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 This is what the scene is Tuesday morning as the last of Mela's former frosty was. It was good Mexican fare and ice cream. On Monday the former laundromat building was demolished. The storage building on the south end will remain, according to manager Doug Lawler. 
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 From left are Lee Anne Cote of Calpine, Henry O'Hair of Portola, Alyssa Berna of Portola, Patty Stanton the instructor for EPHC Nursing Assistant Program, Madison Snider of Loyalton, Ariana Garcia of Portola and Lillian White of Quincy.  Loyalton Skilled Nursing Residents helped honor the graduates with Romilda giving out diplomas and exchanging thank you's with Patty Stanton.
AUBURN– The increasing fire danger posed by the high volume of dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Nevada, Yuba, and Placer Counties. This suspension takes effect 8:00 am, Monday, May 24th, 2021 and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves. Since January 1, 2021 CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to 2,038 wildfires. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to take that extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around their homes and any outbuildings on their property and be prepared to evacuate if the time comes. Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, or how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. ### Division of Boating and Waterways Urges Everyone to Boat Responsibly as 2021 Boating Season Begins5/20/2021 National Safe Boating Week is May 22-28, 2021 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding all recreational boaters and water enthusiasts during National Safe Boating Week, May 22-28, 2021, to boat responsibly this summer. With more people heading outdoors and onto California’s waterways during the ongoing pandemic, it is critical to remind everyone to follow safe boating practices, such as always wearing a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket is the number one way to increase the chances of survival in an emergency, whether on a powerboat or paddlecraft. California boating accident statistics show that 81% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Modern life jackets come in cool and comfortable styles and designs. There are many options for life jackets, but it is important to choose the right one for the intended boating activity. “One of the simplest ways to keep you and your loved ones safe while out on the water is to wear your life jacket,” says DBW Acting Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “The best life jacket is the one you’re wearing.” Below are some other safe boating practices recommended for all recreational boaters:
For more boating and water safety information along with the activities taking place for National Safe Boating Week, please visit BoatCalifornia.com. For example, tomorrow (May 21) is #WearYourLifeJacketToWorkDay. DBW invites the public to wear a life jacket in their office setting, take a photograph and share it on social media. ### Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news or click here. California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov. Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Periscope I Flickr Over 80 percent of properties have completed the debris clean up stage
SACRAMENTO – The remains of 2020 wildfire survivors’ homes and property -- burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil -- have now been cleared from more than 80 percent of the properties enrolled in California’s statewide Consolidated Debris Removal Program. Most properties still need critical soil testing, erosion control, and hazard tree removal to ensure the lots are safe for families to rebuild. In 2020, over 8,000 climate-induced wildfires burned 4.2 million acres of California, destroying more than 5,700 homes. Property owners incur no direct costs for participation in the state-managed clean up and recovery program, administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in collaboration with 25 participating counties. Major Clearing Work: 83.4 Percent Complete Wildfire survivors had the option to either use their own contractor or enroll in the state-managed program. Of the 5,991 properties with damage from the 2020 fires, 3,764 signed up to have the remains of their homes and other structures cleared by the state. As of May 12, 2021, state-managed crews cleared burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from 3,141 or 83.4 percent of the properties participating in the program. Steps Properties Percentage STRUCTURAL DEBRIS REMOVED 3,141 83.4% BACK TO COUNTY FOR FINAL APPROVAL 897 20.4% Steps Left to Complete Before homeowners can begin rebuilding, cleared properties need additional work including: · Separate contractors collect soil samples for verification at a state certified laboratory that they meet state environmental health and safety standards. · Contractors next may install erosion control measures. · Certified arborists or professional foresters assess wildfire-damaged trees in danger of falling on the public or public infrastructure for removal by separate contractors. · Finally, state officials inspect the property to verify all completed work meets state standards. Debris officials submit a final inspection report to local officials to approve the property for reconstruction. So far, 940 properties have gone through the entire post-debris removal steps of soil testing, erosion control, and removal of fire-damaged trees in danger of falling on public infrastructure before being returned to the county to begin reconstruction. 897 properties have cleared the entire process. Property owners can track the above data on the Debris Operations Dashboard for the 2020 statewide wildfires. The dashboard is updated every hour and provides users with the ability to search by county or address. * Data as of 5/19/21 at 1:30 p.m. Sandra A. Groven District Attorney Sandy Marshall Administrative Assistant Victim Witness CRIMINAL CASE UPDATE APRIL 2021 People v Jesse Christopher Franke (20CR0093) On April 6, 2021, Jesse Christopher Franke, age 40, of Kentucky, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 12500, an infraction. He was ordered to pay a fine. People v. Pamela Jean Pokorny (21CR0018) On April 6, 2021, Pamela Jean Pokorny, age 54, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(b), driving under the influence, a misdemeanor. She was ordered to spend 2 days in jail, placed on 3 years probation, ordered to complete a DUI class and pay a fine. People v. Shane Allen Leffingwell (20CR0029) On April 9, 2021, Shane Allen Leffingwell, age 45, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Penal Code section 25850( c)(6), possession of a gun not registered to him, a felony. He was sentenced to 2 years Mandatory Supervision, ordered to pay a fine. People v. Ruthie Maureen Nicholas (20CR0066) On April 23, 2021, Ruthie Maureen Nicholas, age 50, of Plumas County, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(a), driving under the influence. She was ordered to serve 2 days in jail, placed on 3 years probation, ordered to attend a DUI class and pay a fine. People v. David Michael Ashby (21CR0013) On April 20, 2021, David Michael Ashby, age 52, of Downieville, was convicted violating Vehicle Code section 14601.1, driving on a suspended license. He was ordered to pay a fine and complete 13 hours of community service. People v. Brian Timothy Davis (CR03784X) On April 20, 2021, Brian Timothy Davis, age 39, of Florida, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 484(a), theft, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 47 days in jail, placed on 2 years probation, and ordered to pay restitution of $14,700 to his victim. People v. Douglas Charles Martinez (20CR0032, 20CR0064, 20CR0099 and 20CR0116) On April 23, 2021, Douglas Charles Martinez, age 34 of Truckee, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 243( e)(1), battery on a former domestic partner. He was ordered to complete a 52 week batterer’s program, and was given credit for time served (304 days jail). He was placed on 4 years probation. Mr. Martinez had his probation terminated as unsuccessful in connection with his conviction of violating Penal Code section 273.5 domestic battery. He was convicted of violating Penal Code section 594, misdemeanor vandalism and ordered to pay restitution. Mr. Martinez was convicted of violating Penal Code section 4532(b)(2), escape, a felony, and Penal Code section 69, obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor. He was ordered to complete 300 days in jail, complete a 6 month residential treatment program, and placed on 2 years formal probation. On May 6, 2021, The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting two vegetation fires burning in the Bear Valley wildlife area near the Sierra Brooks subdivision. The Loyalton Fire Department, Sierra County Fire Department along with the US Forest Service responded for fire suppression. Sheriff’s Deputies also responded in anticipation of conducting evacuations due to the fire’s proximity to homes. The fires were contained to approximately three acres and monitored through out the night. The sheriff’s office received information that a male subject was seen leaving the area of the fire on foot walking south on Bear Valley Road. Deputies were able to identify the person of interest, who lived in the Sierra Brooks area. On May 12, 2021, the person of interest, Nathan Ashley (32 years of age) was arrested in Sierra Brooks on unrelated charges. While in custody, Cal-Fire assisted the sheriff’s office in conducting an interview with Mr. Ashley regarding the fire. During the interview Mr. Ashley admitted to starting the fire. On May 14, 2021, Nathan Ashley was arrested for felony arson, a violation California Penal Code section 451. Nathan Ashley is currently being held on $125,000 bail in the Wayne Brown Correctional facility. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 289-3700. Staggering Surplus of $75.7 Billion Should Be Used to Fix Long-Term Structural Problems, Not Short-Term Political Promises
SACRAMENTO: In response to the release of Gov. Gavin Newsom's revised budget release, which showed a surplus of a staggering $75.7 billion, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron issued the following statement: "The Governor's budget shows what Republicans have said for years: Taxes are too high. This budget will certainly do some temporary good, but it fails to seriously address any of the long-term structural problems facing the state and it does nothing to lower the cost of living for hard-working Californians. I urge the governor to focus on fixing long-standing problems instead of short-term political promises." ### For more information, please email Matt Fleming at matt.fleming@asm.ca.gov SOLD! THE HAT CREEK CONSTRUCTION PROPERTY at 77413 Meadow Way in Portola has been sold to Plumas Sierra Partners (PSP), LLC. The property was formerly part of the Carmichael family holdings and had been permitted for use and expansion of an aggregate mine and associated portable asphalt batch plant. There was an outcry from the community over from aesthetics, to air quality and green house gas emissions. The Opposition to Hat Creek's Mine and Plant proposal was led by Warren and Valari Simison, whose property is immediately adjacent to the mine boundary. Val led the search for alternatives to Hat Creek's proposal.
Neighbor to the property, Jason Christian: “The principal of PSP is Linda Judge, an attorney who has had a long career in business law and other specialities in the Bay Area, and who has recently moved up to the area. Linda heard about the mine proposal, and got in touch with the Simisons to help them find alternatives. Linda decided that a sensible path was for her to organize a purchase of the property, with the goal of working with the community afterwards to find a good long-run solution. “My impression, based on multiple conversations with all the parties, is that this difficult situation has been handled very well by everybody. While I disliked the mine proposal as much as anybody, I think that Hat Creek has behaved very well, and deserves our respect and honor as a good member of our community.” Linda Judge writes, “We want to use this transition as an opportunity for community engagement and to reincarnate the mine site into a community asset.” Perfect ending! THE FORMER LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES PROPERTY was mentioned during the department manager reports of the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday.
Planning Director Tim Beals stated he was concerned with respect to the clean up of the property and plans to request a formal enforcement action. THE RENAMING OF SIERRA COUNTY ROAD S-520, Jim Crow Road to Crow City Road was again discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held May 4th through WebEx. Board Chair Lee Adams explained this item was put on the agenda to see if they should hold a state required hearing in the future to consider a name change. He said this item is about four property owners who date back 20 years to over 50 years and are tired of the street name, including one business who paid $10,232 in TOT taxes to the County in 2019. Adams stated this item was not about the gallows, his personal license plate, his email address, the County retirement system, Sierra County Historical Society members, or geographical names, adding it was simply about changing one word in a street name. Jim Steinbarth, a property owner over 20 years on the road, stated this issue has come up over the last 40 years. He felt a goal of the supervisors should at least be sensitive to these types of issues. The name Jim Crow is offensive and should be considered. He was in favor of the name change because the sign is on Highway 49 and people have taken offense to it. He’s heard it many, many times and had to explain it. He was aware many individuals in our county and country are concerned about keeping our historical heritage alive. He felt a pretty simple solution was to change it to Crow Canyon Road, or Crow City Road. Supervisor Sharon Dryden made the motion to hold the public hearing on June 1st at 10 a.m. Approved unanimously. SIERRAVILLE DISTRICT RANGER Quentin Youngblood reported to the Board of Supervisors at its meeting on Tuesday, May 4th they shut prescribed burns down due to dry conditions. He stated they wouldn’t do any until they receive a lot of precipitation. Youngblood said they had a good meeting the day before with Sierra Valley Enterprises regarding future mill operations in Loyalton and what they are planning with a small log mill. He stated they are looking at different ways they can support the facility and was excited about the potential opportunity there. Youngblood was happy to report opening of the front desk at the Sierraville Ranger District on Thursdays and Fridays with a sliding window to help customers. RESOLUTION authorizing acquisition of Sierraville School from Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District was approved unanimously during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday. Planning Director Tim Beals stated it was a long time in coming and finally got to an agreement. He said they agreed to pay $41,400 for the acquisition with said funds to provide the acquisition to come from the reserve funds set up from Verizon rental payments since Verizon occupied the site to present day ($41,400. This will not require any general fund contribution. In turn, the school district will convey the property to the County, including the modular office building and its interest in the Verizon Wireless lease which includes all future revenues generated from those two leases, and the School District will obtain a lot book guarantee or title report showing proper vesting; will deliver title insurance; and; will prepare and deliver a grant deed for the property conveying it to the County of Sierra. A new State Park Bond Act provides additional funding and Sierra County Board of Supervisors has allocated $200,000 from that Bond Act to the Sierraville Recreation Center (Sierraville School) for which there is a 30 year land tenure requirement. Board Chair Lee Adams felt the school was a real jewel for the County. Supervisor Sharon Dryden sat on the school board when this school was closed. She said school districts do not run community centers, they run schools and was glad the County was able to obtain it, adding it is a wonderful facility. CHANGES TO CHAPTER 8.50 of the Sierra County Code - Sierra Brooks Water System Regulations, to allow for delinquent water use charges to be added to the users annual tax bill was discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held May 4th. Assistant County Counsel Sean Cameron had discussions with staff about certain properties not paying their water bill to be put on their tax bill. He added if they don’t pay their tax bill there would be more “teeth” to it than putting a lien on the property. Planning Director Tim Beals stated this system is currently in place with the Downieville District. The Board gave consensus to bring the item back. A PUBLIC HEARING to determine the existence of a nuisance for property owned by Timothy Diltz located at 523 South Lincoln Street in Sierraville was held Tuesday, May 4th during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting through WebEx. Assistant County Counsel, Scott McClaren stated Counsel learned the written mailed notice was returned and not delivered to Mr. Diltz, adding he was required to be given a ten-day written notice. Counsel stated Diltz was prepared to proceed even though he didn’t receive the notice, and recommended Diltz state he was waiving any notice defect before proceeding. Diltz understood and agreed to waive the 10-day notice. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals explained the issue that was of paramount concern was the long history of seeking remedies to the worsening conditions of the property that has been ignored. He said the property is in such a condition it could be defined as a blight. Beals stated it was an eye sore to the community and public and compromises public health and safety. He toured the property a couple days ago and noticed there was a difference, but not so much that it wasn’t still causing a nuisance. Beals stated the adjacent property was at their wits end with the conditions of the Diltz property and if they wished to sell or just enjoy their property they are constantly reminded of these conditions, which caused them to submit the formal complaint. Beals stated the Board’s obligation is to determine if there is a clear set of findings of a public nuisance and there were abatement options once the hearing closed. He hoped for a satisfactory resolution. Diltz stated he agreed fully with Beals that it is an eyesore. He talked to the neighbor and she told him what she wanted cleaned up. Diltz was ashamed of it, stating it is a dirty piece of property. He’s taken 40 loads out to the dump, adding there was probably another 40 loads to go. His family has backed off and hasn’t helped him because they are ashamed of it. Diltz stated it has been hard with COVID and lost his dad the day before. He said he’s working on the property and felt there was a big improvement from what it was, adding he still needed a little bit more time. Diltz donated some cars, but they only took two because of the cost to get a tow truck out here. Shirley Holstrom stated she and her husband who is almost 90 years old would like to sell their house so they can get into assisted living, but no one wants to buy it with their next-door neighbor. Adams gave his condolences to Diltz and added neighbors have been pretty tolerant for over five years, since complaints go back to 2015 on this property. Counsel explained the Board could determine a nuisance exists, or does not exist. If a nuisance was determined the Board could order an abatement and a proposed resolution with findings was prepared for the Board’s consideration. Counsel stated there was discussion over the progress already made and to extend the abatement if determined by Beals. Supervisor Sharon Dryden understood a lot of challenges Diltz has faced and wanted him to know they were giving him 30 days with a 30 day extension. Adams added it had to be really good work to get the additional 30 days. He stated if the board adopted the resolution, Adams encouraged Diltz to hit it hard and heavy. Beals said the task was much greater than a pick up load a week, adding the amount of material that needed to be moved is stunning. Beals told Diltz the first 30 days was critical to get this resolved. Diltz stated he agreed and understood. Roen made the motion to pass the Resolution, which passed unanimously. HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA: Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children aged 1 – 4 years and the majority of the children that drown in swimming pools most commonly gain access to the pool area when there is no fence or through a faulty fence or gate. One important step to a solution to this issue is as simple as physically checking and maintaining your pool gateregularly to ensure it self-closes and self-latches at all times. You should not be able to open a gate at all without activating the release mechanism which should be out of the reach of toddlers.
D&D Technologies®, the inventor and manufacturer of the MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Gate Latch and the world leader in high-performance gate hardware, has partnered with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) to establish a Check Your Pool Gate Month campaign kicking-off Memorial Day Weekend and continuing through the month of June. The initiative was created to remind pool owners of the vital need to ensure pool fences, gates, latches and hinges are secure and in top working order. Every pool owner should be confident they have a safe swimming zone. “Our aim with Check Your Pool Gate Month is to educate pool owners about pool safety and to encourage them to check their pool surroundings not once a year, but regularly,” says Jim Paterson, D&D’s VP of Sales and Marketing. Even though checking a pool gate is vital for child safety, only a limited number of pool owners check the safety of their pool gates even once a year. A few minutes is all it takes for pool owners to check that their pool fences and gates, including latches and hinges, are in good working order. This simple routine done regularly could save the life of a child. Safety checklist for pool gates ● Should open outwards, away from the pool ● Height of latch release mechanism is least 54” from the bottom of the gate (check local codes) ● Must be self-closing and self-latching ● Hinges should be rust-free and bind-free ● Hinges should be reliable and tension-adjustable for closing speed ● Latch must be adjustable horizontally and vertically to accommodate gate movement ● Gate will latch when latch is in the locked or unlocked position ● Latch cannot be disengaged using implements (e.g. garden or pool tools) ● Latch cannot be shaken or jolted open ● Gate will shut and latch securely from any open angle or force ● Complies with all applicable standards, codes and legislation for pool safety For more information on pool safety and compliance visit: www.us.ddtech.com/pages/pool-safety-compliance and www.ndpa.org It’s critical to check your local pool codes for compliance, as local codes may vary. D&D Technologies gate hardware can be purchased on Amazon or at Home Depot or Lowes. About D&D Technologies D&D Technologies is the recognized leader in safety and high-performance gate hardware, providing the broadest range of gate hardware for every application. D&D Technologies produces over 300 gate hardware products and has 30 years of experience in the gate hardware industry. Products include MagnaLatch® magnetic pool and safety gate latches, TruClose® adjustable, self-closing safety gate hinges, LokkLatch® gate latches, SureClose® and Shut It industrial hinges. D&D’s diversity of products continually set new standards in design, performance, craftsmanship and innovation–tied together by a top level of quality and service. D&D products are rust free and consistently exceed all relevant safety barrier codes around the world for the residential, commercial andindustrial markets. With May 17 Tax Filing Deadline Just Days Away
May 13, 2021 - With the tax filing deadline coming up on Monday, May 17, there are still one million working families in California who are eligible for tax credits from the State of California but may not be aware or haven’t applied. United Ways of California and local partners are helping to make sure families who qualify know about the programs and how they need to simply file their taxes to receive as much as $4,200 from the two programs. Californians who had an income of less than $66,000 last year are eligible for free filing through myfreetaxes.org. “Families worked hard for this money, and we encourage people to file immediately so they can put that money in their pocket sooner and support their families,” said Nalleli Sandoval, Senior Director of Programs at United Ways of California. “It’s just a matter of filing your taxes and, fortunately, working families can do that for free.” The Golden State Stimulus (GSS) is a one-time payment of $600 or $1,200 per tax return that is available to families who have an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) filer earning up to $75,000, while the the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) ranges from $243 to just over $3,000 and is available to families with incomes up to $30,000. While the California Franchise Tax Board estimates more than 4 million taxpayers are eligible to receive CalEITC for the 2020 tax year, only 3 million had applied through May 2. Meanwhile, there are about 5.7 million people in California who earn less than $30,000 per year and are eligible for the Golden State Stimulus this year. Individuals and families who are applying with a federally issued Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) can find support through the ITIN guide, should their ITINs have expired and they need assistance renewing or getting one. # # # United Ways of California improves the health, education and financial results for low-income children and families by enhancing and coordinating the advocacy and community impact work of California’s 29 local United Ways. United Ways of California was formed in 2008 by California's local United Ways seeking to work together to educate state and national leaders about policy issues affecting community impact goals in health, education, and financial stability. RENO, NV – Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada (GSSN) will be doing summer camp a little different this year. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in California, where Camp Wasiu II is located, and a temporary halt on improvements, such as bridge repair, that are unable to be made during the pandemic, Camp Wasiu II will remain closed for Summer 2021. Instead, GSSN will be offering Wasiu on the Road, a five-week day camp program that will travel the council area this summer, with camp taking place in a different location every week. “We know how important the Girl Scout camp experience is to our members and how difficult last summer was on their morale,” said Brittany Taylor, Outdoor Experience Manager at Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. “We so wish we could reopen Camp Wasiu II this summer, but we hope Wasiu on the Road will help fill that void and offer new opportunities for girls throughout our council to experience some of that camp magic. Each week of camp will feature all our favorite Camp Wasiu traditions and be specially tailored to the locations we’ll be visiting.” Wasiu on the Road kicks off June 16-18 in Portola, before stopping in Tahoe June 21-25, Reno June 28-July 2, Elko July 19-23, and wrapping up in Bishop July 29-31. In addition, GSSN will be offering a week of all virtual camp with Wasiu on the Web June 14-18. There will also be a week of special one day events in Reno June 7-11, as well as Wasiu One Days July 12-16, a week of one day programs sprinkled throughout the council area. To learn more about the camp offerings at Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, or to register, visitwww.gssn.org/camp. ### We’re the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. Our council welcomes girls and adult volunteers from northern Nevada and northeastern California, and we believe every girl can change the world. We are building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strength, passions, and talents. With incredible programs and great friends, there’s a chance for every girl to do something amazing. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gssn.org. Sierraville cemetery received a Spring clean up from a stellar group of volunteers on May 10th. Steven and Susan Roberts organized the crew. Pat Mattingly and Ed Lively traveled from Susanville. Nathan Bishop traveled from Long Valley. The Roberts, Fran Schirmers, Robert and Ruth Anne Savarino and Kim McKinney from Sierraville were in attendance. A delicious meal, provided by the Roberts was enjoyed afterwards. A big thank you to these wonderful people for donating their time and hard work to their community.  Loyalton FFA has just held our annual local project competition. This competition allows for FFA members to exhibit their Supervised Agricultural Experience or SAE projects. The members are asked to answer questions regarding their projects, as well as their participation in FFA as a whole. This competition is held locally, and all members of Loyalton FFA are encouraged to participate, along with select members of the community who help judge. This competition helps our members to practice their public speaking, general knowledge, and show off all of their hard work. Thank you to our judges that took their time to help out with our youth, Sheri Roen, Jane Roberti, Buffy Goss, & Wes Teichert.     INCREASE IN GENERAL FUND RESERVES to 17% was debated during the Sierra County Office of Education meeting and Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District meeting held Tuesday, May 11th in Loyalton. During Public Comment, 6th grade teacher Laurie Petterson stated she was speaking as a parent of four students and was concerned about the Board’s decision to put 17% in reserves. She questioned the District being in dire straits two months ago and now having money to put into reserves. Petterson added that school districts are not a for profit business and hoped that money could be put into programs for students.
Board member Nicole Stannard stated they were required by law to have 4%, and have had 10% since 2010. She wanted it clarified where the 17% was coming from. Business Manager Nona Greisert said it was a component of the ending fund balance. Superintendent James Berardi stated these reserves have been offsetting our deficit spending and need to have them for unforeseen problems like roof replacement or boilers. He understood that the jump from 10 to 17% might be a big pill to swallow and added they’ve done these cuts without layoffs. Berardi felt they were moving in the right direction. Stannard suggested increasing it by 2.5% this year and the next couple years to get to the 17% in three years. She didn’t think they should jump to 17% all at once. Board President Mike Moore said there were valid reasons for a large reserves and made the motion to increase the County reserves to 13.5% and District reserves to 12.5% both passed unanimously with Board member Patty Hall absent. Berardi thought of it as a win, win where they could increase the reserves and also have money to use on other things. It was stressed this Resolution does not use COVID funds. Over $600,000 in COVID funds will be used for learning loss. DURING STAFF REPORTS at the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School Board meeting held Tuesday in Loyalton, Loyalton Elementary Principal Andrea Ceresola stated they celebrated teacher appreciation week and had a great week of activities. She said they had a modified book fair on site and completed a successful Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten enrollment with 14 T-K and 28 Kindergarten registered for next fall. Berardi reported for Downieville school and said Musica Sierra will be coming to Downieville School on June 2ndand basketball is about to begin for high school students. He stated the end of the year is just speeding up but all good stuff, adding, they’ve done good considering the year they’ve had and was grateful for what the teachers and everybody have accomplished. SIERRA COUNTY SCHOOL GRADUATIONS were discussed during the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District meeting held Tuesday, May 11th in Loyalton. Board member Christina Potter asked about graduation having heard from parents where they don’t feel the senior’s wishes are being heard. Superintendent James Berardi stated graduation mandates are different from county mandates and no difference from having it inside to outside. From the audience Jane Roberti, parent to one of the Loyalton High School seniors, stated she wanted to have as much normalcy as possible for a graduation, adding they don’t get dances or school proms and it’s affecting our kids. She said they have not been informed as parents and want to work together for the common goal, adding some of these kids will not be going to post secondary education. Roberti pleaded for the Board to have a common goal of rewarding their hardworking kids, adding she was tired of excuses. Berardi offered rather than hearing from the High School to go talk to the health department, stating the power lies with our Health Officer in the County. A committee will be formed with board members Potter and Nicole Stannard, and parents to talk to Health Officer Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado. Roberti wanted to make sure the seniors were heard and graduation has quality. Berardi stated it would be better than last year. Berardi said Downieville is having its graduation in Sierra City outside at Herringtons on Saturday, June 19th.   No lightning, no power - Human-caused. Loyalton Fire is working with the U.S.Forest Service and Cal Fire on the investigation.
Sen. Brian Dahle Proposes Studying the Effects of Forest Fires on Wildlife and Their Habitats5/12/2021 SACRAMENTO – Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) appealed to the California State Senate Committee on Appropriations to pass legislation Monday that would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to use their time and resources to study the effects of wildfire damage to local wildlife and their habitats. Wildfires are an unfortunate and devastating reality for California residents. Last year alone we saw over 4 million acres burned and destroyed. One thing that many of us forget is that the devastation and cost is not exclusive to humans. Many animals and vegetation are also subject to the devastating losses of their natural habitats. Senate Bill 592 proposes that the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in coordination with Cal Fire and the appropriate local representatives, put a portion of their resources towards studying the impact that these catastrophic fires have had on California wildlife and their habitats. “The genuine goal of this bill is to establish a baseline of information to understand the true impacts of wildfire to our habitat and wildlife,” said Senator Brian Dahle. “Only then can we know the real cost of wildfires, and begin to address a solution that encompasses all affected.” The hope is that we can use the findings of these studies to better protect and conserve our wildlife and forests going forward. It is important to understand how these events impact ecosystems, biodiversity, and protected species in the state. Knowing where we went wrong and how we can correct our mistakes in the future may save the lives of many helpless creatures. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to send SB 592 to suspense for a hearing at a later date. SB 550 (Dahle), which would subject the Legislature to the same laws and regulations imposed on California businesses, was also heard and placed on suspense. For the policy hearing release and video, go here. ### Video of the policy hearing on SB 592 can be found here. Senator Brian Dahle represents California's 1st Senate District, which contains all or portions of 11 counties, including Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou. Land that produces food and farm products also provides crucial conservation and climate benefits—and federal conservation programs must focus on keeping working lands working, according to California Farm Bureau testimony before a congressional subcommittee today. California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson testified virtually before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. Johansson said the California Farm Bureau supports participation by farmers, ranchers and foresters in voluntary, climate-smart practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience. “Our farmers and ranchers have a proven track record of doing more with less,” he said, noting farmer investments in water recharge, irrigation efficiency, energy conservation, cleaner-running farm equipment and numerous other on-farm conservation practices. “With so much already happening at the field level, it is important to consider how new federal policies and programs will overlay with existing state climate programs and grower-led initiatives,” Johansson said. To achieve the best results, he said, federal conservation programs must retain and enhance their flexibility to incorporate all crop types and farm sizes. Practices encouraged by the programs must be “broad and outcome-based,” Johansson said, “emphasizing a list of options as opposed to a prescriptive checklist.” Noting that he and his family have been forced to evacuate due to wildfires on three separate occasions, Johansson urged the subcommittee to include forestry and grazing practices as strategies to restore forest and rangeland health, and to ensure sufficient disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. In encouraging long-term adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers must be “consistent, sustainable and long term,” he said. “To further the adoption of on-farm climate-smart practices, we must not only compensate early adopters but also consider the economics of the farm and assist those being expected to do more,” Johansson concluded. “Only in working together can we achieve solutions that make agriculture more climate resilient while remaining viable.” The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 32,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 5.6 million Farm Bureau members. # # # A new study offers California residents the best ways to avoid home crimes with top tactics ranging from alarm systems and guns to hanging “Beware of Dog” signs.
FBI crime statistics show $15.8 billion was lost in home and property crimes in 2019. In addition to possessions, victims can lose their lives and live-in fear which is why it is important to take advice from their first-hand experiences. SafeHome.org today released a study on Top Ways to Avoid Home Crimes after analyzing the most recent data from the FBI and surveying 448 victims. Several Key Findings:
2.Alarm (45%) 3.Change or add locks (43%) 4.Beware of dog sign (30%) 5.Curtains (25%).
2.Lock garage door (28%) 3.Hide outdoor valuables (25%) 4.Purchased a gun (23%) 5.Stop leaving keys in unexpected places (21%) View the complete study for comprehensive insight into avoiding home crimes. |
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