assemblymember, 68th District

At 15:10 hrs on Wednesday February 16th, 2022 Sierra County Sheriffs Dispatch received a 911 call for a fire at the Pasquetti Ranch in Sierraville. Sierra County Fire Protection District No. 1 was toned out to mitigate the blaze. Sierra County FPD Engine 282 was en route within a minute of the tones (one of the volunteer firefighters had seen the smoke and alerted others), and was on scene shortly thereafter. They encountered heavy fire coming from the west side of the shop, and immediately went to work stretching a line. Mutual aid was requested by Chief Connolly based on the size up by USFS Battalion 61 (who was on scene a couple minuets after E282).
Mutual aid was provided by the USFS as well as Loyalton FD. In the end: 5 engines, 4 Chief Officers, 3 Water Tenders and 2 Patrols (SCFPD E282 and WT82 from Sierraville, E84 from Calpine and WT83 from Sattley; USFS E361, E371, Patrol 61, Patrol 62, Battalion 61 and Battalion 71; Loyalton FD E15, C1 and WT1) 28 fire fighters in total responded. With the initial help of local residents, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from destroying any additional buildings that were adjacent to the building of origin. This is a testament to the dedication of both our local Volunteers and Forest Service Firefighters, who often train together. As well as the locals, many who have previous firefighting experience, who all pulled together to battle the fire.
One civilian was assessed for exposure to smoke by an Eastern Plumas Ambulance, one firefighter suffered minor burns due to the intense radiant heat, and another a sprained knee while responding to the call. In addition to the contents of the barn a tractor was destroyed in the fire. Over 40,000 gallons of water, combined with class A foam were used to control the blaze and get it under control.
A heartfelt thanks to Los Dos Amigos for suppling burritos to all of the hungry firefighters, some of who where on scene well into the night mopping up and dealing with frozen hose.
Chief Connolly
Sierra County FPD No.1 

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March 4th, at approximately 1357 hrs; Sierra County FPD Battalion Chief, Jay Huebert, reported a shed on fire on South Lincoln street in Sierraville. Chief Connolly responded, as did Engine 82 from Station 82 in Sierraville and Engine 282 from Station 84 in Calpine. A response was requested from the USFS, under a cooperative agreement, by Chief Connolly while en route.
Battalion Chief Shawn Burt, of the USFS, Engine 361 and Patrol 61 who are stationed a short distance away, responded and stretched a hose line to help contain the fire. Thankfully the homeowner had taken some of the heat out of the fire with a garden hose, prior to firefighters arriving on scene.
The fire which had started to the rear of the structure, extended into a loft space. With the arrival of Sierra County FPD apparatus, horizontal ventilation was achieved and two hose lines were put to work to extinguish the fire. Once the fire was knocked down, USFS resources were released and Sierra County FPD personnel conducted salvage and overhaul of the structure.
Sierra County Sheriffs officers provided traffic control until all fire apparatus were able to be repositioned off of the roadway. 

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​Hello.  My name is Nate Smeltzer. I am 17 and am in Scouts.  I’m working on my Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank you can get in Scouts. One of the requirements for this rank is a service project.  My project is to make memorial banners of all those in the armed forces from our community who gave their lives for their country.  These banners will be hung up on main street, Loyalton.  I have collected the names of 16 people from Sierra County so far.  They are:
1.James Alexander  WWI
2.Edmond Bony WWII (need picture)
3.George Chaffee WWII (need picture)
4.Ward Church WWI (need picture)
5.Hugh Frye Jr. WWII
6.William Lavery WWII
7.Norman Lund WWII
8.Normand Mancock WWII (need picture)
9.Myron McClelland Vietnam
10.Robert McCune WWII
11.Kenneth Mcpheeters WWII
12.William Prunty WWII (need picture)
13.Eldred Schroeder WWII (need picture)
14.Arthur Shelton Vietnam
15.Harry Thomas  WWI (need picture)
16.Lucius Turner WWII (need picture)
 
Here’s where I need your help:

• Of these 16 veterans I only have pictures for 8 of them.  I would like to find pictures of the rest.
• If there are others you know who lost their lives in one of our nation’s wars, please let me know so they, too, will have their memorial banner.
• Each banner costs $115 to make. I have made 2 so far.  To make the remaining 14 I need help with $1610.  If you would like to contribute to this effort you can reach me at (407)946-0169, by email at biglittynate@gmail.com or by mail, PO Box 551, Loyalton, CA 96118.  Any size contribution will be greatly appreciated. 

 
Let’s honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Major Travel Delays in the Sierra Due to US-50 Closure & Expected Snow Storm
 
Sacramento — Motorists heading to the Sierra this weekend expect major travel delays due to a forecasted snow storm and the closure of U.S. Highway 50 in El Dorado County.
 
US-50 is currently closed in both directions due to a massive boulder in the middle of the highway at Echo Summit. CHP is turning eastbound motorists around at Sly Park Road and Sierra-at-Tahoe, and detouring westbound travelers at State Route 89 Junction and Meyers. Motorists are advised to use Interstate 80 as an alternate route.
 
Motorists heading to the Sierra should avoid using backroads due an expected snow storm. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory predicting hazardous mountain travel and encourages motorists to avoid traveling Friday afternoon through at least Saturday morning. Meteorologists are predicting four to eight inches of snow over the higher peaks above 4,000 feet and one to four inches above 2,500 feet. Motorists should expect slippery roads, snow covered roads and reduced visibilities at times. Chain controls is possible, and it is essential you carry chains.
 
US-50 was closed on Thursday, March 3, 2022 around 6 p.m. due to a rock slide at Echo Summit. Crews worked throughout the night prepping for blasting operations by drilling holes into the boulder. Crews are scheduled to perform blasting operation this morning and repair guard rail damaged by the rocks. Once crews have deemed the roadway conditions are safe for motorists, Caltrans will reopen US-50.
 
There is no estimated time of when US-50 will reopen.
 
Motorists preferring not use I-80 as alternate route can use the scenic gold country routes in the counties of El Dorado and Amador. However, there is a possibility the routes could be closed due to the snow. Motorists should allow at least one-hour extra travel time to reach South Lake Tahoe. The alternate routes available are:
 

• From Sacramento to Nevada: From US-50 take the Power Inn Road Exit to SR-16 east, to SR-49 south, to SR-88 east then to SR-89 north.

 

• From Placerville to Nevada: From US-50 take SR-49 south to SR-88 east then to SR-89 north into South Lake Tahoe.

 

• From the East Bay to Nevada: Take SR-88 east in Stockton to SR-88 south then to SR-89 north into South Lake Tahoe.

 

• From Reno/Carson City to the Sacramento area: Take Nevada SR-88 south to California SR-88 west then onto SR-88 to US-50 into Placerville. Or take SR-49 north to SR-16 west then to US-50 west towards El Dorado Hills/Folsom.

 

• From South Lake Tahoe to the Sacramento area: Take SR-89 to SR-88 west then take SR-49 north to US-50 into Placerville or take SR-49 north to SR-16 west then to US-50 west towards El Dorado Hills/Folsom.

 
Motorists coming through the Stockton area can exit SR-99 to SR-88 east, continuing onto SR-88/49. In Jackson, turn left to continue on SR-88 east. At SR-89 turn left (north) and follow it to US-50 into South Lake Tahoe.
 
Caltrans reminds drivers to winterize vehicles by ensuring tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and to stock up with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips.
 
Motorists also are reminded to carry traction-control devices in their vehicles as permitted highway chain installers do not sell traction devices. Periods of chain control are anticipated during the storm with posted speed limits of 30 mph on Interstate 80 during chain-enforcement periods.
 
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
 

 
www.tfhd.com
 
(Tahoe/Truckee. Calif.) – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Tahoe Forest Health System is raising awareness in the community on the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer. 
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States- but it doesn’t have to be. Through screening, colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable, if caught early.
A colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, precancerous growths can be removed before they even turn to cancer.
Talk with your primary care provider about when to begin screening for colorectal cancer and which test is right for you. 
For more information about colorectal cancer screening or to schedule an appointment, call our Gastroenterology clinic at (530) 587-7698.

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About Tahoe Forest Health System
Tahoe Forest Health System, which includes Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA, and Incline Village Community Hospital in Incline Village, NV, offers 24-hour emergency care, urgent care, primary and specialty health care clinics including Tahoe Forest Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Commission on Cancer (COC) accredited cancer center, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, and the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care. With a strong focus on high quality patient care, community collaboration, clinical excellence and innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System is a UC Davis Rural Center of Excellence. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com.
 

Extremely Dry January and February Wipes Out Early Season Surplus, Signals Third Year of Drought
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. Following a January and February that will enter records as the driest documented in state history, the manual survey recorded 35 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 16 inches, which is 68 percent of average for this location for March. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 63 percent of average for this date.
“With only one month left in California’s wet season and no major storms in the forecast, Californians should plan for a third year of drought conditions,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “A significantly below-average snowpack combined with already low reservoir levels make it critical that all Californians step up and conserve water every day to help the state meet the challenges of severe drought.”
Although early season storms helped alleviate some drought impacts, a lack of storms in January and February heightens the need for conservation. The Governor has asked all Californians to cut back water use at least 15 percent compared to 2020 levels. Regionally, the Northern, Central, and Southern Sierra snowpacks are all standing just above 59 percent to 66 percent of average for this date, impacting watersheds across the state.
DWR has increased its efforts to improve climate and runoff forecasting by strengthening its collaborations with partner agencies investing in proven technologies to improve data collection and hydrologic modeling. This includes efforts at the Central Sierra Snow Labwhere DWR and its partners regularly test new equipment and sensors to maximize performance when measuring the state’s snowpack. Forecast improvements and monitoring enhancements increase the reliability of data used to inform water managers about flood risks, allowing opportunities to create more storage in reservoirs ahead of big storms while also ensuring water supply reliability in periods of dry or drought conditions. 
“As the world continues to warm, precipitation is pushing toward extremes. Even when we see large storms producing a lot of snow early in the season, all it takes is a few dry weeks to put us below average,” said Jeremy Hill, Manager of DWR’s Hydrology and Flood Operations Branch. “This new pattern challenges forecasting efforts that have relied on historical patterns, so DWR has led the charge to adopt new technologies and utilize the best available science to manage water in real time and use forecasts that give us time to make decisions to get the most benefits and minimize the hazards.”
Current water conditions are now available 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.
“With below average precipitation and snowpack up until this point, our latest statewide snowmelt forecasts are only 66 percent of average,” said Sean de Guzman, Manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “That is not enough to fill up our reservoirs. Without any significant storms on the horizon, it’s safe to say we’ll end this year dry and extend this drought a third year.”
Additional Resources

• Video of today’s Phillips survey (Available early afternoon)
• Digital photos of today’s Phillips survey (Available early afternoon)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) today announced the availability of grant funding to prevent the further spread of quagga and zebra mussels into California’s waterways. Funded by the California Boater Mussel Fee Sticker (popularly known as the Quagga sticker), the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Program expects to award up to $3 million to eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted from Monday, March 7 through Friday, April 15, 2022. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on April 15, 2022.
Quagga and zebra (Dreissenid) mussels pose a serious threat to California’s waters and fisheries. The spread of these freshwater mussels threatens recreational boating and fishing, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture and the environment in general. To stop the spread of these harmful invasive mussels, California asks boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats. Additionally, DBW provides grants to entities that own or manage any aspect of water in a reservoir that is open for public recreation and is mussel-free.
Funds for the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Program are available for prevention projects such as planning, watercraft inspection stations and inspectors, launch monitors, watercraft decontamination units, educational signage and outreach. These competitive grants are intended to augment local resources. To aid applicants through the application process, DBW will host a webinar on Thursday, March 10, 2022, where potential applicants can learn more about the application process and program. To sign up for the webinar, visit DBW’s webpage.
Application review and scoring will be conducted by DBW in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Grants are expected to be encumbered by August 2022.
To learn more about the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Program, please visit DBW’s website at dbw.ca.gov/QZGrant.

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​ 
 
Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
 
When I was sixteen years old, I was invited to speak at a little country church in rural Denver Kentucky, not far from Paintsville. 
 
The church had all but closed its doors but one man, Harold Rice, and his family wanted to see the church stay open and do well. 
 
A church with few to almost no people typically does not attract too many interested ministers. I had spoken in my home church a few times and was a guest speaker in a few others. Mr. Rice asked if I would consider speaking at the church on the second and fourth Sunday afternoons at 2:00. I agreed, and brought a message to maybe seven or eight people my first Sunday. The crowd consisted of Harold and his wife June Rice and their family. The church was an old building with a pump organ and a sign behind the pulpit that said, "Preach the Word."
 
I stayed with the little congregation called Liberty Baptist Church throughout high school. By the time I was seventeen Mr. Rice was talking to me about being the official pastor and about ordination. In time I would become the pastor and would be ordained. I was too young, too inexperienced and unskilled for such a responsibility but youth is adventurous and will try what those of us who know better would never consider. 
 
The church grew and we started having 20 to 30 people and often more. People literally received Christ, joined the church and were baptized.  This was all amazing. 
 
Even more amazing was Mr. Rice offered me a grand salary of $60 a month to help buy my gasoline. The trip one way from home was over 30 miles so this was appreciated. He also presented me with paperwork for a perk. The church was going to put 10 percent or $6 of my salary into the church denominational retirement plan, then known as The Annuity Board. It's called Guidestone today. He had me to complete a form solidifying my agreement to this monthly contribution. I was about seventeen at this stage and had zero interest or thoughts about retirement. Six dollars a month kind of seemed like a joke. 
 
I was with Liberty church a couple of years or more and about ten to twelve of those months Mr. Rice made that $6 contribution to my retirement faithfully. Although, I never thought another day about it from the moment I signed those papers. 
 
Seven or eight years ago I did wonder if that account even existed. I called up The Guidestone retirement people and with my Social Security number they told me in a few seconds that the account did indeed exist and my balance was $31,000. Shocked would not describe how I felt. I almost had to pick myself off the floor. If Mr. Rice had made as many as 12 contributions the total invested would have been $72. Now, years later I was looking at over $31,000. Since that day of first inquiring that little $6 account now has over $46,000 and still growing. 
 
The point of all this is save some money when you can. Start as young as possible but even if you are old put something away every month. If you can save hundreds every month that is wonderful, please do. However, don't ever underestimate the growth potential of saving a little bit of money every month, even if it's just $6. And yes, every time I look at that account, I remember Mr. Rice and the good people of Liberty Baptist Church who not only encouraged me then but are still encouraging me today with just $6. 


Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
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