Assembly Republican Leader Waldron Statement on Harmful Prop. 13 "Split Roll" Repeal Qualifying For November Ballot
 
SACRAMENTO: Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron issued the following statement in response to the split roll repeal of Prop. 13 qualifying for the November ballot: 

"Every year, California becomes more unaffordable and Prop. 13 is one of the last safeguards we have in place," Waldron said. "Especially at a time when we have soaring unemployment and budget crises throughout the state, it is unbelievable that anyone would pursue any effort to undo our landmark affordability law. I will do everything in my power to protect Prop. 13.

"Split roll, while focused on commercial properties, will hurt small businesses that lease property the most, pushing higher costs onto consumers," Waldron added. "Many businesses will have to close their doors, creating a loss of local jobs and sales tax revenues."###




​

 
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after supporting H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which would relax restrictions on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan recipients. This bill would:
 

• Extend the PPP loan forgiveness period to include costs incurred over 24 weeks after a loan is issued or through December 31, whichever comes first.
• Extend to December 31 from June 30 a period in which loans can be forgiven if businesses restore staffing or salary levels that were previously reduced.
• Extend the deadline to apply for a PPP loan to December 31 from June 30.
• Establish a minimum loan maturity period of five years following an application for loan forgiveness, instead of the current two-year deadline set by the SBA.
• Changes forgiveness limits to allow for 60% payroll/40% non-payroll expenses.

 
LaMalfa said: “The Paycheck Protection Program has become a lifeline for millions of small businesses across the country. However, the program has also shown that Congress needed to provide more flexibility as businesses across the nation begin to safely re-open. Today’s legislation achieves these reforms and helps reinforce the clear national directive that we will support our small businesses during this pandemic.”
 
 Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

​

Nevada City, Calif. — The Tahoe National Forest is increasing access to the public by providing additional developed recreational opportunities. We encourage visitors to check our website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
The Tahoe National Forest will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as county policies and facility preparations allow. For complete list of current updates, please visit our webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Please click on the Tahoe National Forest Update: May 28-June 4.
 
For additional information, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe; Facebook facebook.com/TahoeNF and Twittertwitter.com/Tahoe_NF.

By Harold Pease, Ph.D. 



Is it possible Americans are watching the death of free speech and therefore liberty?  The defiance of the 1st and 4th Amendments of the Bill of Rights from March-May by Democrat governors has been beyond mind boggling and demonstrates that the Constitution, at least in these states, is on a ventilator.  
But the growing collusion between Big Tech and government has been even more threatening as the former seems hell-bent on political censorship in favor of the left.  At a time when the world is threatened by an unknown virus dissenting speech from physicians who work with the virus would be most valued, but it was stifled.  
The examples of big tech censorship are many, we identify only two.  Dr Knuit M. Wittkowski, former head of biostatistics epidemiology and research design at Rockefeller University, argued that massive lockdowns, mass quarantines, were a mistake, “We will see more cases among the elderly, because we have prevented the schoolchildren from creating herd immunity.”  A dissenting view that conflicted with that of the government.  “Google decided that disagreeing with the government is forbidden” (Tucker Carlson Tonight, May 19, 2020). 
In mid April two Bakersfield, California physicians, Dan Erickson and Arten Massihi reported similarly, “Our immune system is used to touching.  We share bacteria, staphylococcus, streptococcal bacteria, viruses.  We develop an immune response, dealing to this stuff….  When you take that away from me,” Erickson continues, “My immune system drops as I shelter in place….  You keep me there for months, it drops more.  Sheltering in place decreases your immune system and then as we all come out of shelter in place with a lower immune system, and start trading viruses, bacteria, what do you think's going to happen?  Disease is going to spike” (https://youtu.be/xfLVxx_lBLU).  YouTube, decided to back lockdown state governors and removed both videos because they conflicted with the government’s position.  
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, in an interview with CNN, admitted that, “Anything that would go against World Health Organization recommendations, would be a violation of our policy.”  It would be classed as unsubstantiated or harmful misinformation and therefore removed (Tim Hinchliffe, “Big tech COVID-19 surveillance data & censorship threaten privacy & free speech: op-ed,” The Sociable, April 22, 2020).  
In effect Big Tech has created an unholy alliance with Big Government and Big International agencies against the people to control the parameters of acceptable opinion and speech world wide.  Harmeet Dillon, civil rights attorney, acknowledged that these companies, although private, have exceeded the rights of being just private.  “But where the government is actually instructing and conspiring, which is happening with some of these states, contacting and working with Google, Facebook, Twitter and others to say take down the misinformation.  That is the government using these tech companies as their tools and all of a sudden, it's a whole different scenario in terms of legal liability, as well as in terms of the terrible impact on America.” (Tucker Carlson Tonight, May 19, 2020).
Facebook, defining political speech it disagreed with as hate speech, in 2018 banned Infowars’ Alex Jones from his Internet audience of millions.  More recently, using the virus as an excuse, it began removing what it called misinformation speech, basically blocking anything out of harmony with the WHO.  Now it is removing “event posts for anti-lockdown protests in various US states, in tandem with state officials”—specifically in California, New Jersey and Nebraska.  “Facebook ‘reached out to state officials to understand the scope of their orders’ and resolved to ‘remove the posts when gatherings do not follow the health parameters established by the government and are therefore unlawful’, such as when protests intend to flout social-distancing rules.”  They have made themselves “arbiters of truth” (Tom Slater, “We need to stop the spread of Big Tech censorship,” Spiked, May 8, 2020).
Facebook and YouTube both “monopolize huge arenas of public discussion.  Writers and thinkers unable to promote their work on Facebook, or video makers unable to upload their work to YouTube, are effectively denied access to a significant portion of what now constitutes the public square.  At a time when billions of people are under house arrest, and the literal public square is largely off-limits, this is an even more sinister development.  As is the fact that governments and powerful organizations seem to be working hand in glove with tech firms to enforce conformity” (Ibid.).
Emboldened by their new power they will only accelerate it.  “Facebook has stressed that state governments did not ask them to remove specific posts.  But what seems to have happened is almost worse.  Facebook moderators appear to be banning events posts on the basis of what they reckon the laws of a particular state constitute” (Ibid.).
How serious is this?  Social platforms were already important theaters for democratic participation and deliberation; now they’re the only game in town (Sam Adler-Bell, “Facebook Is Removing Protest Pages. That’s a Terrible Precedent,” Harvard Law Today, April 24, 2020).  
Tucker Carlson assessed the damage to liberty, “The right to have your own opinions, to think for yourself, to disagree with your elected leaders, politicians, was the most basic right that every American enjoyed for 240 years, it was the signature right of this country.”  He warned, “They’re going to try and censor Fox News next, you watch” (Tonight, May 19, 2020).


 
Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years at Taft College.  Newspapers have permission to publish this column. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

 

On 5-26-2020 The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious circumstance that occurred the previous evening in the City Of Portola CA.  Upon further investigation it was determined an attempted Kidnapping of two juveniles had occurred. The suspect reportedly followed the victims around town and contacted them at three separate locations throughout the night. During the contacts the suspect attempted to coerce the victims into his vehicle by telling them he knew one of their relatives and stated the relative asked him to give them a ride home.  Through the investigation the suspect was identified as Joshua Stephan Bevan of Portola. He is described as a WMA, 49 years old, approx. 5’5” tall, weighs approx. 140 lbs, with brown hair and Hazel eyes. 
Bevan is reportedly driving a white 1994 Lincoln Sedan with CA Lic # 6KSL420.
If you know the whereabouts or see this suspect please immediately call the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office at 530-283-6300 or dial 911.

Sacramento – The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the 1st Quarter of 2020. As of May 15, 2020, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $68.3 million in revenue reported on the 1st Quarter 2020 returns due by April 30, 2020, and the cultivation tax generated $16.4 million.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 1st Quarter 2020 is a unique reporting period since approximately half of the taxpayers normally reporting have yet to file a return with the CDTFA. Revisions to 1st Quarter 2020 data are expected in mid-August after the 2nd Quarter return filing due date of July 31. Additional information on the relief offered due to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/covid19.htm.
 
Sales tax from cannabis businesses totaled $50.2 million in revenue for the same period. Sales tax applies to sales of cannabis, cannabis products, and other tangible personal property. Certain retail sales of medicinal cannabis are exempt from sales and use taxes when the purchaser provides at the time of purchase a valid Medical Marijuana Identification Card issued by the California Department of Public Health and a valid government-issued identification card.
 
Total tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry is $134.9 million for 1st Quarter returns due by April 30, 2020.  This does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction. Previously reported revenue for 4th Quarter 2019 returns was revised to $177.3 million, which included $85.9 million in cannabis excise tax, $24.1 million in cultivation tax, and $67.3 million in sales tax. Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns, and other tax return adjustments.
 
Since January 2018, total program revenue to date is $1.17 billion, which includes $569.8 million in cannabis excise tax, $140.2 million in cultivation tax, and $456.9 million in sales tax.
 
In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15 percent cannabis excise tax upon purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax. To learn more, visit the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses on the CDTFA website.
 
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis taxes, as well as a variety of other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs account for over $70 billion annually which in turn supports local essential services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.
 
###

​Left to right in picture are Jedidiah Espana, Caleb Williams, Claire Quintana, Tristin Koch, Casey Koch, Derrick Koch, and Celeste Quintana. Other scouts who helped but not pictured: Nate and Adam Smeltzer, and Issac Andaluz.
 
To honor the Veterans at Loyalton Cemetery Casey Koch decided to center his Eagle Scout project around placing permanent flag holders at the gravesite of all the Veterans. Casey purchased materials from Sierra Valley Home Center and with the help of his Troop, they cut each steel flag holder to size and painted them red so they would be easily visible for many years. On Saturday May 16th Casey, Scout Troop 60, and other community members arrived at the Loyalton Cemetery and replaced the old torn, faded flags with new flags and installed the new flag holders. With the social distancing order in place the scouts worked while wearing masks and kept a safe distance while working. The Scouts made and placed 80 holders and flags, but were short 15, Casey plans to make the remaining 15 holders to finish the project.

By Taryn Luna - Staff Writer
MAY 22, 2020

When Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the start of an initiative last month to deliver free meals to California seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, he declared that "the universe of those eligible is certainly in the millions." ...

But nearly a month later, the Great Plates Delivered program has served only 16,377 seniors. Local leaders say delayed information from the state, the duplication of existing services to provide meals to seniors and questions about the government reimbursement have hampered the ability to quickly ramp up the program.  ...
... Newsom initially said the goal of the program was to provide generous government reimbursements - up to $66 per day for three daily meals - to restaurants that prepare the food, employ workers in the industry and allow California's most vulnerable residents to receive healthy meals in the safety of their homes. 

As of Wednesday, 168,163 meals had been delivered from 249 restaurants, according to Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The state's COVID-19 website lists nearly 50 participating cities and counties.  ...

"There was some bureaucratic mumbo jumbo going on for a little while and we just kind of watched that happen before we connected the dots with the county," [Riverside Mayor Rusty] Bailey said of the lack of clarity about the details of the program.
When the governor announced the program in April, he described it as a replica of Meals on Wheels but at a "huge scale." By contrast, Meals on Wheels serves about 18 million meals a year in the state ....
... CalFresh recipients, for example, cannot participate in Great Plates, but many are afraid to visit the grocery store during the pandemic to use their existing benefits.
... federal rules ban the state from providing Great Plates meals to residents who receive benefits through any federally funded food assistance programs. ...
Beyond the Great Plates program .... Meals on Wheels is concerned about seniors in the months ahead. The governor's proposed budget cuts $8.5 million to senior nutrition programs.
"The biggest problem for us is what happens after COVID-19," he said.
Click here to read the entire article published in The Los Angeles Times.

Nevada City, Calif. — The Tahoe National Forest is increasing access to the public by providing additional developed recreational opportunities. We encourage visitors to check our website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
The Tahoe National Forest will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as county policies and facility preparations allow. For complete list of current updates, please visit our webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Please click on the Tahoe National Forest Update: Memorial Weekend May 22-24.
 

• A third say lockdown has brought about a greater community spirit.
• Almost half appreciated spending more time with their families.
• 27% say they have upskilled during lockdown.

It sounded like everyone’s worst nightmare: being told to just... stay at home, with no idea how long for. No more socializing, no more eating out, no more travel. Thankfully, lockdowns across the country, imposed because of the Coronavirus, are finally starting to lift, and that should mean thousands of us are celebrating the end of the restrictions, finding some measure of freedom at last... Or are we?
Is it actually possible that, in certain cases, lockdown might actually have been seen as a good thing? EverydayCarry.com, the leading review site of everyday carry essentials, surveyed 4,500 Americans and made the startling discovery that over a third of people - 41% - said there were aspects of lockdown they would definitely miss. It appears that Californians on the whole have adapted better than most to quarantine – 48% of Golden State residents say they will miss parts of lockdown life. Being in quarantine didn't work so well for West Virginians, however, as only 14% of them say they’ll miss any of it.
View the results across America 
So, what kind of benefits have people been experiencing? Well, nearly half - 45% - have been grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with their partner, or family. Over one third - 35% - have enjoyed the sense of community spirit which has emerged during the pandemic, which has brought people closer together, while 9% have been grateful for the decrease in pollution, 6% glad to get on with some home improvements, and even 3% enjoying more sleep.  
And speaking of upskilling, some of us are even coming out with new, useful skills. Over a quarter- 27% - believe they’ve become more self-sufficient since lockdown, doing things they’ve never done before such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, baking bread and learning DIY. It seems women are more keen to gain these new skills, with 31% of them taking to it like a duck to water, compared to 24% of men.
But with all this new knowledge, are we any better prepared for emergencies around the house? 55% of us say we are and would know how to tackle something like a leaky pipe or a disaster in the kitchen involving a sharp knife. So what kind of things should you have in your home at all times in case of any future emergencies, in or out of lockdown? Well, EverydayCarry.com has prepared a simple slideshow detailing the kind of gear you should keep in your home, from a first aid kit to a flashlight, just in case. Whatever the world throws at us next, you’ll be able to take just about anything in your stride...

​

​Bob Feeny, shown above right, new to Loyalton in April of 2019, but already a Volunteer at the Museum and a Rotary Club Member, recently purchased the vacant lot at the corner of Main St and RailRoad Ave. On Wednesday, May 13th, Bob's many friends joined in to help clear the lot of trees, brush, weeds and debris. Many thanks to Brooks and Jackie Mitchell, Tony Tucker, Kenton McHenry, John Creel, Chet Mitchell, Sue Camara, Barb Hill, Carolyn Rees and Mike Buck. Bob's future plans for the corner location is to build a vintage style RailRoad Depot that will serve as a Donut Shop and Cafe. Hopefully it will be a great place for local folks to get their morning coffee and another reason for tourists to visit our Historical Town. Bob's Son, Marc Feeny, will have a residence at the back of the lot. Marc is very anxious to move to Loyalton and become a part of this community.

 
 
May 6, 2020

 
PG&E Reminds Customers that Public Safety Risks Remain Despite Drier Year
 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. --With temperatures forecast to increase this week, California’s snowpack will be melting faster, potentially filling rivers and streams with dangerously cold and swift moving water.
 
As some counties begin to ease shelter-at-home restrictions, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) notes that California’s stay-at-home order remains in effect, and it’s important to continue practicing physical distancing. Californians may walk, run, hike and/or bike in their local neighborhoods as long as they continue to practice physical distancing of six feet.
 
For those who choose to venture near or in water, PG&E encourages them to take extra precautions when in or near rivers, especially around hydroelectric facilities and dams, where water flows can change rapidly. Anglers also are encouraged to take precautions as trout season has opened for most California rivers.
 
Although California’s snowfall is below normal, runoff is expected to continue into early summer.
 
“Public safety is our highest priority. We encourage everyone recreating in or near water to plan at all times how they can quickly and safely escape in case of changing water flows and cold temperatures,” said Jan Nimick, PG&E vice president of Power Generation.
 
Most California rivers are fed by snowmelt, making them cold even in summer. Simple actions such as recognizing if the water is too cold or swift, knowing your limits, wearing a life jacket and simply not entering the water when conditions are deemed unsafe can save a life.
 
Below are some water safety tips:
Stay Out and Stay Alive - Stay Out of Canals and Flumes

• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay off elevated flumes and out of these water conveyances, regardless of who owns them, as they are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast-moving cold water.  Be mindful of signs and warnings. Stay out of areas that are signed as restricted, fenced off or buoy-lined.

 
Know the Risks

• Prevention is the best way to save a person from drowning. By the time a person is struggling in the water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.
• 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 can be easily overwhelmed.
• Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This can confuse swimmers, potentially causing them to venture deeper into the water.
• Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature and causes impairment that can be fatal.

 
Learn About Self-Rescue Techniques

• If you do fall into the water, here are some survival tips:
  • Don’t panic. Try to control your breathing; don’t gasp. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. If you remain calm, you have a greater chance of self-rescue.
  • If you have a boat, stay with it. It will help you stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers. If it’s capsized and a portion of the craft is above water, try to climb on top.
  • Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water in view of rescuers.
  • If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as by holding onto seat cushions or an ice chest.
  • If you’re in the water with others, huddle together facing each other to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.
  • If you do fall into a river without a life jacket, keep your feet pointed downstream and turn onto your back.
  • If you fall into the water with waders on, roll onto the shore. Wear a belt with waders.

 
Know your Limits

• Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface - this is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.

                                                                                                                                                                    
Wear a Coast Guard-approved Life Jacket

• Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming.

 
Adult Supervision

• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Use the buddy system and never swim alone.

 
###
 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
 
 
 
 
|  |  |  | 
 

 
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 6800, the HEROES Act, a $3,000,000,000,000 spending measure comprised of Democrat policy agenda items alongside measures that expand financial support to individuals and businesses from the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.
 
LaMalfa said: “Americans have made unbelievable sacrifices – personal, financial, and spiritual – to pull through these hard times. When given the opportunity to try to resolve the problems created by this virus, House Democrats came to the table with an 1800-page partisan grab bag that is estimated to cost the taxpayer $3 trillion – nearly double the total of the most expensive bill in American history. There are still billions of dollars from previous coronavirus legislation that need to be properly utilized, yet Democrats are attempting to spend even more and send our national debt into a freefall. It’s clear this bill was never written to become law because it was crafted behind closed doors without a single Republican’s input. It’s nothing more than a messaging bill for the upcoming election. Instead of attempting to solve the real issues, Democrats used this virus to take advantage of the American taxpayer and pass their partisan wish list.”
 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
 
###
 

Nevada City, Calif. — The Tahoe National Forest is increasing access to the public by providing additional developed recreational opportunities. We encourage visitors to check our website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
 
For sites open on the Tahoe National Forest beginning May 15, 2020 please visit our webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Please click on the Tahoe National Forest Update May 15-21.
 
For additional information, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe; Facebook facebook.com/TahoeNF and Twittertwitter.com/Tahoe_NF.

On May 13, 2020, the State of California approved Sierra County’s Local Variance Attestation, which allows the county to consider increasing the pace at which they advance through Stage 2 of California’s roadmap to modify the Stay-at-Home Order. To see the variance go to the state website at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Local-VarianceAttestations.aspx or our local website at https://www.sierracounty.ca.gov/variance. The state determines which businesses will open in each stage. The following Stage 2 businesses are now allowed to open with modifications: • All retail business to on site sales (in store) including swap meets andmalls • Personal services, limited to: car washes, pet grooming, tanning facilities and landscape gardening • Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged) • Dine in restaurants (bars and gaming areas, notpermitted) • Outdoor museums and open gallery spaces • Home Childcare providers (schools and preschools remain closed at this time) All businesses must have a written plan to mitigate COVID-19 transmission risks. Sierra County has developed a template for businesses, COVID-19 Reopening Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to guide them. The COVID-19 Reopening MOU needs to be submitted to the County for approval and be accessible to all employees and county officials if requested. The COVID-19 Reopening MOU template is located on the county website: https://www.sierracounty.ca.gov/BusinessReopeningPlan. It is unknown at this time how long Stage 2 may last or when we will be able to safely and legally re- open Stage 3 businesses. The State has made it very clear that any county that moves into Stage 3 without the state’s approval may jeopardize receipt of state funding. Sierra County is already working on a plan to move to Stage 3 as soon as the state allows. Being able to safely and legally re-open Stage 3 businesses will be a community effort. Please continue to stay strong and maintain social distancing, practice good hygiene, wear face coverings in public when maintaining 6 feet of separation from others is not possible, and minimize going into public.