California enters summer with precipitation and snowpack below average
 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The season’s final manual snow survey at Phillips Station was conducted today by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The survey recorded 1.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 0.5 inches, which is 3 percent of the May average for this location. The SWE measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack, providing a more accurate forecast of spring runoff than snow depth alone.
Measurements from the 130 electronic snow sensors scattered throughout the state indicate that the statewide snowpack’s water equivalent is 8.4 inches, or 37 percent of the May average. Today's readings will help hydrologists forecast spring and summer snowmelt runoff into rivers and reservoirs.
“March and April storms brought needed snow to the Sierras, with the snowpack reaching its peak on April 9, however those gains were not nearly enough to offset a very dry January and February,” said Sean de Guzman, chief of DWR’s Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecast Section. “The last two weeks have seen increased temperatures leading to a rapid reduction of the snowpack. Snowmelt runoff into the reservoirs is forecasted to be below average.”
California’s weather variability has been on full display this water year. Dry conditions in October and November were followed by precipitation in December that measured 120 percent of average. Very dry conditions returned to much of the state in January and February, with March and April storms leading to the snowpack peaking at just 66 percent of average on April 9.
In normal years, the snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs as it melts in the spring and early summer. The greater the snow water equivalent the greater the likelihood California’s reservoirs will receive ample runoff to meet the state’s water demand in the summer and fall.
The state’s six largest reservoirs currently hold between 83 percent (San Luis) and 126 percent (Melones) of their historical averages for this date. Lake Shasta, California’s largest surface reservoir, is 94 percent of its historical average and sits at 81 percent of capacity.  
Additional Resources
B-roll Video of Phillips Station Survey (Expected between 1-2 p.m.)
Digital Photos of Phillips Station Survey  (Expected between 1-2 p.m.)
California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program Story Map https://arcg.is/1fiCbG
Snowpack readings (View readings for current regional snowpack and historical snowpack comparison)
CDEC precipitation data (View current charts for the Northern Sierra 8-station index for updated rainfall readings in the critical northern portion of the state, as well as the San Joaquin 5-station index and Tulare Basin 6-station index.)

​

(Downieville, CA) April 30, 2020 - The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, in partnership with Yuba Expeditions bike shop and The Lure Resort in Downieville today announced a generous donation from Santa Cruz Bicycles of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) face shields for local Sierra and Plumas County first responders. While the cycling community is staying away from mountain towns and trails due to social distancing and protection of local citizens, Santa Cruz Bicycles still wants to show community support and sincerely thank first responders for their service, help and commitment. 

Although Santa Cruz, California is in a shelter-in-place like most of the country, Santa Cruz Bicycles’ Research and Development team is at work producing face shields for medical and first responder staff using sheets of plastic cut using their machinery typically used for cutting carbon fiber as well as 3D printers used for prototyping composite bicycles. The face shields are reusable and sterilizable.

The company spent ten days evaluating designs, developing multiple prototypes and getting feedback from health care professionals to ensure the end product suited their needs.  

"With a little help from everyone, we’ll get through this together and come out as an even tighter community on the other side," said Santa Cruz Bicycles in an official statement.

The Lost Sierra medical and first responder groups that received the protective face shields include: Downieville Fire, Sierra City Fire, Beckwourth Fire, Eastern Plumas Rural Fire Protection District, Eastern Plumas Health Care, Graeagle Fire Protection District, Plumas Eureka Fire Department, Long Valley Fire, Greenhorn Fire, Quincy Fire, Plumas District Hospital, Care Flight Ground and Care Flight Air. 

We will keep you informed through our websites and social media (@sierratrails @lureresort @yubaexpeditions @santacruzbicycles) as life hopefully returns to normal in the region and public recreation returns again. For a photo gallery of first responders receiving their PPE donation click this link. Thank you for your continued support. 



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SUSANVILLE, Calif., — April 29, 2020.  The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, announced that most developed recreation sites will remain closed through May 15.
The order does not close trails, trailheads, and general forest areas; these areas remain accessible for public use.  Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available from local National Forests.
Outdoor recreation can be beneficial to mental and physical health but must be practiced safely. In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, we continue to ask visitors to recreate locally. 
If you do plan on visiting the Lassen National Forest, please be aware that:

• No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste
• All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly
• Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited
• If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location

 
Closing any site for any reason is not an action we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen closed sites.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.
For additional information on closed areas, customers needing information, please call theSupervisor’s Office at (530) 257-2151, Almanor Ranger District, (530) 258-2141, Eagle Lake Ranger District (530) 257-4188, or the Hat Creek Ranger District (530) 336-5521 during the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday for customer service.  More information is available on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/lassen/home/?cid=FSEPRD725812&width=full.
 
# # #
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
 

 
 
 

Nevada City, Calif. – All motorized roads and trails across the Tahoe National Forest will open on May 1, 2020.  Trash removal services are unavailable at this time and toilet facilities are still closed. Please plan accordingly and pack out all trash and human waste. Thank you for helping to keep the Tahoe National Forest safe and clean, and for preventing further restrictions by recreating responsibly. Happy riding!
 
The following conditions apply at these popular riding areas:
The Downieville multiple-use trail system will still have moderate to heavy snow in higher elevations (much like every year) and connection routes to higher elevations will be impassable.
 
The westside of the Burlington Motorcycle Trail system has favorable soil moisture conditions and is actively being cleared of down winter trees.
 
The Sugar Pine OHV system has favorable soil moisture conditions and is actively being cleared of down winter trees. Additionally:

• Parker and Sugar Pine staging areas are open for day-use only. Overnight camping is not permitted at these staging areas at this time.
• The Brimstone staging area is closed.
• Be aware of down winter trees. Tahoe National Forest trail crews should have most Sugar Pine OHV system trails cleared by the upcoming weekend, but the potential for down winter trees may exist on some remote and outlier routes.

 
The Boca/ Stampede OHV system has favorable soil moisture conditions and is actively being cleared of down winter trees.

• Please tread lightly on north-facing trails and in higher elevations.

 
The Bear Valley OHV system has favorable soil moisture conditions and is actively being cleared of down winter trees.

• Please tread lightly on north-facing trails and in higher elevations.

 
For a more robust list of Tahoe National Forest motorized road and trail conditions, see below:
Westside of the Tahoe National Forest

• Diamond Creek – Patchy snow and muddy conditions
• Gold Valley  -  Closed at Gold Lake HWY – Windfall, inaccessible due to snow on road
• Excelsior – Snow remains in shady areas, muddy in spots
• Chalk Bluff – Snow and muddy conditions
• Omega – Snow and muddy conditions
• Alpha  – Muddy conditions
• Burlington – Muddy conditions
• Bowman  – Accessible to mile post 8, the 18/17 road junction, then heavy snow
• Cal-Ida – Open to Halls Ranch
• Fiddle Creek – Open, watch for windfall
• Texas Hill –From mile post 1.378-9.187 – Frozen snow on road
• Eureka  – Accessible to mile post 2.5 – Snow on road
• Long Point Access – Muddy conditions
• Jouberts  – Poor road condition, snow and tree limbs in road
• Madrone Spring – Good condition
• Washington Ridge – Good condition

 
Eastside of the Tahoe National Forest

• Fiberboard (07 Road) – Open to the Perazzo intersection, then heavy snow coverage.
• Yuba Weber  - Snow covered and not accessible
• Carmen Valley - Road is snow free and in good condition and passable.
• Nicholas Mill –  Road is snow free and in good condition for about 2.5 miles. Then blocked by snow.
• Verdi Peak – Blocked by snow
• Haskel Peak – Blocked by snow
• Babbit – Snow covered, not accessible
• Sawtooth (06 Road) – Moderate snow to second gate, then impassable
• Bear Valley Road – Snow free, good condition and passable.

Local County Roads within the Tahoe National Forest

• Boca/Stampede - Clear
• Mosquito Ridge – Clear to Hell Hole
• Foresthill Road – Clear to Beacroft, patches of snow on road possible after Beacroft
• Indian Springs Road – clear to OHV Trail Head

 
           
For more information about the Tahoe National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.
 
 
 

 
By Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
Most of America has been addled from our normal lifestyle. Today, we aren't for sure what normal is anymore. Covid-19 has been and is like a walk in a wilderness where we have never ventured before. 
 
While we are wandering through this new wilderness in our lifetime here are some suggestions for you. Use your telephone or facetime every chance you have. Put voices or even faces with voices in your life. Reacquaint yourself with some old friends or make some new friends. We live in a texting, messaging age. Messaging is good but a real voice and even a face is nice when it's possible.
 
Clean out your closet, attic or garage. You'll feel better if you can declutter some of the stuff you never use. Put it in the trash. Put it on the street with a note that says, "free." Or, give it away to the first charity that becomes available. 
 
Leave a message at your beauty or barbershop. Tell them to call you as soon as
their available. There will be a line of people making appointments and you don't want to be delayed two more weeks. 
 
Have your car serviced. Most auto repair places are still open. This is someplace you can go to. Have the oil changed in your car or your wheels balanced. 
 
Pay bills. You probably just got your stimulus check. Now is the time to try to unbury some from utility bills and other bills due. This is not a time to waste any money. If you are still out of work be careful about how you spend your stimulus.  
 
Be nice to those people you are around. Keep your voice down and calm. Be kind. Be helpful and over considerate. Make a personal commitment to be easy going and go with the flow. 
 
Don't stress or panic. Wash your hands. Wear your mask. If you feel sick then stay home. If you start having an anxiety attack then pause and breath. Walk some around the house. Hug your spouse, child or whoever is in your home or close by.
 
Find ways to exercise. Keep moving your body during the day. Clean your house. Walk. Do sit-ups or pushups. Walk in your neighborhood or around your house or apartment building. 
 
Practice on your favorite instrument. Listen to the radio. Dance. Sing a little. 
 
Card games, Monopoly, checkers, chess are interesting for a change. 
 
Write your congressman or senator. Bend their ear some. Send them an email or a letter. 
Write your President. Someone will look at it. Write your governor. How do you like how he or she is handling your state?
 
Work on your faith. Over 200,000 people worldwide have died from Covid-19. Death is real and Covid-19 might not bother you much or it might take you out of this world. Why not get to know God a little better now? 
 
Hang tough as we journey through this wilderness experience.

  
Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
  
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette
​

 
Although April 1 has come and gone, it is not too late to respond to the 2020 Census. The response rate as of April 24 in Sierra County was just 11.2%, one of the lowest response rates in California and well below the statewide figure of 54.2%  If you haven’t responded already, make sure you are counted and respond now at my2020census.gov or complete and return the paper questionnaire the Census Bureau may have sent you earlier. If you are unable to respond online or need assistance, please call toll-free 1-844-330-2020.
 
The U.S. Census Bureau is working to ensure the 2020 Census counts all children living in Sierra County.
 
Being counted in the census impacts critical childhood services for the next 10 years. According to the Census Bureau, an estimated 1 million children under the age of 5 were not counted in the last decennial census. Young children are also at risk of not being counted in the 2020 Census, especially those with complex living arrangements like dividing their time between divorced parents or living with multiple families under one roof.
 
Consider this: A newborn or toddler counted in the 2020 Census will be finishing elementary school in time for the 2030 Census. Being counted in the census impacts critical childhood services for the next 10 years.
 
Results of the 2020 Census will inform federal funds that Sierra County receives for services including those that benefit children, such as Head Start, special education, after-school programs, school lunch assistance, children’s health insurance, child care, and housing support.
 
There are many reasons young children are undercounted in the census. Research shows that children living with large, extended families or with multiple families under one roof are at greater risk of being missed. These children may have more than one home and may not be related to the person responding to the census for their household.
 
Children living in linguistically isolated or low-income households and those who recently moved may also be missed in the count. Babies under 3 months old may be at an even higher risk of not being counted.
 
Here are Census Bureau guidelines for counting children if you have not yet responded:
 

• Count them in the home where they live and sleep most of the time, even if their parents do not live there.
• If a child splits time between two homes, count them where they stay most often. If their time is evenly divided, or you don’t know, count them where they were staying on April 1, 2020.
• If a child moved during March or April 2020, count them at the address where they were living on April 1, 2020.
• Count children that do not have a permanent place to live and were staying with you on April 1, 2020, even if they were only staying temporarily.
• Count newborns at the home where they will live and sleep most of the time, even if they were still in the hospital on April 1, 2020.

 
Local parents and educators can also learn more about the importance of counting young children in this fact sheet and this FAQ document.

www.tfhd.com


 (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  We want to offer our deepest and most sincere “thank you” to our community for supporting us every step of the way as we continue to navigate the pandemic crisis together. 
I’d like to provide you with a brief update as we begin planning for a phased re-opening to resume our hospital, clinic and outpatient services over the next 5-6 weeks. 
 
With so much information in the media about hospital restrictions, this is a good time to remind everyone that all aspects of your health are very important 24/7. Please don’t wait for treatment if you need urgent or emergency care, which can cause a condition to worsen or become a preventable emergency. 
 
It is SAFE to come to our emergency departments at Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital for any health or injury emergency you or your family member has.
 
As we move into a thoughtful, careful and appropriate re-opening plan, our number one goal is your safety, as well as the safety of our staff members, physicians and advanced practice providers. 
 
This means we’ll be implementing an organized screening process for patients in all areas of service, with prompts for social distancing. All patients and hospital staff will wear masks for everyone’s protection, and regular hand-washing will be strongly encouraged. 
 
While we currently have a good supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), we’ll be evaluating our inventory on a daily basis to keep our levels high enough for both our staff members and patients. 
 
We’ll also continue to monitor and communicate directly with officials at the county and state level as we continue to evaluate our actions each week and adjust our plans as necessary. 
 
Above all, safety for everyone is our highest priority.  And while we work through the logistics of a carefully phased re-opening plan, please know that it’s safe to come and see us in our clinics, our emergency department or the hospital for all your healthcare needs.
 
It’s our honor to serve you and to work together with you to protect your total health!
 
With warm regards,
 

Harry Weis
President and CEO
Tahoe Forest Health System

For more information about TFHS services, and details about COVID-19, please visit tfhd.com.

#####
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, 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, the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care and the Tahoe Forest Primary Care Clinic with same-day appointments. 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.
 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email, including attachments, may contain confidential and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his/her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any use, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail, including attachments, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please IMMEDIATELY (1) Forward the email and all file attachments to compliance@tfhd.com to notify the Tahoe Forest Hospital District Compliance office AND (2) permanently delete the message and any file attachments. Questions may be directed to the Tahoe Forest Hospital District Compliance Hotline at 1(530)582-6655.

SPECIAL EVENTS were discussed at the Special Board of Supervisors’ meeting held through teleconferencing April 16th. Planning Director Tim Beals had already received word that a lot of cancellations have occurred, including the Brewfest in Downieville. He wanted to make sure there was Board support for special use permits, and felt they needed to be consistent through out the county. Supervisor Sharon Dryden said until they have further guidelines that all permits should be suspended until further notice, adding that Graeagle’s 4th of July was cancelled as well as Burning Man. She felt anything throughout the summer was not advisable. Supervisor Paul Roen wanted to be consistent with the Governor’s order. Supervisor Lee Adams suggested the permit be issued on the condition that the Governor’s order is amended or lifted. Beals stated any application before June 1 will not be issued and any permit for after June 1 could be revoked if the order is beyond June 1st. This topic will be agendized for the first meeting in June to reevaluate and up until June 2nd permits will not be issued.
Greg Carter, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship Board President wanted to provide a little context regarding the Downieville Classic held the last weekend in July. He stated they take the public’s health as their absolute priority, but needed to have a decision before June 1st and wanted to know if there was a feeling or a trend on whether they want 3,000 people in Downieville. Adams responded that It’s a decision they will have to make and it will be a big impact to the community, but didn’t think they were well positioned to say yes or no. Dryden stated she thinks in practicality and if Sierra County will be able to handle 3,000 this summer. She realized it’s difficult to cancel events like this, but felt if she were making the decision she would hold off this year. Supervisor Peter Huebner said the businesses depend on events like this, adding the “decision is not ours, it is the Governor’s.” Social Services and Public Health Director Vickie Clark wanted everyone to know that Public Health Officer Celia Sutton-Pado is listening daily on the public health crisis and things may be carried out much longer. She warned that what may work for bigger communities may not work for us. Sutton-Pado added that even though the Governor is looking at relaxing some of the measures, she’s sure big events wouldn’t be included with mass gatherings.

FISHING – Supervisor Lee Adams reported during the regular teleconference Board of Supervisors’ meeting held April 21st about a discussion with the Department of Fish and Game on April 20th regarding fishing season and gave options of doing nothing, closing it or suspending the opener.  Fish and Game wanted to know as soon as possible what the Board decided. Board Chair Jim Beard stated if the County does not oppose the postponement or cancellation whatever the action Fish and Game decides to take will take effect that night, one minute after midnight. Beard said it was also stated it would be hard to split the county and allow fishing on the east side and not the west side. Supervisor Paul Roen stated there were definitely two sides of the county, adding the eastside had a lot more room to allow adequate spacing. Sheriff Mike Fisher who is also a big fisherman, recommended a narrow surgical approach and strongly encouraged the Board to leave the lakes open and remote watersheds for those diehard fishermen. He added the idea was to limit the visitors but not trample their rights, and concentrate on problem areas. Adams felt they should close the North Yuba River north of Good Year’s Bar for its length up to the Yuba Pass and include the Downie River for its entire length to delay indefinitely or revise when the Governor starts lifting orders. Considering all national forest land is open and this activity is sacred to many, Adams was comfortable with it, adding it would reduce the overall impact pretty minimally and protect the westside communities that would be greatly affected. This action was to be added to the letter to Fish and Game and was approved unanimously

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Responds to Request from Sierra County About FishingApril 22, 2020by kmacinty, posted in covid-19, Fishing (Sport), Public Participation, Public Safety, Regulations
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham took two specific and limited steps today for fishing in Sierra County. As requested by county officials, CDFW suspended fishing on the mainstem of the North Fork Yuba River and delayed the trout opener on the entire Downie River mainstem in the county. Sierra County officials requested these actions last week along with requests from Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties; however; the tailored request required additional discussion with the county. The director made this decision in consultation with California Fish and Game Commission President Eric Sklar.
Fishing was already open on the mainstem of the North Fork Yuba River. Trout fishing was scheduled to open on the Downie River this Saturday, April 25. Trout is the only fishable species on the Downie River. The closure and delay in Sierra County will expire May 31, 2020.
Specifically, this means fishing is now suspended on the North Fork Yuba River from Yuba Pass downstream to the confluence with Goodyears Creek and the trout opener on the entire mainstem of the Downie River is delayed, both through May 31, 2020. Pursuant to the emergency regulation approved by the Commission, CDFW will provide current information for the angling public online or by phone at (916) 445-7600.
Today’s decision does not affect the trout season in any other county.
For information on the delay in Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties, please see this press release issued yesterday. A comprehensive summary and description of impacted regulations is available on CDFW’s website.
At the request of counties or tribes, CDFW will consider action to address needs regarding fishing seasons amongst the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a county or tribal representative with questions or would like to provide input on potential angling related delays or restrictions, please contact Roger Bloom, Acting Branch Chief, Fisheries Branch, by email at Roger.Bloom@wildlife.ca.gov.
###​

 
California will administer benefits, including additional $600 per week made available in coronavirus legislation
 
Benefits are retroactive to date of job loss, not filing date
 
            Washington--Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following information explaining how self-employed, part-time, independent contractors and gig workers in California can apply for new unemployment insurance benefits (including an additional $600 per week beyond usual state benefits) made available through the CARES Act:
 
            “With unemployment rates skyrocketing due to the coronavirus pandemic, many Californians are applying for unemployment benefits for the first time. In order to receive benefits as quickly as possible, Californians should apply through the California Employment Development Department’s website.
 
            “Applying through the state will make you eligible for a range of unemployment benefits. In the coronavirus recovery legislation signed into law last month, Congress included an additional $600 a week until July 31 and extended the period you can receive benefits by 13 weeks.
 
            “Congress also made self-employed, part-time, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits for the first time. In short, if you lost your job due to the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment benefits will likely be available even if you weren’t eligible in the past.”

How self-employed, part-time, independent contractors and gig workers can file an unemployment insurance claim in California:


(Source: EDD website)
 
As part of the federal CARES Act, the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program helps unemployed Californians who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits who are out of business or services are significantly reduced as a direct result of the pandemic. The provisions of the program include:
 

• Up to 39 weeks of benefits starting with weeks of unemployment beginning February 2, 2020, through the week ending December 26, 2020*, depending on when you became directly impacted by the pandemic.
  
  
• An additional $600 to each PUA weekly benefit amount you may be eligible to receive, as part of the separate CARES Act Pandemic Additional Compensation program. Only the weeks of a claim between March 29 and July 25* are eligible for the extra $600 payments.
  
  
• A new 13-week federal extension for those who run out of their regular state-provided UI benefits (maximum 26 weeks). File a PUA claim and you may be converted to the federal extension once it is available.

 
* Under the CARES Act, the $600 additional benefits are available through July 31, 2020. However, the US Department of Labor has issued guidance to clarify that, for most Californians, the last full week of benefits will end on July 25, 2020. Similarly, the PUA program has a legislative end date of December 31, 2020, but for Californians, the last full week of benefits will end on December 26, 2020.
 
Benefits can be retroactive to weeks starting on or after February 2, 2020, depending on your last day of work due to COVID-19 and regardless of when you submitted your claim application. The effective date of your claim will begin the Sunday of the week when you last worked and became unemployed due to reasons directly related to COVID-19.
 
Eligibility
 
The PUA benefits are payable if you don’t qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in California or another state and also do not qualify for state Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave benefits. This includes:
 

• Business owners
• Self-employed individuals
• Independent contractors

 
Please visit the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance website for more information.
 
The fastest way to apply for benefits is through UI Online. You can also apply for PUA by phone, mail, or fax.
 
###

-Antelope Lake Road (#29N43) remains closed-

QUINCY, Calif. – Plumas National Forest officials have reduced the size of the Walker Fire area closure. Antelope Lake Road (FS #29N43 / Forest Route 172) remains temporarily closed due to hazard tree removal activities, and subsequent road repairs.
The closed segment of Antelope Road begins at the eastern end of Genesee Valley, north to the Antelope Lake dam. A portion of Forest Service Road #28N03 on the southwest side of the lake is also closed. The road, trail and area closure will be in place 24-hours per day due to unsafe conditions including log decks on roads, active heavy equipment operations, and other road hazards during and after hazard tree removal & reconstruction operations.
Alternate routes to Antelope Lake include:

1. Taylorsville: Plumas County Road 213 (Diamond Mtn.) through the North Arm of Indian Valley (north of Taylorsville) and east on Forest Service (FS) Road (Rd) #28N03
2. Milford: Lassen County Rd 336 (Milford Grade) south, continuing on (turns into) FS Rd. #26N70 and then northwest on FS Rd. #28N03
3. Janesville: Lassen County Road 208 (Janesville Grade), south to Forest Service Road #26N70, and then northwest to FS Rd #28N03.
4. Susanville: Lassen County Rd 204 (Gold Run), south to Plumas County Rd 213 (Diamond Mtn.), and then east on FS Rd #28N03.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
For more information about alternate routes, route conditions, and other information about the closure area, please call the Mt. Hough Ranger District at (530) 283-0555 or the Beckwourth Ranger District at (530) 836-2575.
Federal, state and local officers and members of organized rescue or firefighting forces in performance of official duty and those with specific permits or contract language allowing them use of the roads may access the Antelope Lake Road and other areas within the closure following coordination with the applicable Forest Service staff.
While officials will continue to monitor area activities and adjust the closure where possible, Antelope Lake Road is likely to be closed through this fall as a function of proposed salvage timber operations.
A map of the closure area and other Plumas National Forest information is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas .
### 

Many community hands came together to deliver nearly 450 school supply packets from The Sierra Schools Foundation to students in the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District this week.
Shortly after the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were put in place, SSF board members realized that many students might not have the supplies at home that they would need to complete their studies. So they put together a list of several items, including a composition book, pencil packet, colored pencils, pencil sharpener, and just for fun, colored sidewalk chalk.
SSF president, Jenna Holland said, “While we thought students might have a need for basic items, we also wanted to say, ‘We see you. We care about you.’”
While the supplies project was quickly approved, it took some time to actually get the items, because of availability and shipping issues. Students who haven’t yet received theirs can contact their school for more information.
SSF treasurer, Victoria Fisher, and her daughters took responsibility for putting together the hundreds of packets while using sanitary handling methods.
However, she said many helped to make sure the materials were delivered in a timely and safe manner. Specifically, she wanted to acknowledge help from the following: Rachel Hale, Jenny Wilkinson, and others from Leonard’s; Sierra Valley Home Center; and the SPJUSD teachers and administration, as well as many others from the community.

​Dear Friends and Supporters of Loyalton Booster Club,
 
On behalf of the Loyalton Booster Club, we are extremely sorry to inform you that the Loyalton Crab Feed Fundraiser which was postponed to May 9th, 2020 has been canceled due to the unavoidable circumstances concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
We have rescheduled this Fundraising Event to be held on March 27th, 2021.  We are providing a few different options for you to consider as to how to proceed forward with your already purchased tickets.  Please see the attachment provided and select one option or contact us via email and we will be happy to facilitate your wishes.
 
We appreciate your continued support and we are once again sincerely sorry.  We do hope that you will still be able to grace us with your presence as we look forward to seeing all of you for another successful event next year. 
 
Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Andrea Ceresola at awhite@spjusd.org or Sheri Roen at sproen@aol.com. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
 
Sincerely,
 
Loyalton Booster Club Board
Andrea Ceresola, President
Stacey Hood, Vice President
Sheri Roen, Secretary
Nichole Johnson, Treasurer
 
*PLEASE SELECT HOW YOU WOULD LIKE US TO PROCEED WITH YOUR ALREADY PURCHASED TICKETS BY CHOOSING ONE OPTION BELOW AND RETURNING TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE*
 
 
 
 
 

         I would like a full refund for the tickets I purchased. Please provide Name, number of tickets purchased as well as ticket stub numbers and correct mailing address:
 
___________________________________________________
 
___________________________________________________
 
 
 

 I would like the Booster Club to hold my tickets for next years            scheduled date of March 27th, 2021 (Please provide name, number of tickets purchased and ticket stub number that were provide to you)  If I am unable to attend, I will contact the Booster Club to either donate my ticket purchase to the Booster Club or request a refund.  Please submit request by January 1st, 2021.
 
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 I would like to donate my money to the Booster Club Organization and repurchase tickets again next year.  (Your donation will go towards the Athletic Program which provides the purchases of Athletic Supplies for the Athletes at Loyalton High School.)
 
 
      *YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE IS KINDLY APPRECIATED*
 

California State Parks Reminds All Californians to 
‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ as Weather Warms Up Across State

​ 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With temperatures warming up across the state, California State Parks is reminding all Californians to ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ as California continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  


“With the warm weather, it’s only natural people want to make use of parks and beaches, but we are encouraging them to stay home. We want to make sure people know that many of our parks and beaches are closed or have very limited access to make sure we’re all abiding and practicing physical distancing,” said Lisa Mangat, Director of California State Parks. “As the Governor said, our goal is to make sure people are safe, and that we’re mitigating the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.”


Below is a breakdown of the current closures implemented by State Parks and what they mean to the public. 


Some State Parks and Beaches Temporarily Closed to the Public -- Meaning there is no public access at these public outdoor spaces. All beaches, trails and restrooms within these parks are closed. Additionally, there are no parking facilities for visitors, including for off-highway vehicles and recreational boats.


Vehicular Access at ALL 280 State Parks and Beaches is Temporarily Closed – Meaning there are no parking facilities and parking on roadways is prohibited. Although some parks and beaches are open to local residents – provided that they actively walk, jog, or bike into and at these public outdoor spaces, and maintain proper physical distance from others – congregating is not allowed. Additionally, if there are too many people at the park, beach or trail that does not allow for the required physical distancing, visitors are being asked to leave. 


The list with park unit names is available online at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve. This list is dynamic and is updated with new information as it becomes available. The public is urged to check with their local and county authorities on their park closures. 


Though State Park Peace Officers and allied law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public will adhere to the advice of the public health officials and the closures.

 State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and social distancing at all state park units and if the safety measures implemented to date are not sufficient to protect public health and slow down the spread of COVID-19, additional measures may be taken to fully close parks including trails, bathrooms, and other amenities. 


As the state continues to prepare and protect Californians from COVID-19, State Parks continues to monitor the situation and is following guidance provided by the Governor’s Office via the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.


The department is also working closely with local county and public health officials, and assessing park operations on a daily basis to provide access to healthy outdoor options while emphasizing the need for safe, physical distancing. The department understands that local agencies each have unique operational considerations and strategies. As such, State Parks is partnering with locals to align park operations and help the public understand and comply with directives from local public health authorities.  


Any decision to reopen state parks will be made in close coordination with state and public health officials, the Governor’s Office and the state office of emergency services.


                                        
California State Parks continues to urge you to 'Stay Home, Save Lives.' Learn more at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.


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Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news and click here.
California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 24, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Sacramento
SPCA announced today that, since April 1, it has seen a 500% increase in
the number of underage kittens (younger than six weeks) come in to the
shelter at 6201 Florin Perkins Rd in Sacramento versus the same time period
last year.

While most of the public programs are currently suspended at the Sacramento
SPCA due to mandates surrounding COVID-19, the shelter is receiving a
record number of stray kittens being abandoned in front of the shelter or
dropped off by local citizens who are trying to help.

"Because the city shelter on Front Street and county shelter on Bradshaw
are limiting stray animal intake due to COVID-19, we are seeing more stray
animals in crisis - especially kittens - arriving at our doors," said
Sacramento SPCA CEO Kenn Altine.

The Sacramento SPCA typically cares for more than 600 underage kittens each
year, with about 10% of the kittens being under 6 weeks of age and arriving
without a mother to feed them. With the number of these neonatal kittens
already nearly exceeding the annual intake, the shelter is bracing for an
overwhelming kitten season.

"We need the public's help to address this issue - in education on leaving
kittens in place, in becoming 'bottle-baby' fosters, and in supporting our
spay/neuter programs through donations," Altine said. "The needs of animals
were not put on hold during this pandemic. We may be closed to the public,
but we are always here for the animals. We are the only haven for unwanted
animals and owners in crisis who need to surrender a cherished pet,
regardless of its age, breed, health or behavior."

The Impact of Suspended Spay & Neuter

In addition to an increase in stray animals abandoned at the Sacramento
SPCA, there is another looming concern: with spay & neuter programs
suspended for the last month due to COVID-19 and potentially into the next
month, animals that would have been altered are now able to reproduce,
compounding the current animal overpopulation problem.

The Sacramento SPCA operates the 7th largest spay & neuter clinic in the
nation, altering more than 18,300 animals annually and preventing hundreds
of thousands of unwanted animals from entering our region's shelters. The
clinic altered 11,867 cats and kittens in 2019, including nearly 4,000
additional cats that were altered during the Sacramento SPCA's Feral Cat
Clinic offered each Sunday.

With these services being suspended in April and potentially longer, public
animals and community cats have been left with the opportunity to reproduce
and overwhelm a region that already needs more access to spay & neuter
capacity.

"We recognize that demand for low-cost spay and neuter services in our
region far outweighs the current capacity," said Altine. "With the shut
down of our spay & neuter services in April, the need to protect our
animals and community will be even greater."

The potential magnitude of this crisis is still uncertain, but with growing
animal overpopulation, limited shelter capacity and animals requiring
resources beyond the community's capacity, concerns are rising.

What to Do When You Find a Kitten

All local animal shelters recommend leaving the kittens where you found
them. In most cases, the mother is nearby or out hunting and will return
shortly. Kittens have a much better chance for survival with their mother,
so moving them should only be considered if they are in a life-threatening
or dangerous location.

When in doubt, follow this kitten guide for specific steps you can take to
give the kittens the best chance for survival; how to determine their age;
and when to get involved, including fostering them yourself:
https://www.sspca.org/helpifoundkittens.

How the Community Can Help

Foster. Donate. Repeat.

Because the shelter is currently receiving more neonatal kittens requiring
specialized care, they are actively recruiting fosters with previous
"bottle baby" experience to help with the current and impending kitten
storm. As these young kittens transition from bottle feeding to wet food,
they can be moved to other foster homes until they are old enough for spay
& neuter and adoption.

Foster parents experienced in caring for neonatal kittens are encouraged to
contact the Sacramento SPCA at catfosterrescue@sspca.org.

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal shelter in the Sacramento
region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals,
businesses and foundations to support their work. They are local,
independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government
agencies.

And with the closing of the Sacramento SPCA's public programs, the revenue
that provides a significant part of their income has disappeared. They are
asking the community to make monetary donations to ensure that they can
continue to support animals and people whenever and however needed,
including providing critical supplies like formula, bottles/nipples and wet
food to foster families during kitten season.

Donations can be made online or by mail to: Sacramento SPCA, 6201 Florin
Perkins Road, Sacramento, CA 95828. See: https://www.sspca.org/donate

About the Sacramento SPCA

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals
with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 128 years. They
provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually
and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and
pets together for life.

Learn more at: https://www.sspca.org/

Follow on social:
* https://www.facebook.com/SacSPCA/
* https://www.instagram.com/sacramento_spca/
* https://www.twitter.com/SacramentoSPCA

​

 
“An amendment to the Calif. Constitution that would increase funding for public schools, community colleges and local government by changing the tax assessment of commercial and industrial property.
Thanks to the overwhelming passage (by 65%) of Prop. 13 in 1978, all California property owners (individuals and businesses alike) are protected from the state arbitrarily raising our property taxes excessively, which, given this State’s appetite for your money, would force many, many property owners to lose their homes or businesses.
Prop. 13 locks your property tax rate base in at 1% of the price you paid for your property, plus no more than a 2% increase per year.
Another aspect of Prop. 13 is that it requires approval of any state tax by two-thirds vote of both houses in the State Legislature, and approval of two-thirds of voters for any special purpose tax, such as one designated for parks or roads.
But… sound the bugles…. this state wants more, MUCH MORE!!!  The best way to get MUCH MORE, of course, is to increase property taxes.
 
We hear constantly that the state needs more of our money. We don’t pay enough-even though:

• CA is one of the 3 highest tax states in the USA;
• Schools already get an automatic 40% of the CA annual expenditures;
• CA teacher salaries/benefits rank #3 in the country;
• We are sitting on tens of billions in revenue surpluses; 
• State revenue grew by 23% in just the last 5 years; and
• Governor Newsom can miraculously find enough in the state coffers to give $125 million in taxpayer dollars to illegal aliens during the current COVID 19 crises.

Now he wants more tax revenues to support schools and communities?
 
According to the proponents of this "Split Roll" tax (or any tax), if you don’t want to pay more you must not care about kids and communities.

So, what is Initiative 19-008? The original version, introduced in 2017, was Initiative 17-005. Its originators–a group misleadingly named “Schools and Communities First”–spent almost $3.5 million dollars gathering enough signatures to qualify the initiative for the 2018 ballot. However, it was so poorly written that after spending millions gathering the needed signatures, it was decided to re-write it; requiring a new signature campaign at an additional cost of nearly $5.0 million! The result of that effort is Initiative 19-008 which has now qualified for the November 2020 ballot. 

This initiative, now re-written and re-labeled, would create a splitting of property tax rolls. Businesses whose owners have more than $3.0 million in holdings in CA (note: This is not indicative of a “big” business based on CA real estate prices.) would have their properties immediately reassessed to current market value, and then reassessed again every three years. The fiscal impact of this is expected to be an increase in tax revenue of between $7 and $12.5 billion annually.  It would not apply to agricultural property owners, or business property owners with $3.0 million or less in holdings in CA. Some other business property owners would qualify for an exemption on the first $500K in personal property. It would also not apply to residential property owners (YET!). 

Since the odds of voters agreeing to higher property taxes on themselves is almost nil, “Schools and Communities First” wants to create an “us against them” atmosphere between voters and evil "Big Business", and will spend the rest of this campaign season attacking businesses as “ greedy profit-makers” who are “not paying their fair share”.

But who IS this group supporting raising property taxes on businesses?  As it turns out, it’s the largest and greediest union groups and the left-leaning foundations of the biggest businesses in the country:

• CTA (California Teachers Association) and other Teacher union groups,
• SEIU, most of the Democrats that ran for the 2020 Presidential nomination,
• The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (Facebook),
• ACLU,
• Indivisible,
• Mi Familia Vota,
• PTA.  

Doesn’t that cast of characters alone justify a “NO” vote on this initiative?
Look for more information about this initiative and updates to come in future articles. SPREAD THE WORD!

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond commended today’s executive order by Governor Gavin Newsom that allows schools to focus on the impacts of campus closures as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and their mitigation plans for when students return this fall. The executive order does this by extending the deadline for school districts and charter schools to submit upcoming Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP) which are long-range planning documents tied to budget projections.
“School districts statewide have been working hard to put distance learning platforms into place and keep their students fed. The LCAP process deadlines should not be placing additional burdens on schools, which as a result of our current climate of social distancing, cannot meaningfully engage with their community stakeholders,” Thurmond said. “The Governor’s action frees up staff time and resources for districts to focus solely on the immediate learning needs and health of our students.”
Instead of submitting a three-year LCAP on July 1, districts will submit an update of COVID-19 related impacts on students and plans to address those impacts. In the fall, districts and charter schools will work with stakeholders on abbreviated one-year LCAPs, with a deadline of December 15 for submission. The deadline for approval by a county superintendent or State Superintendent Thurmond is January 14, 2021.
The LCAP is a required document that details how districts will use state resources to improve student learning and narrow achievement gaps. By law, LCAPs must be developed in collaboration with parents, students, staff, and community groups.
Today’s executive order also waives required physical education minutes, physical fitness testing, spring administration of the proficiency examination, and the summative English proficiency testing window to allow for an optional administration for reclassification purposes. Academic assessments were previously waived under a separate order.
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The California Department of Education is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. For more information, please visit the California Department of Education’s website. You may also follow Superintendent Thurmond on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

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