Quincy, Calif – May 27, 2016 –Daniel Lovato, acting Plumas National Forest Supervisor, welcomes new forest management team members, Madonna Lachman, Forest Civil Rights Officer and Scott Lucas, Forest Fire Management Officer (FMO).


Ms. Lachman, an equal employment opportunity (EEO) professional for about 12 years, hails from the Department of Defense, US Army Garrison in Daegu, South Korea. She started her career in 2004 as an EEO Assistant/Collateral Duty Counselor. Her career progressed as a developmental EEO Specialist with the Army, eventually serving as an EEO Manager for both the Army and Air Force.


She and her husband, now living in Quincy, returned to California to be near their 3 children, 4 grandkids and other family. All are outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy bike riding, fishing, camping, boating, rafting and traveling. She also enjoys sewing, crafting and shopping.


Mr. Lucas was previously the Deputy FMO for the Northern California District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) since late 2014 and was most recently detailed as the Deputy State FMO for California BLM. Scott has been a member of the NORCAL 2, Type 2 Incident Management Team since 2009.


He started his career in 1992 in Colorado with a local fire department followed by temporary firefighter positions with the Forest Service & BLM. He became a permanent employee with the BLM in 1998 and has subsequently had fire positions with Craig and Carson City Districts of the BLM and Everglades National Park in addition to the Stanislaus, Shasta-Trinity and Modoc National Forests in California.


He is a rabid golfer (who struggles to stay under a 20 handicap) and aspiring chef who resides in Reno, NV with his wife and two sons.


According to Supervisor Lovato, several other critical leadership team positions will be in place soon. All three of the incoming permanent employees worked on the Plumas NF earlier in their careers.


·         Barbara Drake will be returning to the forest in early July as the new Deputy Forest Supervisor. She is currently the Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit where her position of record is the Vegetation, Urban Lot, Fire and Fuels Staff Officer.


·         Micki Smith will be joining the team as the Mt. Hough District Ranger in late June. She is currently the El Dorado National Forest Resource Officer.


·         Sabrina Stadler is the new Beckwourth District Ranger, arriving in early August. She is currently the Forest Plan Revision Leader for 4 national forests in Oregon.

• “Thunderstorms Today-Monday -- Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected each afternoon and early evening through the weekend. The highest risk for storms will be over the Sierra with varying chances for storms into western Nevada. I think the overall biggest thunderstorm day looks to be Sunday at this point. Any storms we see could produce the usual cornucopia of impacts -- hail with slick roads, frequent lightning, periods of heavy rain and localized flooding, and gusty winds to 50 mph.
  • For any outdoor events -- please have a rain or lightning plan in place, a sturdy shelter people can get to if a thunderstorm develops, and of course a method of receiving NWS alerts such as iNWS or a radar app. There will be lots of hikers and boaters out who will be prone to thunderstorms so help us get the message out that they should keep an eye on the sky in the afternoons and evenings. See the attached lightning safety reminder graphic. Also note when it rains, temperatures will drop rapidly from the 70s/80s to the 40s -- hypothermia for those exposed outdoors!
• Heating Up Next Week -- Our simulations have become more emphatic showing temperatures warming quickly to well above normal starting around Tuesday lasting through the week. We are likely to see highs 90-95 in W Nev valleys. Now's the time to check that air conditioner! This will be the first pronounced heat of summer and people won't be as adapted to heat effects quite yet. So it's a good idea to take some extra precautions such as breaks and lots of water if doing outdoor work. This is also the time to remind people not to leave children or pets in cars. Even with temperatures "only" in the 80s, cars will become ovens quite rapidly. Like minutes.
• River Rises -- Warming temperatures will cause our higher elevation snowpack to melt off more quickly so we'll probably see enhanced rises in creeks and some rivers next week. At this time our simulations for the main rivers do not show them reaching monitor/flood stage through Wednesday.”

Courtesy Plumas National Forest

Public asked to take steps to prevent new fires

Sacramento – CAL FIRE is increasing its firefighting staffing as windy conditions are predicted to elevate fire danger across many areas of California. With many Californians planning to recreate outdoors for the Memorial Day weekend, CAL FIRE is asking the public to take steps to prevent sparking a new wildfire. According to the National Weather Service many parts of California will see warm weather this weekend and winds through Saturday with gusts of 20-30 mph. There is even a risk of lightning across the higher elevations in the Sierra.
Click to tweet - .@CAL_FIRE increases fire staffing for #MemorialDayWeekend. http://ctt.ec/fAkYc+

“Over the past several weeks we have experienced an increase in the number of wildfires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “This weekend’s weather conditions will elevate our fire risk even higher, so we need everyone’s assistance ensuring they don’t spark a new wildfire.”


Since January 1, CAL FIRE has responded to over 1,100 wildfires that have burned over 10,000 acres. Last week alone fire crews responded to 169 new wildfires that charred approximately 4,000 acres. In the midst of this severe drought, Californians are encouraged to be vigilant and remember that One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire.

Camping:
·         Obtain a campfire permit (www.PreventWildfireCA.org)
·         Check for local fire restrictions
·         Clear away grass, leaves and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of any campfire
·         Have a responsible person in attendance at all times
·         Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving
·         When barbequing, never leave the grill unattended

Vehicle
·         Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground
·         When towing, make sure trailer chains are properly secured
·         Never drive or pull over into dry grass
Fire is not the only danger that can occur in the outdoors, as water drownings also increase dramatically during this holiday weekend.  Warm temperatures make the cool waters of California’s beautiful rivers and lakes very enticing, yet very dangerous. 
 
In the Water:

• Always wear a life jacket!
• Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult
• Never swim alone
• Be cautious of rivers and waterways with rapid currents
• Drinking and swimming can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving

For more ways to be safe this holiday, visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, is the traditional start of summer and a time when more travelers and especially families will be on the go.  When California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers take to the roads over the Memorial Day weekend, they will be working to save lives through seat belt education and enforcement.


To help keep motorists safe, the CHP will be conducting its annual Memorial Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) throughout the state.  The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 30.  Although the focus of the MEP is seat belt usage, the CHP will be watching just as diligently for distracted drivers and those driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. 


“Everyone inside the vehicle should be safely secured every trip, every time.  Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and death,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.  “It takes only seconds to buckle up, and those seconds could literally save your life.  Furthermore, California law requires that all children under the age of eight to be properly secured in a child safety seat.”


Thirty-one people died in collisions during the 2015 Memorial Day MEP.  Two-thirds of those killed in the CHP’s jurisdiction were not wearing seat belts.  That same year, 1,125 people were arrested for DUI in CHP jurisdiction during the Memorial Day MEP. 


California will also join the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign, May 23 to June 5.  The NHTSA reports that in 2015, almost 50 percent of occupants in fatal collisions nationwide were not wearing seat belts. 


“So many of the deaths and injuries that occur on the highway are completely preventable,” added Commissioner Farrow.  “Our job is to make the motoring public aware of the risks and encourage them to be especially cautious this holiday weekend.”


The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.


# # #

 
 
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Truckee Area will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, May 28, 2016, in the Town of Truckee.
 
Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.  Officers will strive to delay motorists only momentarily.  The goal of Law Enforcement is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist.  A sobriety checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.  “The intent of a Sobriety Checkpoint is to educate the public of the dangers of driving while under the influence.  In these efforts the CHP tries to persuade the public to make the safest decision possible during a night out, and use the transportation provided to them by Placer County whether that be taking a taxi, designating a sober driver, taking TART or the Night Rider,” said Captain Ryan Stonebraker, Area Commander of CHP Truckee.
 
Captain Stonebraker emphasized, “Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  Our objective is to send a clear message to those individuals that mixing alcohol and/or drugs while driving will not be tolerated.  The CHP seeks to enhance highway safety by apprehending the impaired driver.”
 
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the CHP by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies.  If you see a drunk driver, call    9-1-1.
 
Note:  The sobriety checkpoint will be operated from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  The media may contact the CHP Truckee Communications Center at (530) 582-7500 on May 28, 2016, between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for the checkpoint location.
 
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On May 20, 2016 at approximately 3:15 p.m. Terry Myers, 45 of Graeagle was driving his 2002 Dodge northbound on SR-89, south of Cold Creek, at a stated speed of 45 mph. Rebecca Brooks, 51, of Loyalton was driving her 2005 Chevrolet southbound on SR-89 north of Cold Creek at a stated speed of 45 mph. As the two vehicles approached each other, the Dodge lost traction with the snow covered roadway, and Myers was unable to control the vehicle. The Dodge entered  the southbound lane, directly into the path of the Chevrolet. The two vehicles impacted with each other and came to rest blocking both lanes of SR-89. Both parties suffered major injuries as a result of the collision and were transported to Renown Medical Center by Eastern Plumas Health Care ambulance for treatment. The parties were assisted at the scene by personnel from the Sierra County Sheriff Department, USFS Fire, Sierraville Volunteer Fire, Eastern Plumas Health Care ambulance and the California Highway Patrol. Both parties were  wearing safety belts at the time of the collision. Neither party was under the influence at the time of the collision.

On May 22, at approximately 7:57 p.m., Teri Trehal, 25 of Silver Springs, Nevada, was driving her Jeep northbound on US 395 JSO Pozolan Rd. in the #2 lane at a stated speed of 65 mph. She observed a deer run from the west side of the roadway in an easterly direction, directly into the path of her vehicle. Trehal applied the brakes and the front of the Jeep collided with the deer. The Jeep became disabled in the #2 northbound lane. A passerby stopped and helped push the Jeep to the east shoulder of US 395. The driver airbag deployed during the collision. Trehal suffered minor lacerations to her left and right arms from the airbag. She also complained of pain to her left arm. Trehal denied medical attention at the scene and stated she would seek her own medical aid.

If existing voters wish to change their party registration they have until Monday

SANTA ANA, CA - May 20, 2016 - The California Association of Clerks and Election Officials (CACEO) is reminding California citizens that the deadline to register to vote, or re-register with a different party, in the June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election is Monday, May 23, 2016. Online voter registration is available, which allows new voters to complete the entire process online at registertovote.ca.gov. Paper registration forms can be obtained at your local Registrar of Voters, post offices, libraries and city halls.
"California has seen record numbers of new registrations since January," said Neal Kelley, President of CACEO and Registrar of Voters, Orange County, CA. "CACEO is urging everyone that wishes to participate to be aware of the upcoming deadline", he continued.
WHEN: Deadline is Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11:59 p.m.
Citizens that wish to register or vote at their local Registrar of Voters should contact their local office directly.
HOW: Any eligible citizen may register to vote by visiting their Registrar of Voters' office, or online at registertovote.ca.gov
# # #

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met May 17th. It agreed to get Congressman Brian Dahle involved with the Loyalton Mobile Home Estates since the park didn’t sell and Loyalton resident, Eileen Benson pushed the Council on why nothing was being done and wanted time limits. She called it an “endless problem.”
The Council approved the HERO Program, a residential PACE based financing program with Pat Whitley voting no, wanting to make sure it wouldn’t cost the city and wanting to talk to the assessor.
The Council agreed for John Cussins to meet with Portola’s Planning Director to go over Loyalton Pool’s equipment to loan. 
Portola’s Pool Manager Jennifer Condliffe told how pools are not just for kids but for “serious adult athletes” who keep up a training regime and Portola 
hopes to open Memorial Day. 
Portola’s pool is 25-yards while Loyalton’s is nearly olympic-sized besides a kiddy pool.
If Loyalton’s equipment doesn’t work, Condliffe said Truckee is building a new pool and they would make a good deal in September. She’d like to have propane heaters yet Loyalton’s, fairly new and one never used, are oil fired boilers and Councilman John Cussins explained the differences.
LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL voted  in favor on Tuesday night at its regular monthly meeting of  speed feedback signs on the east and west entrances of Highway 49 and on A-24. ​According to County Transportation Commission, there is a funding source available annually to fit this type of project. 
Lorie Horner, who lives on Highway 49, had submitted 50 signatures in favor of the signs to Sierra County Transportation Commission. Councilman Brooks Mitchell thought the City should support it. In the audience, Alan White called it a “race track” down Beckwith Street. Councilman John Cussins felt the signs work but need enforcement.

In the 18 months since Proposition 47 was enacted, a number of flaws in the measure have begun to appear.


Voters were sold on the proposition with the promise that it would save $100 million in prison costs, but only a third of those savings have appeared so far. In addition, crime statistics have started trending in the wrong direction since November 2014. 49 out of the 66 California cities studied in a PPIC report saw increases in violent crimes, while 48 saw increases in property crimes.


And now, this: the California Police Chiefs Association recently released a report showing “a dramatic crime increase in California during 2015, but not in other states.” In fact, the California Retailers Association believe that “retail theft incidents have nearly doubled compared to recent years.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                   
In a story published this past weekend, the Associated Press reported that “[l]arge retailers including Safeway, Target, Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies say shoplifting increased at least 15 percent, and in some cases doubled, since voters approved Proposition 47 and ended the possibility of charging shoplifting as a felony with the potential for a prison sentence.”


“Californians are clamoring to make common sense fixes to Proposition 47,” said Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), a retired California Highway Patrolman. “The potential savings promised to taxpayers has not materialized, while small business owners and hardworking Californians are being victimized by criminals who know they will not face punishment for their crimes. The legislature has the power to put a stop to this. It’s time we do.”


Assembly Republicans have introduced a number of reforms to Prop. 47, including: AB 46 (Lackey); AB 1415 (Steinorth); AB 1869 (Melendez); and AB 2369 (Patterson).

Three VAs in One
The Veterans Administration is a branch in the federal government, and like most federal organizations it can be quite confusing. Most people do not understand the structure of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is made up of three divisions that are responsible for specific activities — VA Health Care, Veterans Benefits Administration and Burial and Cemeteries. Each division is independent and can often be like a stove pipe, where communication does not necessarily exist with the other two.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) handles all health care for veterans. It is responsible for the medical centers, outpatient clinics, community based outpatient clinics, and the vet centers. They provide care, medications, and prosthetic devices as needed. They are responsible for setting the veteran’s health care priority and eligibility based on information provided by the benefits section. To enroll to receive treatment, the veteran can visit a VA hospital, community-based outpatient clinic or county veterans service office. 
The Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) is responsible for the payment of all VA gratuitous benefits. It handles claims for disability, compensation, pension, and education, including vocational rehabilitation, burials, home loans, life insurance and just about any other monetary benefit that comes from the VA.
The National Cemetery Association (NCA) operates the National Cemetery system. It is responsible for the establishment and construction of new cemeteries and the care and maintenance of existing cemeteries. It provides flags for burials of veterans and issues Presidential Memorial Certificates.
The Plumas County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license.  We can also issue Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans.  There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office at 283-6271/6275 Mon-Fri from 0800-1600.  We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Plumas County Veterans Service Office webpage by accessing the Plumas County Website under Veterans Services.
 
The VA Van departs at 0700 Tues and Thursdays from the County Annex upper parking lot.  Ensure you call  Kyle Short County Veteran Service Representative at 283-6271 three days prior to your appointment at the VAMC Reno to schedule a reservation on the VA Van.   The Van can transport up to five veterans first come first served.
 
 
 

For more photos and further information, see Sierra Booster, available throughout Sierra, Plumas and Nevada Counties.

SACRAMENTO, CA – May 16, 2016 – The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) has announced opposition to Assembly Bill 2395 (Low), which seeks to establish a process for legacy phone carriers to relinquish their decades-old obligations that guarantee basic telephone service.  To date, 17 of California’s rural counties have joined in this opposition, and urge the Legislature to carefully consider the implications this legislation would have on the safety, affordability, quality, and viability of telecommunications services to rural Californians. 
“As a former County Sheriff with 28-years in law enforcement I know firsthand the importance of landline phone service in California’s rural counties,” said Lee Adams, RCRC Immediate Past Chair and Sierra County Supervisor.  “The deployment and expansion of modern telecommunication networks in rural and remote areas remains a priority for RCRC member counties, however, modern communications systems are either non-existent, unreliable, or cost-prohibitive in rural California.  As a result, traditional landline phone service remains the backbone and most reliable two-way communication mode in many of our rural communities.” 
California currently employs a carefully-crafted scheme to ensure universal access to traditional telephone service at an affordable rate.  This scheme includes critical consumer protections regarding public safety, affordability, quality, and viability of telecommunications services in rural counties.  While RCRC recognizes that this model needs to be reviewed and potentially altered to accommodate for other modes of communication, any alterations must be conducted in a manner that contains fail-safe mechanisms that ensure basic communication tools remain unequivocally viable, and includes an opportunity to ensure more advanced telecommunications infrastructure can continue to replace outdated modes. 
Additionally, while the legislation requires that a legacy phone carrier meet certain thresholds before a relinquishment of their landline obligations, of utmost concern in the relinquishment scenario is that rural communities would be left with little or no opportunity to see an investment in modern, alternative infrastructures – essentially leaving RCRC’s member counties further behind than before.  Additionally, RCRC questions both the viability of replacement, and service quality of replacement, should relinquishment occur. 
For detailed information on AB 2395, including opposition letters from RCRC and its member counties, background information on the legislation, and additional opposition viewpoints, visit RCRC’s AB 2395 Hot Issues webpage, accessed here.  
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-five member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.  RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties.  To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter.

​

By George Runner
Word count: 550


Just one decade ago California’s housing market crashed, resulting in mass foreclosures and dramatic declines in home values. Today, we face a very different problem—a severe housing shortage.


There just aren’t enough homes.  Supply is low, demand is high and home prices continue to rise. In fact, home prices in California are so high that middle and lower income families are being priced out of home ownership.


The average California home price of $450,000 is twice the national average.


In order to meet the demand for housing and to make homes more affordable, California developers would have to build millions of new homes—a million in Los Angeles alone—just to keep up.  And it’ll be hard to keep up if California’s ultra-strict environmental regulations continue to get in the way.


Right now, there’s little incentive for builders to build homes, since excessive regulation has made it very expensive. To build a home, one must navigate a labyrinth of bureaucracy and follow a layer cake of rules. Builders are forced to price their homes higher, which then reduces the number of buyers who are able to afford the finished product.


There are even reports of doctors earning $250,000 a year, struggling to find homes in the Bay Area. That doesn’t bode well for Californians who earn less.


Those who have already purchased a home are in a good shape. Home prices will likely continue to see incremental gains. But my guess is you have friends and family who would like to own a home someday.  If they’ve yet to purchase a home or are looking to rent, they may find themselves priced out of the market.


Liberal state lawmakers attempting to address the issue have only come with temporary solutions to the “affordability problem.” So far, what’s been suggested is for the state to heavily subsidize a few low-income housing programs. These policies are out of touch with reality.  They limit housing choices, stifle opportunities and are a waste of taxpayer money.


The real solution is to remove unreasonable restrictions on building homes, while keeping in mind lessons learned from past housing crises. California burdens home builders by placing roadblocks in the form of stifling environmental regulation. But the Legislature had no problem skirting the California Environmental Quality Act to move forward with a stadium complex in Los Angeles back in 2009. Right now people need homes more than they need a new place to watch a football game.


And if the environment is really a priority, lawmakers should review a report from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office on the high cost of housing. The study found that Californians who live near the coast are often forced to commute 10 percent further due to their inability to afford a place to live in a city such as San Francisco.


That’s a lot of extra carbon coming from a lot of extra cars on the road.


California’s affordable housing woes are just another example of the government being involved where it doesn’t belong, and absent where it’s actually needed. If the state doesn’t ease restrictions on builders to increase the housing supply, or create a plan that involves more than subsidized low-income developments, then rents and home prices will only continue to increase. 


And that’s bad for all Californians.


George Runner is an elected member of the California State Board of Equalization.

Loyalton Volunteer Firefighters hosted their annual Spaghetti Feed Saturday night, May 14th to a good crowd. Proceeds benefit the department's equipment.

Loyalton Rotarians attended the District 5190 conference May 13-15.
Late member Dick "Twiggy" Wiggin was among those remembered in a somber ceremony. "Twiggy" held the perfect attendance record for many years and was a deeply devoted Rotarian who oversaw the club's annual events. Donna Wiggin Matlock and Shirley Wiggin were in attendance.
Members also participated in District Governor Gail "Virus" Ellingwood's demotion following the Sunday Gin Fizz Breakfast. Loyalton's Interact member, Sami Guidotti of Loyalton High School attended.
In a fun demotional skit, Rotary Club of Loyalton's returning member Deb Phelps, Incoming President Chuck "Upchuck" Henson, President Tracy "Wild Thing" Smith and former District Governor Sam "Woody" Wilbanks donned hazmat suits and went on a dramatic search in the crowd with flashlights through fog for the "Virus."  Once found, she was wrapped up and whisked away in a wheelchair.
"Virus" was also gifted and thanked by her Loyalton members. In the crowd was her lifetime friend from the east coast along with her sisters, Dawn and April and niece, Katherine.
"Virus" and husband Dan plan to spend time with family. They have moved from Loyalton to Smith, Nevada.

Governor Brown is expected to present the May Revise to the state budget on Friday. While we all eagerly await its unveiling, let’s take a look at what one of the state’s most controversial agencies is requesting: Caltrans.


FACT: Caltrans has requested an additional $155.5 million in this year’s budget to create 877 new positions.


FACT: Caltrans justifies the need for those positions based only on Governor Brown’s proposal to increase transportation taxes. While a number of officials pointed fingers at Republicans for opposing new taxes in a recent Los Angeles Times article, the fact is that the plan does not have full support of the Democrats and no Democratic member of the Legislature has even been willing to introduce it as a bill.


FACT: The non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has recommended that the state remove redundant positions at Caltrans to save the state $500 million.


Assembly Republicans included the LAO recommendation to eliminate 3,500 redundant positions at Caltrans in our transportation plan, unveiled last summer. The LAO report analyzed this recommendation and found that it would not negatively impact any construction projects while freeing up a half million dollars for transportation investments.


California’s transportation infrastructure is crumbling and needs help, but adding a few hundred new employees to an already bloated and inefficient bureaucracy is not the answer.


Instead, we hope Governor Brown’s budget follows the recommendation of the LAO and creates a more efficient and results focused system for investing in our transportation.


 You are receiving this email as part of an ongoing effort to deliver accurate and factual information about the activities of your local representatives in Sacramento, and how their votes either improve or negatively impact the lives of Californians. For more information, please contact the Assembly Republicans at (916) 319-2042.

On 05/11/2016 Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received a call of found dynamite in Goodyears Bar. The dynamite was found while cleaning out an old shed on a recent vacant property. A deputy responded to the scene and observed what appeared to be approximately (9) sticks of dynamite. Placer County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordinance Detail (EOD) was contacted for assistance and disposal of the explosives. 
As a safety precaution, sheriff’s office and fire personnel notified near-by residents of the explosives. It was recommended the residents evacuate the area while the explosives were removed from the area. The evacuation was a recommendation and not mandatory. Placer County’s EOD safely removed the explosives from the area via a robot. The dynamite was taken to a safe area where the explosives were rendered safe. 
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office asks that if anyone locates anything thought to be explosive, to not touch or move the items and contact the Sheriff’s Office. It is also recommended to keep people away from the suspected explosives until the item(s) can be examined further. The Sheriff’s Office will respond and assist with the removal. We would also like to thank the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and its EOD Team, Sierra County Public Works, and Downieville Fire Department for their assistance. 
Sheriff Tim Standley 

Feather River Land Trust is offering a unique opportunity on Saturday, May 28th to kayak and canoe the wetland channels of the Middle Fork Feather River in Sierra Valley. This opportunity is open to the public and land trust members alike but online registration is required. The local land trust is offering a naturalist guided tour by boat for the first time in three years because of the wet spring and higher water levels. The boat tour and walk will be guided by long-time land trust member, local botanist, and birder Jim Battagin.
This outing is part of a series of naturalist led events on FRLT’s conserved properties this spring and summer. The non-profit organization believes in not only conserving the lands and waters of the Feather River watershed but also in connecting people to this special place.
The cost of the event is $20 per person and includes lunch. The Sierra Valley boating luncheon is free to FRLT members who donate monthly.  For more information on membership and the event visit www.frlt.org.  In partnership with High Sierra Music Foundation, FRLT is offering an incentive to joining their monthly giving circle. Each person who becomes a monthly donor at $10 or more a month is entered into a raffle to win tickets to the High Sierra Music Festival.
The Sierra Valley Boating Luncheon is Saturday, May 28 from 10am-2pm.  For more information contact Vanessa at 530-283-5758 or register online at www.frlt.org

Sierraville, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service is providing the recently restored Sardine Lookout on the Sierraville Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest for public use at no charge from June 1 to October 30, 2016. The limit per reservation is two nights and one reservation per household during the 2016 season. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. It remains available on a temporary basis to provide a quality recreation experience and to help us control random vandalism.
Sardine Lookout is the second lookout available for overnight occupancy on the Sierraville Ranger District. The popular Calpine Lookout is also available on a fee rental basis and reservations can be made through www.Recreation.gov.
The Forest Service provides the opportunities to rent these historic structures under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). All new fee proposals are reviewed by a regional citizen’s advisory committee, the California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC). The RRAC members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups and help to ensure public issues and concerns about recreation fees are addressed. The Sardine Lookout is expected to be operational as a rental under the FLREA Program in the spring of 2017.
Access to the lookout requires travel on at least 9 miles of rough dirt roads, so high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
To make a reservation for the Sardine Lookout, please call the Sierraville Ranger District at (530) 994-3401 during business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations can be made 30 days in advance of the desired date (example: reservations for June 15 can be made on May 15).


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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 
There are still a few operating drive-ins around the country, but they are few and far between. That fact should not keep us from enjoying an outdoor movie. The Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds, along with the PSCF Foundation, are turning back the clocks and will be presenting several drive-in movies this summer. The presentations will take place a half hour after sundown and will take place on the Carnival Lawn. Movie goers are welcome to bring their cars and watch the movie, or neck. People can also bring a blanket and spread out on the grass to watch as well. Movies will be shown on a large, 15 foot screen and sound will be broadcast by speakers for those not in cars, and transmitted to the radio for those in cars.
 
Admission is free. The PSCF Foundation, a non-profit organization that benefits the fairgrounds, will have a concession stand with popcorn, sodas, candy and hotdogs. The purpose of the drive-ins are to bring more people to the fairgrounds, offer some family entertainment, and most importantly, have fun. Of course, anyone is welcome to join the Foundation or make a donation, but the main mission is to have a good time. These movies will sometimes be shown as part of other events at the fairgrounds, but will still be open to the general public. The first date will be Friday, June 3, the night before the County Picnic. This should be especially exciting with all the classic cars that will be lined up to watch the classic; “Plan 9 From Outer Space” starring Bela Legosi. Along with the main feature will be a couple of classic Superman and Felix the Cat cartoons, as well as an educational short about nutrition. It should be a real scream.
 
The second scheduled movie will be the following week as part of the Classic Vintage Trailer Rally at the fairgrounds. That presentation will be “Teenagers From Outerspace”, with the tag line; “Thrill crazed space kids blasting the flesh off humans.” Seems so innocent, doesn’t it? Again, everyone is welcome to this now unusual experience. Look for future presentation.
 
You can see copies of the movie posters on the fair website; www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net. 

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Plumas Lake) has sent Attorney General Kamala Harris a letter requesting she meet with him to discuss the importance of Sites Reservoir and the vital role water surface storage projects throughout the state will play in lessening California’s drought.


The letter states in part:
“It has recently come to my attention from an article in the Sacramento Bee that you were unfamiliar with the Sites Reservoir project. I can tell you that few issues are as import to Californians as the construction of additional water storage, including Sites.
“Sites is a proposed off-stream storage reservoir that would hold up to 586 billion gallons of water: enough to supply 3.6 million California households with a full year’s water supply. The article also stated that you were unfamiliar with Temperance Flat Reservoir project. It is a similar water storage project that would be located on the San Joaquin River and would hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet increasing water supply to the Central Valley.
“The Assemblyman invites all Senate candidates to review and visit Sites as he strives to ensure Sites and other key water storage projects become a reality at a time when Californians need concrete solutions to the drought.”
***Full text of the letter Assemblyman Gallagher sent Attorney General Kamala Harris can be found below.


For more information on Assemblyman Gallagher, and to track legislation visit www.assembly.ca.gov/Gallagher

Auburn – Due to currently dry weather conditions and an increased flammability of dry forest fuels and grasses in the region, CAL FIRE will require a valid burn permit for outdoor open residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Nevada, Yuba, Placer, Sutter and Sierra Counties. This permit requirement takes effect Sunday, May 1, 2016, and will remain in effect until rescinded or the suspension of burning is declared. The permit requirement includes all private residential outdoor burning of landscape debris including branches and leaves.
 
Remember it is your responsibility to keep any debris burn under your control, an adult needs to be in attendance at all times, and have hand tools and water available to contain and extinguish the fire. You must comply with the requirements of your burn permit and must verify it is a permissive burn day by calling the phone number listed on your permit. Additional restrictions including the prohibition of burning trash, garbage, plastic and dimensional or treated lumber are imposed by local Air Quality Management Districts. Please do not create a smoke nuisance and only burn dry materials. Permissive burn days are also regulated by Air Quality Management so it is important to follow and abide by those restrictions and stipulations as well.
 
Similar to last year, CAL FIRE has already responded to significantly more wildfires than in an average non-drought year. Many of these fires have been related to debris burns that have escaped control even while the property owner was in attendance. Please remember you are responsible for any fire which escapes your control, and may be libel for suppression costs, fines and any damages caused by the fire.
 
CAL FIRE is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires including maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home.
 
Here are some tips to help prepare your home and property:

• Clear all dead or dying vegetation 100 feet around all structures.
• Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or  hauling it to a biomass energy facility

 
The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.   Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property that are otherwise permitted will be allowed if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland.
 
For additional information on preparing for and preventing wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. 

 
NEWCASTLE – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is alerting motorists to anticipate delays beginning Monday, May 9 on westbound Interstate 80 (I-80) in Newcastle for freeway excavation under the Newcastle Union Pacific Railroad bridge as part of the $36 million vertical clearance project.


Motorists should anticipate delays of 30 minutes during the morning commute and delays of 45 minutes on Sunday afternoons as travelers to the Sierra area return home. Lane closures will begin on Monday, May 9 and are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, May 26. Two freeway lanes will remain open while one lane leading up to and under the railroad bridge will be closed to traffic. The lane closure will alternate between the #1, #2 and #3 lanes. Work will be performed around the clock in order to reduce the time required for lane closures.


The westbound I-80 exit to Newcastle Road will also be closed to traffic during the project’s construction.  Motorists are advised to use the Highway 193 exit to access the town of Newcastle. The Newcastle Road overcrossing as well as the on-ramp from Newcastle to westbound I-80 will remain open. 


The Newcastle Union Pacific Railroad bridge is the last structure to be addressed in the two-year, “Raise80” vertical clearance project that has nearly completed increasing the vertical clearance of nine freeway overcrossings on I-80 between Magra and Loomis in south Placer County.


Seven of the structures have had their bridge deck raised approximately two feet, and two of the structures will have the roadway lowered to achieve the necessary clearance. When complete, all structures will meet today’s 16 feet, 6 inches federal clearance standards for high-profile vehicles and national defense, eliminating the need for most high-profile vehicles to use local roads as detours.


Raise80.com is the central source for information about construction details, alternate routes, detours, maps and project updates. Updates regarding weather or other unexpected events that may prolong the work or cause construction activities to be rescheduled are also posted.
 

THE EAST SIERRA VALLEY CHAMBER'S KIOSK was moved from the east end of Main Street to the old hotel lot, across from White's Sierra Station. Thanks to Terry LeBlanc and Dave Roberti, Steve Goicoechea and Scott!
The Chamber will sponsor Country Markets the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, starting July 9th.
For information on booths, call (530) 993-4379, 510-5010 or 993-0453.