Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced that more than 1,900 local governments around the country will receive $514.7 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2020.
“This year’s distribution of $514.7 million to more than 1,900 counties will help small towns pay for critical needs like emergency response, public safety, public schools, housing, social services, and infrastructure,” said Secretary Bernhardt.
PILT payments are made annually for tax-exempt Federal lands administered by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) agencies including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), for lands administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS); and for Federal water projects and some military installations.
DOI collects more than $13.2 billion in revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands, such as oil and gas leasing, livestock grazing, and timber harvesting. A portion of these revenues are shared with States and counties. The balance is deposited in the U.S. Treasury, which in turn pays for a broad array of Federal activities, including PILT funding.
Payments and Acreage By State / County
Fiscal Year: 2020
State: California
   COUNTY                         PAYMENT     TOTAL ACRES
NEVADA COUNTY           $478,914            220,517
PLUMAS COUNTY           $675,225         1,178,166
SIERRA COUNTY             $245,958            434,341

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Wherever people choose to observe Independence Day, they can expect the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to be out in force for a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, to midnight, Sunday, July 5. 
 
As California gradually reopens, many people will be eager to celebrate the holiday weekend with family and friends.  To help reduce the risk and slow the spread of COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health is urging the public to avoid traveling long distances for vacations or pleasure as much as possible.  However, if you decide to leave home, take steps to keep everyone safe like wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and washing hands frequently.
 
"Should the upcoming weekend include a road trip, stay safe and healthy with a few additional precautions," said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.  “Obeying speed limits, buckling up, and not driving impaired or distracted will be more important than ever.”
 
Traffic has been lighter on California roadways the past few months, which has resulted in an increase in citations for excessive speed.  Motorists are encouraged to take their time this holiday weekend and arrive safely at their destination.  During the recent Memorial Day MEP, CHP officers issued 458 citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph, which is a 173 percent increase from the same period in 2019.
 
The 2019 Independence Day MEP was 4 ¼ days, which was two days longer than the upcoming MEP.  During that 102-hour enforcement effort, 36 people lost their lives in traffic crashes, 21 within CHP jurisdiction.  Of those 21 individuals, 11 were not wearing seat belts.  Additionally, CHP officers made 1,317 arrests for driving under the influence.
 
“However you choose to celebrate the weekend, do it without putting yourself or others at risk,” added Commissioner Stanley.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
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Qualified Applicants Encouraged to Apply by July 10, 2020 Deadline
 
 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The PG&E Corporation Foundation (The Foundation) are inviting applications to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program. The Foundation will provide funding for a total of $250,000 to students pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) disciplines. The Program will award 20 scholarships of $10,000 each and 20 scholarships of $2,500 each.
 
“PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation are committed to helping students interested in being part of California’s clean energy future, giving them opportunities to learn and succeed in higher education, and achieve their dreams,” said Stephanie Isaacson, Executive Director of The PG&E Corporation Foundation.
 
Applications are open to graduating high school seniors, current college students, veterans and adults returning to school who are PG&E customers at the time of application. Applicants must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire 2020-2021 academic year and be seeking their first undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year institution in California.
 
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need.
 
Interested applicants can learn more and apply here. Application deadline is July 10, 2020. Awards will be announced in August.
 
Since 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has awarded more than $6 million to accomplished students based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.
 
In addition to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, PG&E’s 10 employee resource groups (ERGs) and two engineering networking groups (ENGs) award scholarships to help offset the cost of higher education. The funds are raised totally through employee donations, employee fundraising events and Campaign for the Community, the company’s employee giving program. Since 1989, more than $4.5 million ERG scholarships have been received by thousands of recipients.
 
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 www.pge.com andwww.pge.com/news.
 
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Plumas County Public Health received notification from the mass testing in Sierra County of a positive COVID-19 test result for a resident in Eastern Plumas County. The positive individual has symptoms and is currently self-isolating. An investigation is underway to determine if any other residents may have been exposed. Exposed residents identified during the investigation will be contacted by a member of the Public Health COVID-19 Response Team for further screening.

In order to continue to protect the health of our community it is critical that everyone follow the executive order by staying home and avoiding travel when possible, practice physical distancing, wear a face covering while in public, and continue to use universal precautions; including washing hands and covering mouths with an elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Exposure to COVID-19 can be minimized if all precautions are practiced by all residents.
If you have any questions please contact the Plumas County COVID-19 informational phone line 530- 283-6400 or send an e-mail to COVID19@countyofplumas.com or visit our website at www.plumascounty.us 

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SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is reaching out to more than 100 of California’s top private industry partners, businesses, and donors with a new call to action: contribute to a $500 million initiative that would provide computing and connectivity devices to all of California’s public school students in need.
The $500 million estimate targets computing devices and internet hotspots. Thurmond estimates it could cost an additional $6 billion to expand and improve broadband infrastructure to all Californians in need.
“While we have made good progress in our efforts to close the digital divide, hundreds of thousands of our most vulnerable students and families still lack access to the basic tools needed to connect to their learning. In today’s world,technology is as important as electricity,” Thurmond said. “I am calling on our private industry partners to make this investment in students now, as it will yield countless dividends in the years ahead. Our students are the future innovators and leaders of one of the world’s largest, most diverse, and forward-thinking economies.”
            According to Thurmond, out of California’s 6.2 million students, more than 700,000 do not have a computing device at home. Additionally, more than 300,000 lack access to the internet. When physical school campuses closed statewide due to COVID-19 in March, almost a fifth of California’s students could not participate in digital distance learning, which also means they could not access tutoring, guidance counselors, school nurses, librarians, administrators, and parent/family resource centers.
            In April, Thurmond launched the Closing the Digital Divide Task Force with a goal of forging new public-private partnerships with legislators, state agencies, internet service providers, technology companies, education entities, and more. Along with expanding access to computing devices and internet hotspots, the task force is also exploring solutions to providing high-speed internet access to every public school student in the state.
The task force, co-chaired by Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino), has held multiple hearings and asked that internet service providers expand free or low-cost service to households in need. Meetings of the task force are archived online on the California Department of Education Facebook page.
Businesses or individuals that are considering making a tax-deductible contribution to help close the digital divide in California are invited to email donatetech@cde.ca.gov.
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The California Department of Education is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. For more information, please visit the California Department of Education’s website. You may also follow Superintendent Thurmond on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
 

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CAL FIRE Offers Safety Tips this Fourth of July

Butte County- With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department is reminding all Butte County residents and visitors to do their part to prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks or the misuse of “Safe and Sane” fireworks. On Sunday, June 28 “Safe and Sane” Fireworks will go on sale in the city limits of Oroville and Gridley, as well as approximately 300 other communities throughout California. Although fireworks are a symbolic display of patriotism during this time of celebration, they can be dangerous when handled incorrectly or used in the wrong environment.
“As we move into dryer, warmer months, wildfire activity is quickly picking up," said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE Director. "Residents need to understand the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks or misuse of legal fireworks. In California, we have zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks. Any person who causes a fire can be held liable for the costs of its suppression and associated property damage. Often these costs are in the hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars.”
There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks. Possession or transportation of illegal fireworks such as sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year. Even “Safe and Sane” Fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal.
“With more families and friends spending time together at home during the holiday, we want to remind everyone that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed in California and make sure to check your local laws regarding their use,” said Mike Richwine, State Fire Marshal. “Only use legal fireworks and only in a safe manner. Use of illegal fireworks or use of any firework in an unsafe manner will quickly ruin a celebration and you could be fined and charged for resulting damages.”
“Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed for use in within the city limits of Oroville and Gridley; however, they are not approved anywhere else in Butte County. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.
Fireworks Guidelines:

•   First check that fireworks are allowed in the area of use
  
•   Make sure the firework has the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal
  

o Counterfeitlabelsdoexist,onlymakepurchasesfromtrustworthyvendors.

•   Purchase only from legitimate organizations authorized to sell within California
  
•   Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site
  
•   Read all instructions before use
  
•   Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks – use only in the manner intended
  
•   Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush
  For a full fireworks safety guide visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org/more/fireworks-safety/ or watch this short video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G38xe9gjzi8.
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June 23, 2020

 
Energy Saving Tools Reduce Usage and Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Although it’s the first week of summer, hotter temperatures arrived in California weeks ago. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) encourages customers to follow simple steps and utilize free tools and programs to minimize the impact of summer heat on energy bills.

We understand that higher-than-expected bills are frustrating, and PG&E is here to help customers understand rate plan changes and take control of their energy costs.

“With more customers staying at and working from home, small changes can result in big savings. The cooling system accounts for more than half of the energy usage in the average home or business. These customer tools and programs help make it easier for the system to work efficiently, which can help customers save on energy bills,” said Laurie Giammona, PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.

Simple Ways to Save

• Raise the thermostat and turn it up when leaving. Customers can save on annual cooling costs for each degree the temperature is increased in their home during the hot summer months. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees when not at home.
• Check air filters once a month. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder to keep the area cool, wasting energy and money.
• Maintain air conditioner: Customers can lower their monthly energy bill by keeping air conditioning equipment working at peak efficiency. Schedule regular maintenance for cooling equipment.

Saving Made Easy

To take advantage of additional programs, tools and savings opportunities, PG&E recommends customers become more familiar with:

• Online tool to determine the best rate: Customers can access detailed energy cost and usage information down to the day, see a personalized rate comparison to determine if they are on the best rate and more. Customers can sign up for an online account at www.pge.com.
• PG&E Marketplace: Compare and shop for energy-efficient appliances and electronics to reduce your electricity costs and find the model that is right for you. You can also read product reviews and get linked directly to retailers. https://marketplace.pge.com/

 

• Home Energy Checkup: In less than five minutes, customers can find how much of their home energy use goes to cooling, heating hot water, appliances, lighting and other uses. The results enable customers to make customized changes to enhance their home's energy efficiency, along with estimates of how much money can be saved. www.pge.com/home-energy-checkup
• Budget Billing: This program averages customers’ monthly energy costs to help monthly payment amounts remain more consistent, even if energy use changes significantly from season to season. www.pge.com/budgetbilling
• Financial assistance programs for income-qualifying customers: Our assistance programs include California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE), the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program, Energy Saving Assistance Program and payment plans. With rising unemployment due to the pandemic, many customers who would not have qualified for CARE and other programs may now qualify. Customers who recently applied for unemployment may still be eligible for the program.

For more tips on how to save this summer, visit www.pge.com/summer.
 
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 nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
 
 
 
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 June 25, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. —With the Fourth of July approaching and communities across the country still battling COVID-19, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges everyone to stay safe and take precautions with large gatherings and firework celebrations, but not to hesitate to go to the ER if you have an emergency.
There are more than 9,000 firework-related emergencies annually and more than a third (36 percent) of those involve children under the age of 15. It’s no surprise that about two-thirds of firework injuries happen around this time of year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“Each year, emergency physicians see an influx of people coming into the ER with avoidable fireworks injuries,” said William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). “When it comes to using fireworks to cap off your Independence Celebration, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.”
If you are using your own fireworks, ACEP encourages you to follow these firework safety tips to limit your risk of serious burn or injury:

• Make sure you buy fireworks, sparklers or other flammable items from reputable, legal sellers.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and large bucket of water or hose nearby.
• Light one at a time and keep everything flammable away from children. This includes sparklers, which can burn hot enough to melt metal and cause serious burns or injuries.
• Never try to re-light or handle fireworks that malfunction or don’t go off.
• Do not ignite fireworks in containers, that could create dangerous shrapnel.
• Avoid horseplay with or near fireworks, torches, candles or any flammable items; don’t point fireworks at people or launch them toward anyone.
• When lighting a firework do not stand directly over it. Back up immediately after it is lit.
• After use, spray fireworks with water until soaked. Placing dry fireworks in a trash can creates a fire hazard.

The ongoing pandemic adds another layer of concern to this year’s celebrations. Given that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still urges people to social distance with six feet or more between people, it’s prudent to choose outdoor activities with small groups rather than indoor gatherings with larger crowds. You may want to rethink typical summer activities like potlucks and cookouts to limit the number of people handling or serving food. You should also continue to wear a mask when in public space, and wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
“The pandemic continues to create a ‘new normal’ for all of us,” said Dr. Jaquis. “Your Fourth of July festivities might look a little different this year, but we can’t ignore the very real threat that the virus still poses.”
Whether you are concerned you have COVID-19 or are having another medical emergency, emergency physicians stand ready—any day, any time—to provide emergency care and treatment when you need it.
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 39,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org. 
Contact: Steve Arnoff | sarnoff@acep.org | Twitter @EmergencyDocs


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