WASHINGTON – In response to worsening drought conditions in the West, including in areas like the Klamath River Basin, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released the following statement:

“Water is a sacred resource essential to feeding families, growing crops, sustaining wildlife and the environment, and powering agricultural businesses. Unfortunately, drought conditions in the West continue to worsen, including in areas like the Klamath River Basin, leading to the potential for historically low water allocations. The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture recognize the urgency of this crisis and its impacts on farmers, Tribes, and communities, and are committed to an all-hands-on-deck approach that both minimizes the impacts of the drought and develops a long-term plan to facilitate conservation and economic growth. Our agencies are actively working with Oregon, California and other western states to coordinate resources and identify immediate financial and technical assistance for impacted irrigators and Tribes. We are also committed to robust and continued engagement with state, local, and Tribal governments to develop longer term measures to respond to climate change and improve water security.”
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About the U.S. Department of the InteriorThe Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  – The Division of Boating and Waterways and California Coastal Commission invite recreational boaters to celebrate Earth Day this year all month long. Protecting the environment is easy, even while enjoying California’s waterways on a boat.

California has one of the highest levels of recreational activity in the nation. With 1,100 miles of coast, hundreds of navigable rivers, lakes and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, there are ample recreational opportunities for the state’s recreational boating community. These opportunities also increase the potential of boat-related pollutants that can enter the environment, such as sewage, oil and fuel, detergents, solvents, paints, plastics and other marine debris. Given the large number of recreational boats in the state, even a small amount of pollution from a fraction of the boats can cause serious harm to marine fish and wildlife.

Below are some green and safe boating tips:

• Take a Boating Safety Course. Learn how you can protect the environment while boating and then apply for a California Boater Card. The lifetime card fee is $10. Learn more at CaliforniaBoaterCard.com.
  
  
• Plan Ahead.
  • Prior to leaving home, check the webpage of the outdoor destination you plan to visit to find out if it is open and what visitor guidelines are in effect.  
  • File a float plan before each trip and share it with a family member or friend in the event of an emergency. Be sure to cancel the float plan when you return home.
  • Check the weather to know the latest weather forecast prior to going out, and check regularly for changing conditions.
  • Identify the nearest pollution prevention services near you. For participating sewage, dump stations and floating restrooms download the complimentary Pumpout Nav App.
    
    
• Carry the Right Equipment. Make sure you have the right safety equipment on board. Click here to download a free virtual safety check form or to schedule a vessel safety check. Also, carry oil absorbents on board and in your bilge to prevent oily discharges, and to prevent fuel spills use fuel bibs. Dispose of them as a hazardous waste at your County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. For locations check your browser or visit earth911.com. For a Free California Boater Kit with all of this clean and safe boating information visit Bit.ly/2021CABoaterKit.
  
  
• Keep It Clean. Dispose of trash properly. Pack your food and water using your reusable items such as water bottles, coffee mugs, reusable utensils, cups and plates. Avoid single use disposable items, such as straws and stirrers.

Protecting the environment and safely recreating in the outdoors go hand in hand. As such, boaters are encouraged to wear life jackets as they can greatly increase the chances of survival in an accident. Learn more at boatcalifornia.com.

The Boating Clean and Green Program is an outreach program that promotes environmentally sound boating practices to marine businesses and boaters in California. There are a number of complimentary sources available online at www.BoatingCleanAndGreen.com.

SACRAMENTO – Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Today, Governor Newsom announced he expected the state to return to a more normal, pre-pandemic days and to open the economy by June 15. If this is true, and the state can open safely, it is time to end the emergency authority given to the Governor last March when the pandemic began.

Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) reacts to Governor Newsom’s announcement:

“It is amazing what a recall can do to eradicate a pandemic. For months, the Governor has ignored science and data. If the Governor’s predictions hold true, and the ‘recall reopening’ actually happens, this is great news for our students, families, and business community. It also means the Governor’s emergency authority should come to an end. Because if you believe him, we are out of the woods. Right?”

Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to end the Governor’s Emergency Power: 

• Senate Concurrent 5 (Melendez): would restore the balance of power to three co-equal branches and terminate the Governor’s emergency power. 

• Senate Bill 448 (Melendez): would require future emergency orders to be narrow in scope and limited in duration.

• Senate Bill 209: (Dahle): would require the legislature to revisit the Governor’s emergency power after 45 days.

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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.
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SACRAMENTO: Assembly Republicans announced on Wednesday a massive effort to combat wildfires, just as the state appears to be headed into a drought. 


The multi-pronged effort will include a messaging campaign designed to inform the public and Sacramento insiders as to the harmful effects of wildfires and and to propose several common-sense fixes that could greatly mitigate wildfire destruction.

The information efforts will bolster a robust 16-bill legislative package authored by Assembly Republicans offering critical solutions to address four main areas: Saving lives while protecting property and animals, securing funding, protecting the environment and fighting climate change, and allowing essential mitigation efforts through vegetation management. 

Saving lives, as well as protecting property and animals: 
AB 497 (Waldron), AB 926 (Mathis), AB 952 (Mathis), AB 1103 (Dahle), AB 1154 (Patterson)

Slowing the spread of wildfires and reducing their severity with proper vegetation management: 
AB 267 (Valladares), AB 380 (Seyarto), AB 431 (Patterson), AB 522 (Fong), AB 910 (Bigelow), AB 912 (Bigelow)

Protecting the environment and fighting climate change: 
AB 575 (Fong), AB 1519 (Gallagher)

Securing funding: 
AB 297 (Gallagher), AB 648 (Fong), AB 1249 (Gallagher)

For questions about the caucus's effort, please contact Matt Fleming: [email protected]

For questions about specific bills, please contact author offices.

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For more information, please email Matt Fleming at [email protected]

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today issued the following statement in response to plans announced by Governor Gavin Newsom to fully reopen California’s economy by June 15 if vaccine supply remains sufficient and hospitalization rates stay low. Under these conditions outlined today, the Governor stated that schools should plan to conduct full-time, in-person instruction in the fall, in compliance with Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards and public health guidelines.
“I share Governor Newsom’s optimism that as conditions continue to improve— and as all Californians continue common sense measures such as continuing to wear a mask and getting vaccinated—there is a clear pathway to a safe and full return to in-person teaching and learning this fall.
“To support school districts as they continue to welcome more and more students back to campuses, the California Department of Education (CDE) has spent recent weeks connecting school leaders to the best strategies and resources toimplement the layered safety measures public health experts encourage—such as rapid COVID-19 testing and proper ventilation—that will facilitate a safe and sustainable return to in-person learning for students, school staff, teachers, and their families.
“We must prepare for the possibility that there will be some families who cannot or may choose not to send their students back to school campuses this fall, and schools may need the flexibility to offer some form of remote learning. I look forward to engaging with the Governor’s Office and lawmakers on next steps that are designed to ensure we are meeting the health, safety, and learning needs of every California student.
“While we are encouraged by the improving conditions, we must also continue to proceed with caution and with a continued focus on science and safety. There are still many unknowns about the COVID-19 variants that public health officials are monitoring and have observed spreading among some youth. Additionally, I am heartened by the early research on vaccine effectiveness in adolescents and am hopeful more of our youth will be able to get vaccinated in the months ahead.
“Returning to in-person instruction must include an urgent focus on addressing opportunity gaps experienced most among students who were already at a disadvantage before the pandemic disrupted learning. I have convened state leaders, equity groups, superintendents, school employee groups, and other partners to better understand and identify ways we can support the immediate and long-term academic needs of our students, as well as strategies for prioritizing relationships, addressing trauma, and supporting social emotional wellness. At my direction, this working group will be making recommendations to school districts as they finalize plans for this critical next phase of public education.”
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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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April 7, 2021 – A new ChamberofCommerce.org report shows that the legalized business of selling marijuana is anything but recreational, with nine states currently allowing it amid a patchwork of retail and tax structures. Given the two-fold increase in public acceptance over the last ten years, one can only expect the selling of recreational marijuana to reach dizzying heights in the coming years.

The report not only analyzes the tax amounts and structures of all states legally allowing the sale of recreational marijuana, but also the potential cost to sellers, processors, and dispensary owners.
For example, while Washington levies higher taxes on its sellers than any other state, Alaska and Nevada are the most expensive states for buyers of recreational marijuana.
See all the statistics and conclusions uncovered in the full report: https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/taxing-marijuana-which-recreational-states-levy-the-highest-taxes/
As the recreational marijuana business continues to bloom and government restrictions continue to lift across the U.S., tax and cost structures may be standardized to a degree. At the moment, however, the varying tax differences deserve to be acknowledged not only by those levying them, but by aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs or dispensary owners.
Information for the ChamberofCommerce.org marijuana tax report was obtained via a wide range of resources, including PewResearch, Tax Foundation, and Urban.org, as well as local and state resources that include the Washington State Treasury and Seattle Business Magazine.
About ChamberofCommerce.org
ChamberofCommerce.org is a website dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs start, market, finance, and grow their businesses. By creating in-depth guides, how-tos, and reviews covering relevant business products, ChamberofCommerce.org hopes to help readers move past the pitfalls that are often to blame for small business failure.

The most recent attack at the United States Capitol will most likely insure a permanent fence and additional security. The attack which resulted in the loss of life for a long serving Capitol police officer and the attacker is another senseless violent act. 

 Recently we have heard about a brutal attack on a Filipino woman in New York City. A 75-year-old Asian woman was brutally attacked in San Francisco and ten people were killed by a lone gunman at a grocery store in Boulder Colorado. A business park shooting in Orange, California left four people dead including a nine-year-old boy who died in the arms of his mother who was trying to protect him. A lone gunman walked into various spas in Atlanta recently and took the lives of eight people. None of these violent attacks made sense. 

According to the FBI there is a violent crime every 24.6 seconds in the United States.  One murder occurs every 30.5 minutes. One rape every 3.9 minutes. One robbery every 1.7 minutes. One aggravated assault every 30 seconds. One burglary every 22.6 seconds and one motor vehicle theft every 40.9 seconds. You can read more at FBI.gov.

Chicago statistics show shootings and murders were up 50% in 2020 with 875 people who died from gun violence. Seventy-eight percent of the victims were black according to ABC Eye Witness News of Chicago. 

 Capitol Hill was tragically and fatally surprised last Friday. They were surprised on January 6th as Capitol police never imagined they would face such a menacing mob. The woman walking down the street or someone in a grocery store seldom suspects a lunatic is on the prowl. We let our guards down. We want to believe we are safe but we aren’t. 

Because of so much violence in our society people are unnerved by a stranger knocking on the door. Someone walking too close to us in the store or riding our rear bumper on the highway causes concern. Unfortunately, violence typically happens when we are least suspecting. 

While our leaders will be strengthening the fence around the nation’s Capitol, I hope they will strengthen our security on the southern border. About 5,000 people a day are entering our nation. Many are paying Mexican gangsters up to $8,000 each for help in reaching our border. Are they going to come here and be law abiding people? Since President Biden doesn’t want to return to the detention policies of Donald Trump, thousands of asylum applicants are being released into the country. These people are not going to remain on the border. They are coming to your town in Iowa, Utah, Ohio and Vermont and all the rest of the country. 

The fence around the Capitol will become a monument to the future of our nation. Many third world houses in Brazil, South Africa and many places in Mexico are surrounded by walls or fences. If we don’t do better with our security on the Border look for most houses and subdivisions in America to follow this same course. And, don’t be surprised.




Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Find his books on Amazon.com
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
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Sacramento – Today, California’s seniors, severely disabled persons, and victims of wildfires or natural disasters will now be able to transfer the taxable value of their original residence to a replacement residence up to three times during their lifetime anywhere throughout the state. This is due to Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, that California voters approved on November 3, 2020.
 
“Seniors, the severely disabled, and victims of wildfires or natural disasters can now move to a replacement home anywhere in California and avoid significant property tax increases if eligible,” said California State Board of Equalization (BOE) Chairman Antonio Vazquez. “Property tax relief can be beneficial for those especially on limited incomes or who have been affected by wildfires or natural disasters.”
 
Seniors, age 55 and older, or those severely disabled must meet specific requirements to qualify. The original and replacement residence must be eligible for the homeowners’ or disabled veterans’ exemption. An application must be filed with the County Assessor to transfer the taxable value. Lastly, the replacement residence must be purchased or newly constructed within two years of the sale of the original home. If the market value of the replacement residence is greater than the market value of the original residence, the difference will be added to the taxable value at the time of transfer.
 
For victims of a wildfire or natural disaster, the same conditions and requirements apply as the taxable value transfer for seniors but there are no age requirements. The residence must be substantially damaged to qualify, and the damage must be from a wildfire or a Governor proclaimed disaster.
 
Pending legislation may impact the operation of Proposition 19, and taxpayers are strongly encouraged to visit theBOE website for the latest information, additional details and resources, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
 

 
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

Board of Supervisors of Sierra County, please allow me to provide public comment on the above Nuisance hearing scheduled before you on April 6 re the residential property located at 523 South Lincoln St, Sierraville.    I am a long time visitor to Sierraville and the spectacularly beautiful Sierra Valley which I consider one of the most authentic,  gorgeous valleys in Northern California.

         I reviewed the staff reports prepared by Tim Beals for the Nuisance hearing and the referral to the District Attorney asking for an enforcement proceeding.   The Diltz property is absolutely  shocking and a blight on the community, beside being an obvious health  and safety risk, both  outside and inside the residence.  The Diltz property DEFINES PUBLIC NUISANCE under your code.

         Even Mr Diltz agrees as you can see from reading his letter of admission, following which he did nothing to clean up his property.  Mr Beal’s packets outline dozens of code violations, State and County.

            Please make the obvious and appropriate Findings and Order that the property be vacated immediately as a clear and dangerous health and safety risk…at least  until needed repairs are made to the house and a functioning septic system is installed and approved to stop the effluent from running to Perry Creek.  Additionally please order the property abated within 30 days,  if not sooner, of all  debris, illegal structures,  vehicles, etc. as Mr Beals requested and  your code allows you to do.

           Mr Diltz is testing Sierra County as he has intentionally and flagrantly caused his residence and yard  to become a Public Nuisance since at least 2015 when Mr Beals wrote asking him to clean up his property.  Instead he worsened the situation directly challenging and disrespecting the County, his neighbors and the community.

    Thank you for your consideration and for serving your communities.

            Jim Porter, Truckee, Ca.

 
CHICO, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will increase flows on a portion of the North Fork Feather River on April 7-9 by releasing more water from the Poe Dam in Butte County.
 
Those recreating in or near the on this part of the river are advised to be aware of the higher flows and to exercise caution.
 
The higher flows, known as “pulse flows,” are done to mimic higher flows that would normally occur during typical winters and flush out sediment.
 
Starting at about 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7, PG&E will gradually increase water flows from about 350 to 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) out of the Poe Dam.  Flows will be held at 2,000 cfs until midnight on Thursday, April 8, then gradually reduced until reaching about 350 cfs by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9. Base flows could be higher in the event of wet weather or significant snow melt.
 
The higher flows will be present along 7.6 miles of river between the Poe Dam and the Poe Powerhouse. The higher releases are necessary due to the dry year.
 
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
 

• Stay out of cold water. Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

 

• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.

 

• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides, sub-surface obstacles, fast moving water, and transitions to full tunnels and pipes. For more water safety tips visit: www.pge.com/hydrosafety

 

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People v John Robert Conterez, Jr. (CR03674)
 
On February 9, 2021, John Robert Conterez, Jr., age 32, of Reno, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 148(a)(1), resisting arrest.  He was ordered to spend 2 days in jail, pay a fine and placed on one summary probation.      
 
People v. Ramona Romero (20CR0086)
 
On February 9, 2021, Ramona Romero, age 25, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 273a(a), misdemeanor child abuse.  She was ordered to complete a 52 week parenting class, and was placed on four years probation.
 
People v. Jason Ray Castle (20CR0085)
 
On February 23, 2021, Jason Ray Castle, age 44, of Downieville, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 148(a), obstructing a peace officer.  He was ordered to 8 days in jail, placed on 1 year informal probation.   
 
People v. Phillip Wayne Trigg (20CR0104-B)
 
On March 9, 2021, Philip Wayne Trigg, age 55 of Stockton, was convicted of violating California Code of Regulations, 14CCR257.5(a), unlawfully taking an animal within 400 yards of a baited area.  He was ordered to pay a fine and placed on one year summary probation.
 
People v. Trenton Jon Norman (21CR0011)
 
On March 23, 2021, Trenton Jon Norman, age 28, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 12500, driving without a license.  He was ordered to obtain his license and pay a fine.
 
People v. Michael Marino Polastrini (21CR0012)
 
On March 23, 2021, Michael Marino Polastrini, age 36, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(b), driving under the influence of alcohol. He was sentenced to 1 year summary court probation, ordered to attend a DUI class, and pay a fine.
 
People v. Michael Lee Hertzberg (20CR0013)
 
On March 23, 2021, Michael Lee Hertzberg, age 65, of Sierra City, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(b), driving under the influence of alcohol. He was sentenced to 1 year summary court probation, ordered to attend a DUI class, and pay a fine.
 
 

Butte County- As the weather warms up and vegetation, fed by seasonal rainfall, grows and dries out, CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department reminds residents that now is the time to prepare your home and property for the approaching fire season.

Defensible Space and Home Hardening are two of the most important ways you can protect your home from the threat of fire. In February, 2021, the county adopted a new Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance, which includes some additions to the Defensible Space rules. The text of the ordinance can be found at www.buttecounty.net/fire and click “Defensible Space”, or it can be accessed by scanning the QR code below. Defensible Space Inspectors (DSI) are out in the community inspecting homes.
“Our Defensible Space Inspectors are here to educate and inform, with the goal of ensuring the safety of everyone in Butte County,” says Fire Captain Jake Gilliam, DSI Program Manager. “We look forward to working with residents toward voluntary compliance with these regulations.”
Currently permits are not required for residential burning, but as always, caution must be used when you are burning your debris piles. Before you light your burn pile each day, be sure to call the Butte County Air Quality Management District at 530-332-9407 or visit their website at www.bcaqmd.org to find out if it is a permissible burn day.
Burn permits will be required by May 1, 2021. You can find all the burning regulations at www.buttecounty.net/fire/Burning. Be aware that we have had several escaped control burns in Butte County already this year. Although permits are not currently required, you can still be cited if your burn escapes your control. 

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A PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL MINE/ASPHALT IN PORTOLA was discussed during the Eastern Plumas Health Care Board of Director’s meeting held Thursday, March 25th through Google Meets. The mine is located at the end of 77413 Meadow Way in east Portola. Many concerned citizens spoke during public comment on the proposed 226 acre mine that is adjacent to residential housing and the Portola City limits.
Resident since 1979, Adrienne Stenson stated the mine was permitted in 1989 for 7½ acres on a 10-acre site and worked as a sand and gravel pit off and on and has been defunct for the last seven years.  She said EPHC is a vital service and people rely on them to be leaders in the community.  The mine is 1.4 miles from the elementary school and added this area could barely hold on to air quality without this additional industry.
Warren Simison was a hospital administrator and chief surgeon for Portola Veterinary Hospital for 30 years. He said their quiet mountain community would be challenged with this mine. He showed a series of maps and stated EPHC would be 1.2 miles from the operational center of this mine. Simison said EPHC would hear this mine, as they want to operate 24 hours a day.  
Dr. Christopher Stanton worked for 25 years at EPHC. He appreciated EPHC for taking input on the proposed mine. He said they were not against paved roads, but the proposed location of the mine is unacceptably close to Portola. As a physician he is deeply interested in human health and stated there are several risks. Silicosis is the inhalation of small particles of silica produced by mining and grinding rocks and causes permanent damage to lungs. Mine workers
can use protective equipment, but questioned about homeowners around the mine. Stanton stated there would also be considerable noise. He spoke about the 700 heavy truck trips to and from the mine daily. Dust and exhaust produced by this would head to Portola’s already tenuous air quality. Smell of asphalt production must be considered as well as toxic chemicals and he referenced Fallon Air Force Base with leaking jet fuel and rise in cancer cluster cases. Stanton worries about domestic wells at risk for contamination. The usage of 50,000 gallons of precious groundwater was alarming as the area is already in drought conditions. He said even a scaled down proposal was still unacceptable, and added no mine project of any size should be this close to Portola.  
Josh Hart has been a resident for eight years, and spoke on behalf of Feather River Action Group. The group feels this mine is posing a serious risk to the Feather River. He stated the existing mine had nothing to do with what was being proposed, and was a totally different scale and would be the largest ever in Plumas County.  40 million tons of aggregate would be extracted. Hart said Plumas County residents would pay a high price while Hat Creek gets rich. He urged EPHC to oppose a mine of any size. Noise was one of the most serious concerns and would have far reaching impacts. Noise pollution would start at 6 a.m., 6 days a week and in the summer it is proposed to operate 24-hours a day for two months a year. Constant noise can lead to depression and other medical conditions.
Resident Valerie Simison stated her Portola home of 42 years is 200 feet from the proposed mine site. Simison, a retired teacher was trying to save her health, home and financial security. She said the mine would be a serious attack to the health and wellbeing of the community, adding roads were a neces-
sary need to infrastructure but this mine site is in the wrong location.  
Realtor Juli Thompson stated she’s lost buyers over the proposed project. She felt property values would drop if this mine is approved and would set a dangerous precedent.  
David Valle, a retired science teacher from Portola said it doesn’t matter how close you are to this mine, it would affect the entire County. He showed a picture of a Hat Creek mine in Litchfield, California
where there was a ton of dust and particulate matter engulfing the area. He stated this community would be devastated by this project.
All EPHC Directors were in opposition to the mine project. President Gail McGrath asked Director Linda Satchwell to write up an opposition for them to sign. McGrath thanked everyone for their participation and added they would not let them down.  
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Dear Plumas County Board of Supervisors:
Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Board of Directors are writing to voice our strong and unanimous opposition to the proposed Hat Creek Construction asphalt plant and mine site. Also, we oppose a scaled down version of the project, because a mine of any size this close to a residential area is unacceptable. And, it opens the door to the possibility that Hat Creek Construction may try to increase the scope of the project at a later date.
As outlined in our Mission Statement, we aim to “restore, preserve, and promote the health and well being of those we care for,” and we do this “in cooperation with our community.” At this time, the physical, mental, and emotional health of our patients, our staff, and our community is under threat by the proposed Hat Creek Project.
The significant risks to the health and well-being of the community we serve include air pollution, water pollution, noise, traffic congestion, mental health risks, financial risks, and more.
Air pollution:
The greater Portola area (including Portola, Iron Horse, Delleker, C-Road, Mohawk Vista, Plumas Eureka, Blairsden-Graeagle, Gold Mountain, Whitehawk, Clio, Johnsville, and portions of Lake Davis) has been unable to meet EPA air pollution standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) since 2016. The California Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District’s (NSAQMD) report on the mine’s impact concludes that the mine’s increased emissions will “make it impossible to demonstrate Attainment and negate years of work at great monetary expense that have been invested in cleaning up the air in and around Portola.”
Inhalation of small particles of silica that are produced by mining and grinding of rock cause the risk of a disease called silicosis. This causes permanent lung damage, and there is no cure for it. In addition, lime from the lime kiln causes skin and eye irritation, as well as gastrointestinal issues.
Also, the mine will at times be running 24/7, resulting in non-stop noise, which is extremely stressful on our community residents, especially those in close proximity to the mine. And, the dust, exhaust fumes, and traffic from the proposed 700 heavy truck trips that will be occurring at the mine on a daily basis will add to pollution and congestion in the area.
There are many homes, an elementary school, and our hospital (1.5 miles away), all of which are in close proximity to this mine, and it puts all of us at risk. Most at risk at EPHC are our elderly skilled nursing facility patients. We are usually their last home, and we take our job of protecting our vulnerable residents very seriously.
31 March 2021
Water pollution:
Twenty residential properties border the mine, and most if not all get their water from wells. There is great likelihood that the 50,000 gallons per day the mine will require will lower the water table and will pollute the water. In addition, contaminated run off will flow into the Middle Fork of the Feather River, which is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Only 1% of the states waterways receive this designation, which is determined by their “free-flowing” nature, and that they “are unpolluted.” These rivers “possess extraordinary scenic, recreational, fishery, or wildlife values [and] shall be preserved in their free-flowing state, together with their immediate environments, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the state.” This mining project is likely to pollute the river through mine runoff and the leakage of hydrocarbons into the groundwater from mining.
Financial risks:
Studies of similar mining projects have shown marked health problems in residents as well as significant property devaluation [cf. Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League study]. In fact, local realtor Juli Thompson gave three recent examples of buyers who changed their minds when they heard of the nearby Hat Creek project. Property devaluation will have a direct effect on our hospital and our ability to offer the services our community needs. Special districts like ours are funded, in part, by property tax money. A significant decrease in property taxes could threaten the viability of our hospital.
The dangers to our hospital’s financial viability, the likely increase in complex health issues in our patients, the stress and anxiety caused by 24/7 noise and traffic congestion from the mine, and the risks to our groundwater and rivers all are essential reasons you, our Board of Supervisors, should oppose this project. Finally, at EPHC, we practice empathy. Ask yourselves this: if this mining project was next door to your home or your child’s or grandchild’s school, or near where your mother and father were living in a skilled nursing facility, would you support this mine? If your answer is no, please join us in opposing the Hat Creek mining project.
Sincerely,
Gail McGrath, Chairperson
Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Board of Directors 

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