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Harmful Prop. 13 "Split Roll" Repeal Qualifying For November Ballot

5/29/2020

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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."###




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FREE DRIVE-THRU

5/29/2020

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A persuasive writing assignment - Cute!!

5/29/2020

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A persuasive writing assignment through distance learning was given to Ms. Shaffer¹s 5th graders at Loyalton Elementary School. They had to include a strong hook, several facts to support their position, and a strong call to action at the end. Ms. Shaffer found them “very compelling!”

Stop spreading the Coronavirus. Wash your hands frequently, and don’t touch your face. Wear a face covering or a mask in public. Help your neighbors if they need groceries. Help at a six foot distance. Stay home! Do not go to busy places. Also, stop hoarding toilet paper! Other people need some. Remember: stay at home, wear a mask, six feet distance, and help your neighbors!
- Jobe Rosecrans of Loyalton

Hoarding toilet paper doesn’t solve the Coronavirus! How much toilet paper do I have to use? The average is 8 squares per use. Elderly and children need toilet paper as well. Please conserve toilet paper and share when in need. Sharing can go a long way!
- Marcelina Ramirez of Loyalton

How would you feel if someone had to wipe their butt with leaves because of you? Diarrhea is not a symptom of COVID-19. Your normal amount of toilet paper should be enough. Imagine the embarrassment of someone seeing your garage stacked high with toilet paper while they have none of their own. So avoid your neighbors having to steal leaves from your yard. There is plenty of toilet paper for everyone. Don’t take more than you need.
- Sienna Larrucea of Calpine

Is a symptom of COVID-19 going to the bathroom more? NO! Doctors don’t feel that going to the bathroom is a symptom. People are hoarding toilet paper because they want to feel in control. The average American household uses 3 to 4 rolls a week. There is no shortage of TP in America. Only buy the amount of TP you need!
- Kaycie Bracher of Loyalton

Does toilet paper prevent the Coronavirus? Of course not! Toilet paper’s only use is to wipe after going to the bathroom. If you use it as a mask, people are going to think you are crazy! Hoarding toilet paper is not a vaccine. Be conscious of other people. Take only what you need. Even if you did buy a lot of toilet paper, nothing is going to happen. All you need to do is take one pack of toilet paper.
- Everett Powers of Chilcoot

How hard is it to ask an elderly person a few houses down if they need groceries? It’s not very hard to spend 30 minutes a day helping someone elderly get their groceries. Especially people who don’t have to work should help their elderly neighbors because they have much more time. Another reason you should help is that older people have a higher chance of dying from Coronavirus. These are the reasons why you should help your elderly neighbors buy groceries.
- Thor Corcoran of Loyalton

We need to shop local. According to the Washington Post, 22 million people have lost their jobs. A lot of them are from small businesses. Going to large corporations causes local businesses to lose out. If I had a choice, I would rather give to my neighbors than give to Walmart. When you shop local you are supporting your local community. All of Sierra county is small businesses. So if we don’t support them, we won’t be able to keep them. Thank you.
- Tristan Miller of Loyalton
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May 28th, 2020

5/28/2020

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LaMalfa Supports PPP Reform and Extension

5/28/2020

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(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.

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TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST UPDATE: May 28-June 4

5/28/2020

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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.
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Coronavirus Big Tech Censorship Could Spell End of Liberty

5/27/2020

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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.

 
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Memorial Day Weekend – 2020:

5/27/2020

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         Memorial Day Weekend was a bit unusual in Sierra County this year.  Most of the “summer people”, those who have private summer homes or USFS Recreational Recreation Cabins in the area above Sierra City, open their summer homes on Memorial Weekend.  Several cabins in Clark Station and Carvin Creek Tracts were occupied, however Carvin Creek, The San Francisco Camp and Clark Station all had county notices to stay away on their entry signs.
         The Haskell Creek Tract is one of a very few USF Tracts in the United States to have its own water system.  Its fire hydrants connect with the USFS and Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department’s hoses in case of fire in the area.  There was no notice at Haskell, and several of its summer residents are looking to sheltering in place for a good part of the summer.
         Driving down Highway 49 from Yuba Pass to Gold Lake Road, it was apparent that the USFS has been at work doing wild fire remediation, thinning and clearing areas along Highway 49 and around residences, summer home tracts, and camp grounds to help mitigate wildfire threat.
         With the recent torrential rains, dirt roads in the Lakes Basin suffered washouts.  Many of them will need major repairs.  The Forest Service is also doing some logging along Gold Lake Road.
           Forest Service camp grounds along Highway 49 and over Gold Lake Road are closed.  However, private campgrounds and RV parks along Highway 70 from the Greagle turn-off to Beckworth were open and full.  The boat launch area at Gold Lake was busy, but it was day use only, no camping.
         Everyone we spoke with was concentrating on social distancing.  Some Haskell residents are going on long hikes, kayaking on isolated lakes or Gold Lake and/or lake fishing.  A few area restaurants in the area are open for take-out.  Bassetts is open and their gas pump is open. There is no gas available in Downieville or Sierra City.  One cabin owner had a new electric car and tried it out on this trip.  He and his wife were very pleased with the car and its action on the road.
         This was a great weekend for birding-in-place.  Sitting on our porch we watched Evening Grosbeaks, Dark-eyed Juncos, a pair of White-headed Woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, Cassin’s Finches and Purple Finches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Stellar Jays were very active, and there were the usual American Robins.   We heard the cry of a hawk overhead but could not see what it was.  (As the Yellow-rumped Warblers always disappear from the Reno area just before Memorial Day, we have always joked that we are seeing the same birds.  We see them at our bird feeders in Reno throughout the fall and winter and at Haskell in the summer.)   
         Driving through Sierra Valley on the way to the cabin, we saw multiple Brewer, Red-winged and Yellow-headed blackbirds, as well as Tree, Cliff, Barn and Rough-winged Swallows, nesting Sand-Hill Cranes, American Coots, Gadwalls, and other ducks as well as Ravens, Crows and Turkey Vultures.  Sierra Valley is a nice day’s drive from Reno, without having to stop anywhere.  However, if you do it on a Friday, you can shop at the Farmer’s Market at the Romano Farms just south of Beckworth on Route 24.
         As noted in a previous Booster article, Sierra Valley depends on the income from its summer residents.  Many of the usual resorts are not open yet.  If you are planning to go to your summer cabin or have plans to stay somewhere in Sierra County, check in with your favorite resorts and restaurants well ahead of time to see if they are open and if they are not, ask if they have take-out. Remember to take your masks and gloves if you are going to be in a public place.
 
 
 



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Is Your Farm A Mosquito Magnet?

5/27/2020

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 5 Ways
To Protect Your People And Animals


While COVID-19 remains in the front of everyone’s mind, the coming of mosquito season means that both people and livestock are vulnerable to other serious illnesses if the farm infrastructure is not sound.


Mosquitoes can transmit a number of diseases, including dengue, malaria, yellow fever, Zika and West Nile virus. Farms provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes in numerous places. But plenty of measures can be taken to protect the landscape, waters, and structures from mass mosquito gathering and the disease they bring, says David Anderson (www.horsedrinker.com), president and CEO of Bar-Bar-A, a company that produces mosquito- and algae-free automatic livestock drinkers.
 
“Mosquitoes are a real threat to farms everywhere,” Anderson says. “They carry disease that can affect humans as well as animals, while also affecting a livestock operation’s bottom line.


“Mosquitoes multiply quickly; females lay about 100 eggs at a time. So it can be a constant battle keeping their population down without knowing the preventative tactics you can use in the many places where they’re attracted.”
 
Anderson offers the following tips to firm up the farm infrastructure and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:






  • Use nature. Mosquitoes are annoying to people but a meal to other creatures. Thus, nature is one of the best options for mosquito control, and creating a welcome farm environment for mosquito-eating species means reducing mosquitoes on the property. “Dragonflies love to eat mosquitoes and will attack them as both nymphs and adults,” Anderson says. “If you have a pond or other body of water, you can release dragonfly nymphs into the water and let them feast on the mosquitoes.Fish are an effective weapon against mosquitoes; goldfish, minnows, and guppies eat mosquito larvae in ponds.”
  • Disrupt stagnant ponds, swamps. Mosquitoes need stagnant water to spawn, and ponds or swamps are breeding grounds for them. “An answer for this is installing an aeration pump or a fountain,” Anderson says. “Those can disrupt the water and make it difficult for mosquitoes to reproduce. You can also reduce the amount of vegetation, such as lily pads, piles of leaves, and cattails that are all either in the water or around it. That will reduce the places that protect  mosquitoes from their predators.”
  • Eliminate standing water. The water in drinking troughs often becomes stagnant and, therefore, a magnet for mosquitoes. Draining and refilling troughs and water buckets frequently with fresh water is one answer. Anderson says there’s a remarkable number of places on farms to watch out for standing water – thus, more mosquito havens. “Empty or remove containers that hold water – tires, birdbaths, clogged gutters, water troughs, and feed pans, among others,” Anderson says. “Clean the water troughs to prevent mosquito-friendly vegetation. Potholes also fill with water and should be fixed promptly.”
  • Maintain the air flow. “It’s vital to keep the air moving in barns and stables,” Anderson says. “Stagnant air, like stagnant water, is inviting to them. It traps moisture and scents that attract them. Use fans in barns and stables to discourage mosquitoes from sticking around.”
  • Set traps. Traps have an attractant to lure and either capture or kill female mosquitoes. “If you purchase traps, check the label to ensure you're setting enough traps for the size of your property,” Anderson says. “You can also create your own DIY mosquito traps. A Google search will turn up methods for making them. Just never place traps where people or animals gather.”




“You can greatly reduce the amount of mosquitoes on your farm, but it takes extra effort,” Anderson says. “But with the health of your people and livestock at risk, it’s so well worth it.”






About David Anderson


D George Anderson (www.horsedrinker.com) is an animal advocate, entrepreneur and President/CEO of Bar-Bar-A Horse & Livestock Drinkers. A proponent for horse and livestock safe keeping, his company has pushed to eliminate the potential for shock and electrocution of livestock, stemming from the use of water and electricity and the standing water that can contribute to viruses and unhealthy drinking water for animals. A developer of varied products and designs, he received an International MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, AZ. An international traveling enthusiast, he studied Hebrew in Israel, Arabic in North Africa and Mandarin Chinese in Beijing.

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Attempted Kidnapping

5/27/2020

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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.
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Census Bureau Opens for Operations in Select Northern California Counties

5/26/2020

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May 26, 2020 -- The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with federal, state and local health officials, will begin to drop off 2020 Census questionnaire packets at front doors of nearly 150,000 households in Northern California that do not have regular mailing addresses, such as homes in rural areas or households that use a post office box. That delivery is called the “Update Leave” operation, and it began March 15 before all fieldwork was suspended March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Field staff have been trained to observe all social distancing protocols and will wear official government-provided personal protective equipment for their safety and the safety of the public. This operation is contactless and follows the most current federal health and safety guidelines.
 
People are strongly encouraged to respond promptly to the 2020 Census using the ID number included in the questionnaire packet. Responding with a census ID or the paper questionnaire helps ensure the best count of their community. People can respond online, by phone or by using the paper form in the packet.
 
For more information, please visit the 2020 Census COVID-19 operational adjustments page.
B-roll link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPa0vKmgTMI&feature=youtu.be


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​California Department of Tax and Fee Administration ReportsCannabis Tax Revenues for the First Quarter of 2020

5/26/2020

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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.
 
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PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST INFO

5/22/2020

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QUINCY, Calif – All Plumas National Forest offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. All offices will resume normal (virtual) operating hours on Tuesday, May 26.
For a list of developed recreation opportunities (note: many campgrounds are closed), please see the Forest website and Facebook page. Campfire permits are available online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.
A couple of other safety reminders:
  •   Practice social distancing and observe local health orders. Practice Know Before You Go / Pack It In-Pack It Out / Leave No Trace
  •   There is still snow at higher elevations, including in the La Porte, Bucks Lake and Lakes Basin Recreation Areas.
  •   Forest roads can be narrow and winding. Slow down and be on the lookout for road damage caused by snow and rain.
  •   Warmer weather means that snow is melting. This leads to swift, very cold water in our streams and lakes. These conditions can prove fatal to even the most experienced swimmer. Please exercise good judgement and wear a life jacket.
  •   All fireworks are prohibited on national forest lands. Regulations are strictly enforced to protect public and natural resources.
    Additional forest information, including available developed recreation opportunities, is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/home and www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas.
Twitter: @usfsplumas
Plumas NF offices closed for Memorial Day
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

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Positive COVID-19 test result for a resident of Sierra County.

5/22/2020

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Public Health received notification of a positive COVID-19 test result for a resident of Sierra County. An investigation is underway to determine if any other residents may have been exposed through close contact. Possible exposed residents identified during the investigation will be contacted by a member of the Public Health COVID-19 Response Team for further screening.
Even though we have not demonstrated the presence of community spread in Sierra County, we believe we are all at some risk, as community transmission has been demonstrated in many of our surrounding jurisdictions where we live, work, and shop. Our vulnerability is especially high because of the limited resources we have in Sierra County, including gasoline, groceries, tourist-based economy, limited healthcare facilities, and lack of pharmacy.
As you are aware, cases of COVID-19 have been increasing around the state, nation, and world. This is not a time to let down our guard!
Every person has a role to play.
o Practicephysicaldistancingof6feetfromothers
o Washyourhandswithsoapandwaterafteryouhavebeeninapublicplace
o Wearafacecoveringwheninalocalbusinessorunabletomaintain6feetdistance
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we stand together to beat this disease.
Celia Sutton-Pado, MD Public Health Officer Sierra County
For more information, please go to: http://sierracounty.ca.gov/582/Coronavirus-COVID-19
or Email: COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov
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HONORING VETS AS AN EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

5/22/2020

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​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.
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Los Angeles Times: "Gov. Gavin Newsom's promise to feed California seniors falling short so far"

5/22/2020

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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.
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TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST UPDATE: Memorial Weekend, May 22-24

5/20/2020

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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.
 

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Silver Linings? Half of Californians admit they will miss lockdown life, reveals survey.

5/19/2020

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  • 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...

​
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WHAT'S GOING ON....Livin' the Life in Loyalton!

5/18/2020

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Picture
Picture
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​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.


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Warmer Weather Will Speed Snowmelt, Increase River Flows; When Shelter-at-Home Restrictions Ease, Outdoor Recreationists Should be Wary of Cold-Water Hazards

5/17/2020

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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.
 
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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.
 
 
 
 
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LaMalfa Slams House Democrats’ HEROES Act

5/17/2020

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(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.
 
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State Parks Provides Safety Tips to Help Californians Responsibly Visit Waterways Amid Pandemic

5/15/2020

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National Safe Boating Week is May 16 – 22, 2020

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks and the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) remind water enthusiasts during National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) how to responsibly recreate in California’s waterways this year during COVID-19. As State Parks and other park operators begin to increase access at parks and waterways in compliance with state and local public health ordinances, it is important for everyone to know how and where they can recreate, who they can go boating with, and how the use of life jackets continues to be life-saving. 


“During COVID-19, it’s critical for water enthusiasts to limit the unnecessary risk not only to themselves, but to other Californians, law enforcement and first responders,” said Ramona Fernandez, DBW Acting Deputy Director. “For National Safe Boating Week this year, we’re highlighting ways Californians can prepare themselves to enjoy waterways close to home and maintain the important physical distance from others.” 


Below are some COVID-19 and safety tips for this year’s boating and water season:


  1. Plan Ahead: Visit the webpage of your local waterway before leaving home to find out if it is open, if parking is available or if any new visitor guidelines are in place. Take a boating safety course to learn the “rules of the road” for boating. 
  2. Stay Local: Stay close to home. Do not take road trips to California’s waterways or neighboring states. We all have the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 
  3. Boat Only with Your Household: Your party should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings, picnics or parties.
  4. Conduct a Vessel Check: Make sure you have the right safety equipment on board your boat such as life jackets, flares, navigation lights, a horn or whistle, and a first aid kit. Click here to download the virtual safety check form or to schedule a vessel safety check. 
  5. Stay Clean: Be prepared, not all restrooms at parks or boating facilities are open. Bring soap/sanitizer, especially for use after touching a marina gate or fuel pump. And always pack out your trash. 
  6. File a Float Plan: Email/text a float plan to a loved one or friend with details of your trip in the event of an emergency.
  7. Wear a Life Jacket: Everyone should wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in or near the water. You never know when an accident may happen, and a life jacket can help save you until search and rescue help can arrive. In swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed. By the time a person is struggling in the water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk. Learn More
  8. Stay Safe at Six Feet: Maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
  9. Avoid Alcohol: Do not drink and boat. 
  10. Actively Supervise Children: 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. Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
  11. Be Cautious in Rivers: Even though this year’s snowpack is below average (37 percent of the May average), rivers will continue to rise as snow melts and will be dangerously cold. Avoid these waterways. If you do fall into a river without a life jacket on, watch this video to help increase your chances of survival.


For more water safety information, including boating laws and a boating facility locator on over 1,450 marinas and waterbody managers, please visit dbw.parks.ca.gov/BoatingSafety. 


State Parks has developed a one-stop COVID-19 resource center – parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve -- to find park safety and closure information. Please check this webpage regularly, as it will be updated with new information as it becomes available.




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TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST to begin reopening developed recreation sites

5/14/2020

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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.

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May 14th, 2020

5/14/2020

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*****Stage 2 Business Reopening Press Release can be found here: http://www.sierracounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4783/PR-Variance-Stage-2*****





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​Sierra County receives approval from State to reopen Stage 2 Businesses

5/14/2020

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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.
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