CALIFORNIA FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
ANNOUNCES RE-OPENING OF 2018 FIRE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM
 
Sacramento, Ca – June 13, 2018--Funding for fire protection planning, education and fuels reduction projects in California
 
California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) will be re-opening its $5.45 million grant competition for 2018 Fire Prevention Grants Program for funding for fire prevention education, planning and hazardous fuels reduction projects.
The 30 day extension will encourage applicants to utilize CAL FIRE’s 2018 CCI grants to meet the match requirement.
Applications submitted during the first round may be revised or left as-is.
Approximately $5.45 million are available in two grant programs:
 
State Fire Assistance “SFA and SMG” Grant Program
• $4.15 million in funding available
• Funds are available for all fire prevention activities including training, planning, hazardous fuel treatment, and fire prevention education.
• Projects must be located in California or the Tahoe region of Nevada.
• The maximum amount that can be requested has been increased from $200,000 to $250,000
• The match requirement is 100% or dollar-for-dollar.
 
Tree Mortality “TMG” Grant Program
• $1.3 million in funding available
• Funds are available for all fire prevention activities including training, planning, hazardous fuel treatment, and fire prevention education.
• Projects are restricted to the 10 ear marked “Tree Mortality Counties” Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Placer, Tulare and Tuolumne.
• The maximum amount that can be requested has been increased from $130,000 to $300,000.
• The match requirement is 25%.
 
Acknowledgements
This grant program and publication are funded in full by the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region under the terms of Grant numbers 17-DG-11052012-122, 17-DG-11052012-139, and 17-DG-11052012-147. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Forest Service. CFSC is an equal opportunity provider.                                                         
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The Sierra Schools Foundation through its Roots & Boots Initiative funded many educational grants the school sites and teachers of the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District! This spring it awarded $27,948 to enhance the educational experience of our students in the form of additional programs, field trips to connect the classroom to the real world, social/emotional workshops, and classroom equipment. In total for the 2017-2018 academic year, The Foundation awarded over $47,000 to support our rural schools. A big thank you goes to all who donate and support the vision of the Roots & Boots Initiative and the effort to bring exceptional educational program to Sierra County students. For more information, please visit its website: www.sierraschoolsfoundation.org
 
♦The following is a list of the projects and programs completely or partially funded by The SSF in the Roots focus area, which funds experiences and program in Outdoor Education, Agriculture Education, Rural & Mountain Heritage, and Environmental Science:
 
Downieville School, Grades 1-3. Fully funded $500 for the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Field Trip. Katrina Bosworth, Teacher.
 
Loyalton Elementary School. Grade 5. Fully funded $5,000 for the Local Area Science Development Project the Sierra Nevada Journeys. Juli Lane, Teacher.
 
Loyalton Elementary School. Grades K/1. Fully funded $562 for the field trip to the "Animal Ark." April Burns, Teacher.
 
♦The following is a list of the projects and programs completely or partially funded by The SSF in the Boots focus area, which funds experiences and programs in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), Music, Career Development, Social/Emotional Health, and College Readiness:
 
Downieville School, Grade K-6. Funded $4,365 for the STEAM Program. Maire McDermid & Amber Sainsbury, Teachers/Instructional Aid.
 
Loyalton High School. Grades 9-12. Fully funded $2,889 for digital cameras for the graphic arts class. Laura Calabrese, Teacher.
 
Downieville School, Grade 6. Funded $1,314 in emergency support to help pay for the Headlands Trip 2018.
 
Loyalton Elementary School. Grades TK,K,1. Fully funded $580 for the Friday STEM Lab program's materials and equipment.
 
Loyalton High School. Grades 7-12. Fully funded $500 to pay for one Peace Mediator/Restorative Justice student workshop in the fall. Jason Adams, Teacher.
 
Downieville School, Grades 7-12. Fully funded $500 for 3-D Printer Extruders for STEM enhancements in the classroom. Robin Bolle, Teacher.
Loyalton High School, Grades 10-12. Fully funded $2,870 for the Engineering Amusement Park Rides Project. Adrienne Anila & Caleb Dorsey, Teachers.
 
Downieville School, Grades 7-12. Fully funded $3,142 for the Annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival Field Trip. Lynn Fillo, Teacher.
Loyalton Elementary School, Grade 3. Fully funded $493 for the Gallery on the Go mobile canvas painting project. Erin Folchi, Teacher.
 
Loyalton High School. Grades 9-12. Fully funded $5,000 for the A-G Fine Arts Filmmaking Class instruction. Tom Jones, Principal.
 
Downieville School, Grades K-3. Fully funded $232 for the Van-Go-Traveling Art Show. Katrina Bosworth, Teacher.
 

 
            Shawna Avina (27) Pike.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Avina was ordered to stand trial on charges of felony driving under the influence causing injury to another.
 
            Cameron Massey (32) Loyalton.  Sentencing on  possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  Three years probation, 125 days jail, fine $435, and complete drug court.
 
            Samantha Snider (51) Vinton.  Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).  Eighteen months probation, nine days jail, fine $1800.
 
            Byron Caudle (59) Loyalton.  Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.  One year jail, fine $1040.
 
            Nicholas Maionchi (27) and  Chad Simas (25) both of Sacramento.  Illegal take of bear.  One year probation, fine $1055.  These defendants shot a bear in Eastern Sierra County without a tag.  They then went to Cabellos in Reno and bought a tag.  What they didn’t notice was that the tag was stamped by Cabellos with the date and time the tag was purchased which was several hours later than the date and time that the defendants wrote on their tag as the time of kill.  Opps.
 
            James Parker (21) Downieville. Battery with force likely to produce great bodily injury.  Three years probation, 79 days jail, fine $1040.
 
            Frank Lister (49) Loyalton.  Resisting an officer.  Three years probation, 30 days jail, and fine of $1040.
 
            Eric Sayegh (33) Portola.  Reckless driving, alcohol related.  Eighteen months probation, 2 days jail, fine $1450.
 
            Michael Livermore (43) driving while his license was suspended for a prior driving under the influence conviction.  Three years probation, 10 days jail, and a fine of $1450.
 
            Shannon Struve (43) Reno.  Two counts of resisting an officer, possession of methamphetamine, and receiving stolen property.  Two years probation, 93 days jail, and a fine of $2020.
 
            Jelani Hussein (60) Reno.  Driving while his license was suspended.  Two years probation, and fine of $1434.
 
            Christopher Marin (59) Loyalton.  Under the influence of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).  48 months probation, 20 days jail, and a fine of $2010 with search and seizure terms.      

On June 10th at approximately 0940 hours Susan C. Draper, 63 of Sacramento was driving her 2003 Toyota southbound on SR-89 south, south of Cabin Creek Drive in the Truckee area. 
A 70-year-old cyclist was riding his bicycle southbound on SR-89 south, south of Cabin Creek Drive in the Truckee area. Draper at an undetermined speed was approaching the bicyclist when her vehicle veered to the right, striking the bicyclist as he rode his bicycle, causing fatal injuries. Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be a factor in this collision.

AUBURN– After another wet winter, warming temperatures and winds are quickly drying out the abundant annual grass crop. 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, Placer and Sierra Counties. This suspension takes effect June 11, 2018 at 8:00 A.M. and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.

“This year is turning out to be just as volatile as last year. The public cannot let their guard down and must continue to be involved in preparation efforts for the upcoming wildfires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “Again, this year the abundant dead grass will only serve as a fuse to the heavier vegetation still suffering the lasting effects of over five years of drought.”
Since January 1, 2018 CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 1650 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 every home and building on their property and being prepared to evacuate if the time comes.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:

•   Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
  
•   Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
  
•   Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass
  energy or green waste facility
  The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
  The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.
  

For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, on how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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Despite the chilly, unrelenting wind on Saturday, a varied and large assortment of motorized - and some non-motorized - vehicles rolled into Loyalton for the annual car show held the day following the Loyalton High School graduation, sponsored by East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Cars lined both sides of Main Street and all along Railroad Avenue. Winning cars sponsored by local businesses and in various categories were awarded handmade original trophies created by Terry "The Trashman" LeBlanc. One particular trophy, he stated he hoped went to a Republican because it had a model of President Trump's Air Force One on it, was awarded Jamie Wright of Sierraville, who appeared thrilled.
Fun vendor booths lined Railroad Avenue and included wooden carvings, gems, antiques and collectibles and handcrafted items along with informational booths by California Highway Patrol, Liberty Utilities and Loyalton Volunteer Fire Department. Bottom photo shows Missy Weatherson who sold her original designs.
Raffle drawings which included nice week end get-aways in Reno were made throughout the afternoon along with the 50/50 drawing and for the Booze Wagon which was pulled around the car show by volunteer Stacy Estrada. 
Former long time residents including Gene Hawe from Oregon and Kathy and Russ Kirkpatrict from Arizona and Anthony Vanetti were among those formerly from the Loyalton area who attended.
For more photos and further information, see it all in the June 14th Sierra Booster.

​The much anticipated Block Parties celebrating this year’s Fair theme have begun. “Welcome to the Neighborhood” is the 2018 Plumas Sierra County Fair theme, and to help promote the idea of welcoming people to our community, the Fair and its non-profit foundation are sponsoring block parties in the larger communities in both counties. The Portola Block Party took place on June 8 in the City Park, which will be followed with a block party in Crescent Mills on June 16 at noon. That party will be held at Crescent Country and will feature live music. A Loyalton Block Party is planned for June 22 at 6pm at the Welcome Kiosk in downtown Loyalton.
 
All these gatherings offer free food and drink, courtesy of the PSCF Foundation and Alpine Beverage. Tacos and RC Cola are hopefully the right recipe to bring people; long time residents and newcomers, together. “We owe it to each other to get to know our neighbors and share what living in a small town is all about” declared Fair Manager John Steffanic. A kick off to the series of parties took place at the June 2 County Picnic. Visitors to the picnic were given special labels showing their name and their community. Everyone was also asked to sign a large block. Every community will have one of these blocks to sign at their event, and they will all be brought together at the County Fair, August 8-12 in Quincy.
 
“Our goal for each of these block parties is very simple,” said Steffanic, “we want people to introduce themselves to each other, and then get to know them. Where are they from? What do they do?”  The Fair Manager says that if that one simple goal can be achieved, only good can come from it. The Fair Board and PSCF Foundation Board are behind these parties and fair theme 100% by funding and supporting the program.
 
The Fair would still like to see a block party in the Chester/Lake Almanor area, as well as one in Quincy. Smaller, more local parties in the classic tradition of block parties have occurred and are planned in several communities. “That kind of makes the Fair a success before we even open the gates!” said Steffanic.
 
Anyone interested in hosting a block party event, is encouraged to contact the Fair Office. They will provide flyers, invitation cards, and a banner to help out. The Foundation will provide the food and the people to serve it in at least one event per community. The only involvement required by a local host or hostess, is to be at the event and spend their time 

On June 1, 2018 at 2:17 p.m., on SR 70 east of Chalet View, Grace Alkire, 25 of Blairsden was driving her Toyota eastbound. Due to Alkire being under the influence of alcohol, her unsafe speed and inattention, Alkire lost control of her vehicle and allowed it to cross over into the westbound lane of SR-70, directly into the path of John Elliot, 25, of Quincy. The two parties were unable to avoid a collision and the front of the Toyota impacted the front of the Ford. After the collision, Alkire was removed from the vehicle by personnel from Eastern Plumas Fire and Plumas District Hospital ambulance. Alkire was transported to Eastern Plumas Health Care for treatment of her injuries. Elliot was not injured during the collision. After medical evaluation, Alkire was arrested and booked into Plumas County Jail for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
 
On June 2, 2018 Charles Coughlin, 25 of Cromberg was driving a 2011 Toyota at 5:50 a.m. northbound on SR-89 north of Mountain Quail Rd at 55 mph. He was tired/fatigued driving all morning. He fell asleep and entered a left hand curve, causing the vehicle to leave the east edge of the road as it entered the curve and struck a snow plow marker, waking him. He was unable to regain control and subsequently rolled over as it entered a ditch that was perpendicular to the highway. The vehicle’s side-curtain airbags deployed and he was wearing his seatbelt. He did not claim any injuries as a result of this collision.
 
On June 2, at 1:47 p.m., on SR-70 east of SR-89, Carol Stanton, 79 of Graeagle was driving eastbound on SR-70 in her 2013 Acura. Jessica Malnburg, 27 of Cromberg was driving her 1998 Toyota SUV westbound, east of Mrs. Stanton. Stanton’s attention was diverted from driving due to a wasp flying in the interior of her vehicle. As Stanton attempted to eject the wasp from the passenger compartment through an open window, she allowed her vehicle to cross completely into the westbound lane and into the pat of the Toyota SV. Malnburg swerved sharply to the righ shoulder in order to avoid a head-on collision.  As a result of the abrupt change of direction Malnburg lost control of her vehicle and it veered into the eastbound lane and off the south shoulder of SR-70, where it traveled backwards down a steep embankment and collided with the bottom of a ravine. Malnburg and her passenger, Robert Malnburg were transported to Eastern Plumas District Hospital for minor injuries.
 
On June 2 at 1:44 p.m. on Gold Lake Highway Michael Gadow, 56, of Dublin, CA was riding his 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Gold Lake Highway west of Mile Marker 6.0. Jennifer Barbour, 38 of Sparks, NV was driving her 2012 Mazda van westbound to the east of Gadow. As Gadow approached a curve in the roadway, he was riding too fast for the roadway conditions and as he negotiated the curve, his motorcycle crossed the solid yellow center line and entered into the path of the westbound Mazda. Barbour slowed and swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid a collision but was unable to due to Gadow crossing the center line. The motorcycle struck the left front fender of the Mazda. Gadow was transported to Renown Medical Center with severe injuries.
 
 
On June 4, 2018 Hannah R. Glazier, 24, of Denver was driving on SR-70 at 1:20 a.m. westbound east of Greenhorn Ranch Road at approximately 50 mph. The driver fell asleep and drifted off the road onto the north shoulder and collided with a metal sign. After the driver collided with the sign she woke up and attempted to regain control of her vehicle. She was able to regain control and came to rest on the south shoulder of SR-70. Due to damage sustained in the collision her vehicle was towed from the scene.
 
​On June 4th, Veronica Towery, 51 of Beckwourth was traveling westbound on SR-70 at 4:36 a.m. driving her 2013 Toyota 4-Runner approaching Mitchell Lane when a deer entered the roadway directly into the path of her vehicle. Towery was unable to avoid a collision, killing the deer instantly. Towery was able to safely stop her vehicle and reported the collision. She was wearing her safety belt and was uninjured.
 
On June 6th at 8:30 p.m.Travis Fulcher, 32 of Portola was driving his Jeep Cherokee at an unsafe speed northbound on Clio State 40A Rd. Due to his unsafe speed, he lost control of the Jeep while negotiating a left hand curve on the gravel roadway. The Jeep lost traction and went into a slide and subsequently rolled over. The Jeep came to rest on its roof. Fulcher exited the Jeep and a passerby called and reported the collision.
 
On June 7th Timothy Michael Ferrell, 64 of Lucedale, MS was riding his 2015 Harley Davidson eastbound on Gold Lake Highway at a speed of 50 mph. A deer entered the roadway running in a northerly direction. The front of the motorcycle collided with the deer. The motorcycle went down on its left side before coming to rest in the eastbound lane. Farrell was ejected and came to rest on the north shoulder and was transported to Eastern Plumas Health Care.
 
On June 7th Michael Toler, 28 of Sun Valley, NV at 11:25 p.m. was driving a 2003 Dodge northbound on US-395 north of Country Lane. Due to the level of alcohol intoxication, he lost control of his vehicle and allowed it to leave the east edge, rolling over on the east shoulder of US-395 and came to rest on its driver side. Toler was assisted by passing motorists but then Toler fled the scene on foot. He was located and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. After being medically evaluated at Banner Lassen Medical Center for minor injuries he was booked into Lassen County.
 
On June 8th Robert Wilson 65 of Reno was driving a 2017, Harley Davidson southbound on County Rd. A 23 south of Valle Vista Dr. at 11:30 a.m.
Mark Smith, 59 of Reno was driving a 2015 Yamaha directly next to Wilson. Wilson claimed to have swerved to miss a dog that ran across the road and caused him to collide into Smith. Both parties lost control of their motorcycles which overturned and ejected both parties who were wearing DOT approved Helmets, and taken to Renown.
 
 
 

​County Superintendent of Schools
Total Votes 984
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 400
MERRILL M. GRANT 915 92.99%
Write-in Votes 69 7.01%

Supervisor, 2nd District
Total Votes 247
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 14
DOCIA BOSTROM        91 36.84%
PETER W. HUEBNER 154 62.35%
Write-in Votes 2 0.81%

Supervisor, 5th District
Total Votes 226
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 10
SCOTT A. SCHLEFSTEIN 97 42.92%
SHARON DRYDEN          128 56.64%
Write-in Votes 1 0.44%

Superior Court Judge
Total Votes 1322
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 62
J. LON COOPER   413 31.24%
YVETTE DURANT 906 68.53%
Write-in Votes 3 0.23%

County Assessor
Total Votes 1115
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 269
LAURA A. MARSHALL 1096 98.30%
Write-in Votes 19 1.70%

County Auditor-Treasurer-Tax Collector
Total Votes 1034
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 350
VAN A. MADDOX 988 95.55%
Write-in Votes 46 4.45%

County Clerk-Recorder
Total Votes 1149
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 235
HEATHER FOSTER 1137 98.96%
Write-in Votes 12 1.04%

County District Attorney-Public
Total Votes 1245
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 139
DAVID GARNER         586 47.07%
SANDRA A. GROVEN 656 52.69%
Write-in Votes 3 0.24%

County Sheriff-Coroner
Total Votes 1351
Times Over Voted 1
Number Of Under Votes 32
TIM STANDLEY     462 34.20%
MICHAEL FISHER 887 65.66%
Write-in Votes 2 0.15%

MEASURE A 
- Regulating Commercial Marijuana
Total Votes 1339
Times Over Voted 2
Number Of Under Votes 43
YES 733 54.74% 
NO   606 45.26%
MEASURE B
- SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX TO FUND PARAMEDIC AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WITHIN SIERRA CITY FIRE DISTRICT
Total Votes 173
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 1
YES 125 72.25%
NO     48 27.75%

MEASURE C
- SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX TO FUND PARAMEDIC AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WITHIN DOWNIEVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Total Votes 229
Times Over Voted 0
Number Of Under Votes 4
YES 123 53.71%
NO   106 46.29

ALTURAS, Calif.--The Modoc National Forest plans to gather approximately 1,000 wild horses from the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory this fall to address impacts on aquatic resources, wildlife, grazing and traditional cultural practices. Reducing the population will allow range and riparian ecological conditions to recover, while also supporting herd health by reducing competition for limited food, water and habitat.

A public meeting to provide updates and answer questions is planned for July 11, 2018 at 4 p.m. at the Forest Supervisors Office, 225 West Eighth St., in Alturas.

“We are honored to have this wild horse herd on the Modoc National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Amanda McAdams. “We are working hard to manage for healthy wild horses that live in balance with wildlife, watersheds and a resilient sage-steppe ecosystem.”

This action is prescribed by the 2013 Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory Management Plan found online at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=32426. This plan designates an appropriate management level of 206-402 adult wild horses. There are currently an estimated 3,900 on and around the territory.

Gathered horses will be transported to short-term holding where they will be fed, watered and humanely cared for. Most are expected to be under 10 years old, and the Devil’s Garden offers horses with good minds that can be trained for any number of uses. Find information on how to adopt wild horses at https://www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/.

Finding adopters will remain the first priority for all horses. The Forest Service is also planning to make horses 10 years and older available for sale as authorized by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, recognizing the likelihood of older horses being adopted is limited. Partner and public support has been a key element to past success and will remain irreplaceable in finding homes for as many horses as possible.

If you would like to help provide homes for horses, take part in the Modoc Mustang Trainer Program or want to learn more about Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory and horses, please see https://go.usa.gov/xQ3r3 or email modoc_info@fs.fed.us.

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MINERAL, CA- Lassen Volcanic is gearing up for the summer season with its annual Reach Higher Trail Challenge, additional campground openings, and ranger-led programs.


Saturday, June 9, Lassen Volcanic celebrates National Get Outdoors Day with the annual Reach Higher Trail Challenge kick-off. “This year’s challenge celebrates the 50th anniversary of our National Trails System,” says Superintendent Jim Richardson. “We invite visitors to explore one of seven National Trails in, or adjacent to, the park.” Lassen contains all three types of National Trails: historic, recreation, and scenic. Hikers who complete at least three hikes in the park and note them in a trail challenge brochure will earn a free commemorative bandana courtesy of the Lassen Association, a non-profit park partner.


Manzanita Lake and Southwest Walk-in Campgrounds are open for the season. Butte Lake and Warner Valley Campgrounds open Friday, June 8 along with Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Lost Creek Campground will open June 15 and Summit and Juniper Lake Campgrounds open June 29. Fees for selected campgrounds increased by two dollars on January 1, 2018, along with certain entrance fees. Learn more at go.nps.gov/lavo/fees.


Campers can receive a free refillable one-pound propane cylinder in exchange for two used cylinders on Saturday, June 9. Representatives from California Product Stewardship Council will be at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center from 10 am to 2 pm to share information about refillable propane cylinders and the free, safe disposal program offered in partnership with Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency, CalRecycle, and Green Waste of Tehama. 


Ranger-led programs begin June 15. Visit go.nps.gov/lavo/programs for a schedule and descriptions. Summer special events include the Lassen Dark Sky Festival, August 3 through 4 and Day in the Park Festival and Reach the Peak Hike-a-Thon on August 11.


Hiking trails in lower elevations of the park are mostly snow-free. Trails in higher elevations are still mostly snow-covered. The Lassen Peak Trail is open and is mostly snow-covered. Sturdy hiking boots, traction devices like crampons or microspikes, and trekking poles are highly recommended. Please stay on the marked trail for your safety and to prevent erosion. Orange wands are in place to help identify the trail where it is snow-covered.


The Bumpass Hell Trail is closed for the year for a rehabilitation project. Sulphur Works is the most accessible alternative hydrothermal area in the park and is located along the park highway, one-mile north of the Southwest Entrance. Hikes in the Warner Valley area provide access to other hydrothermal areas including Devils Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake. Parking in Warner Valley is limited.


The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The Loomis Museum is open Friday through Sunday and then daily beginning June 18.


For more information, please visit nps.gov/lavo; contact the park at (530) 595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov; or find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Flickr as LassenNPS.

​Sierra County Arts Council is pleased to announce the return of Movie Nights to The Yuba Theatre Father’s Day weekend on Friday, June 15, with the animated hit from Disney-Pixar, “Coco”, sponsored by the Riverside Inn in Downieville.  Enjoy that old fashioned movie experience in the historic theatre which has been showing movies since it was built by Verne Shattuck in 1940.  Other movies in the series, which screen on Friday nights, include a musical “The Greatest Showman” June 29; “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” July 20; “Napoleon Dynamite” Aug. 3 sponsored by Santa Cruz Bicycles for the Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race & Festival; the mad cap all-star comedy “Rat Race” Aug. 10; and ending with a western classic on Memorial Weekend “The Man Shot Liberty Valance” staring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart.   A special screening of “Dunkirk” has been included this year for Veterans’ Day, Sunday Nov. 11 at 3:00pm after the Veterans’ parade at 12:00noon and lunch.
The Arts Council would like to thank all the volunteers who help bring this series to the only movie house in Sierra County.  This includes Arts Council Board Co-President Cracker Eshleman who researches movies for the series and assists in purchase of supplies, pre-screening, and whose effort assures we show quality films that will appeal to our local audience.  Cracker also manages the Arts Council website Event Calendar to keep everyone aware of all Arts Council events including Movie Nights.  We are especially grateful to Greg Bostrom who has labored tirelessly and with great enthusiasm for many years to help improve and maintain the movie experience at The Yuba Theatre.  Thank you also to Tim Jordan who has been helping with technical support for recent upgrades to sound and screen.
The Arts Council, who manages and maintains the building which is owned by Sierra County, is also excited to announce that soon we will be installing a new electronic movie screen.  We are grateful for a grant from The Bill Graham Foundation which has supported the Movie Night series for many years.  This year the Foundation generously granted the Arts Council additional funding to jump start the purchase of the new screen. The Arts Council is also grateful for two anonymous donors who have contributed funding to purchase the new screen.  The new screen will improve the visual experience and allow for expanded use of the theatre during the busy tourist season, allowing for quick change from movie venue to performing arts venue.   Movie Night flyers which list all the movies and short synopses are available in front of The Yuba Theatre or in The Yuba Gallery. 
Step into the past and enjoy a movie with friends and family at The Yuba Theatre this summer.  The popcorn with real butter is delicious too!  Information: www.sierracountyartscouncil.org or call 530-289-9822.  Sierra County Arts Council is State-Local Partner with the California Arts Council.

Make your next gathering one to remember by including a few unique vegetables on the relish tray, as a side dish or for dessert. Your guests will be “wowed” not only because you grew your own ingredients, but because of the unique shape, color or flavor of the vegetables you serve.
Create a memorable dining experience with attractive edible containers adorning the patio, balcony or deck. Include a few Candle Fire Okra plants in large containers to create a tropical feel. The dark green leaves, hibiscus flowers and colorful red pods make a striking display in a container or the garden.
Surprise guests with roasted Candle Fire okra and Candyland Red currant tomatoes. Roasting okra eliminates the slime that prevents many from eating this unique vegetable. And don’t discard any overripe pods, use them in flower arrangements to dress up any event.
Allow your guests to harvest their own greens, herbs and cherry tomatoes to toss into their salads or season their meal. Use Prizm kale as a vertical dark green accent in your containers. Then add a contrasting ornamental leaf lettuce like Red Sails, long lasting vibrant Red Kingdom Mizuna (Japanese mustard) and edible flowers like calendulas, nasturtiums and pansies. The new Patio Choice tomatoes produce up to 100 yellow cherry tomatoes on an 18” plant. Plant it in a container for a splendid display then watch as guests harvest fresh tomatoes from your centerpiece.
Dress up the table, indoors or out, by using a few potted herbs as centerpieces.  Include Dark Opal Basil with dark purple leaves and compact Dolce Fresca in a simple container or more decorative pot to create a splendid display. Just place a pair of garden snips on the table and let your guests flavor their meals.
Make any meal special with a Bok Choy Frittata. Your guests will be impressed when you create this popular dish from your own homegrown ingredients. Asian Delight Pak Choi (or Bok Choy) is slow to flower so you will enjoy season-long harvests. The mild flavored tender white stems and textured dark green leaves look good in containers, the garden and when served fresh in a salad, frittata or stir fry.
Serve a colorful platter of sliced tomatoes with the Chef’s Choice series of red, pink, orange, yellow and green fruit. The globe shaped beefsteak tomatoes have the perfect balance of acid to sugar. Their disease resistance, productivity, yield, flavor, color and performance made them winners in the non-profit All-America Selections national trials (all-americaselections.org).
Stuff a few of the uniquely shaped Mad Hatter sweet peppers with cheese. Your guests will enjoy the beauty and refreshing citrusy floral flavor of this three-sided red pepper. The vigorous plant produces an abundance of fruit, so you’ll have plenty to use fresh in appetizers and salads throughout the growing season or pickled for future enjoyment.
End the evening with a surprise. Serve each guest their own watermelon for dessert. Mini Love watermelon packs lots of sweet flavor into individual size fruit. Or brighten their dessert plates with a slice or two of Gold in Gold. This eye-catching watermelon has a yellow rind with golden stripes. The orange-gold flesh is crisp and sugary.
With just a little planning, you can plant unique and beautiful edibles in your garden and containers this season. Then find fun ways to include these in dishes shared at potlucks, meals for family and friends, or as a snack to enjoy on a summer afternoon.


Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” gardening DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by AAS for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ web site is www.melindamyers.com.

As Father's Day (June 17) rolls around, we are mindful that it wasn’t that long ago when a father’s job was to attend his daughter’s pretend tea parties and make her a pretty dollhouse. But today’s fathers must navigate a new world and avoid gender specific roles.


“The fathers of today’s girls need to be engaged, creative and flexible,” says Sheri D. Engler, author of The Pearls of Wisdom: A Fairy Tale Guide to Life’s Magic Secrets for All Ages (www.thepearlsofwisdombook.com. All proceeds go to the Angel Whispers Foundation, which was organized to empower young females.)


She says today’s dads should encourage girls at every opportunity.


“Women are breaking down many barriers, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” Engler says. “Today’s fathers play a critical role in their daughter's self-image and can be instrumental in encouraging them to challenge the status quo."


Engler offers the following tips for fathers who want to raise their daughters to be strong, independent women:


● Treat women with respect.  Your daughter is watching how you treat women, and it will have a lifelong impact on her in ways you can’t imagine. You must be cognizant of your attitude and behavior around women at all times. This includes not saying negative things about her mother if you are divorced. See yourself as a role model of the kind of man you would want your daughter to marry one day, because that frequently influences how women choose their partners.


● Give her compliments about things other than her beauty. It is OK to tell your daughter she’s pretty, but that should not be the only compliment you give her.  Compliment her intelligence, her resourcefulness, her imagination, her many skills, her hard work, and her strength. Honestly tell her the unique things you love about her, the things that make her a good and special person.


● Teach her the magic of self confidence. Teach her about the power that comes from believing in herself and believing she can achieve greatness in the world, while understanding that there are many girls who simply want to be a "mommy" like their , which is the most important job in the world. In this case, they may fear failing their father's expectations of greatness. There is a critical difference between encouragement to be who they are and pressure to be who they aren't.


● Teach her about what has traditionally been “guy stuff.”  Teach her self-reliance, such as routine car maintenance, or mechanics in general. Teach her how to use tools while building a treehouse. Go fishing together. Take her to see planes at air shows, teach her photography and go birdwatching with her. It matters to spend quality time with her, because it makes her feel she is worth her dad’s time. And it doesn’t have to stop in childhood. What could you be teaching your adult daughter?


● Let her get gritty like the boys.  Teach her how to play sports from early on. This fosters tremendous social confidence as well as body confidence. Or just let her play in the mud and get dirty if that is what she wants to do. Girls don't always have to be clean and pretty.


● Introduce her to books with girl heroes. There are plenty of books to choose from, so when reading to her let her enjoy a variety of adventures including books with strong female leaders like The Pearls of Wisdom or other books that were written to empower girls. This will send the message that you believe in her. Or perhaps help her write a story of her own imagining herself as the hero or lead character. If nothing else this will give you a valuable view of how she sees herself so you know what’s going on with her.


● Share music with her. Play your favorite music and tell her why you like it and let her do the same. Take her to concerts. If she wants to play an instrument, help her learn how. Music, and the arts in general, can be very bonding experiences.


“The most important change for today’s fathers is that they shouldn’t box girls in or out of anything just because they are a girl,” Engler says.  “Fathers who respect the women in their lives have a better chance of raising daughters who feel deserving of respect themselves. Confidence, self-respect and family support will help them face any challenges that may come their way.”


About Sheri D. Engler
Sheri Engler is the author/illustrator of The Pearls of Wisdom: A Fairy Tale Guide to Life’s Magic Secrets for All Ages (www.ThePearlsOfWisdomBook.com). She is an experienced mentor, medium, and metaphysicist with a background in psychology, counseling and research. She received a BA in Clinical Psychology at San Francisco State University.

COMMUNITY FORUMS were held three evenings in May at Sierra County schools. Loyalton High School hosted the first one held Tuesday, May 15th. The other two were held Tuesday, May 22nd at Loyalton Elementary and Wednesday, May 30th at Downieville School. Each forum treated attendees to dinner, prior to the presentation.  At Loyalton High School, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Merrill Grant and site principal Tom Jones led the discussion. Dr. Grant talked about school enrollment. He said Downieville School is at 54 students and holding steady. Loyalton High School is at 154 students, which Dr. Grant stated is at the highest it’s been in a while and Loyalton Elementary School is at 195 students, with 39 Kindergarten/Pre-K coming in next year.
Dr. Grant stated they use a Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and was happy to report they were back to funding levels of 2008 and received Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding for another two years at $400,000 a year. He said the budget shows stability with a $2 million balance for Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District and a $2.3 million balance for Sierra County Office of Education for 2017-2018.
Dr. Grant said he was proud of what they have to offer. He stated teachers individualize instruction in a small setting with good response to intervention. Dr. Grant said four-year placement was at a high percentage with career technical education as a focus for the 2018-2019 school year.
As far as safety in Sierra County schools, Dr. Grant said many light enhancements have been made to be proactive and better prepare for threats both natural and manmade. Site principals will have had ALICE (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate) training by start of school in August. There will be a California Highway Patrol walk through this summer as well as a Sierra County Sheriff’s collaboration. Dr. Grant stated they have a renovated camera system and working on visitor entry and classroom security. He called relationships with students a key piece of proactive behavior.
Loyalton High School Principal Tom Jones went over the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) report, which was preformed at LHS recently. He called WASC a very healthy process, which lets them know what is going well and what needs impro-​vement. Jones said WASC looked at leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment and accountability, and school culture and gave strengths and key issues on each category. The report showed strengths in all areas and included open communication, superior agriculture program, wide variety of course offerings, four-year planning, future focus support, technology infused instruction, discussion oriented instruction, Powerschool, teacher collaboration on test scores, personalized approach to learning, extensive community involvement, and tutoring opportunities. Key issues included updated mission/vision, continue to seek out the curriculum to meet standards and support 21st century learning opportunities, continue collaboration on essential standards and critical thinking strategies, align curriculum to assessment and standards, and access to nutritional lunches on campus. In summary, Jones said they were building off a firm foundation and will establish learning goals, provide learning opportunities, assess student learning and use the results.