The document that is the collected post-it notes from a poster Allison Smith brought to the Black Lives Matter Rally, where she walked around and asked everyone to write something about "Why I Came Here Today".
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From the Office of the Mayor - Here in the City of Loyalton and Sierra County we often feel that living in such a small and insulated community is a positive thing; it is a privilege. There is such a feeling of community and connection here; we know our neighbors; there are really no strangers here; our communities are the first to reach out a helping hand and offer support when needed. Being so small and insulated can also leave us feeling disconnected from the trials and struggles the rest of the State and Nation face. In recent weeks we have watched horrific events unfolding around us across the nation and even closer to home in Reno yet still we have remained largely isolated and safe in our small community. While striving to preserve our feeling of community here it is important to recognize that much of the Nation does not share in our fortunate circumstances. We are privileged that our County Sheriff’s Office is such a great example of how to interact with the public with dignity and respect. We are privileged that in our community we feel safe interacting with visitors and locals alike. We are privileged that our children can play freely at the park or walk to their friend’s house safely. We are privileged to safely gather and share our concerns and feelings about what is happening across the State and Nation. We are privileged to vocally agree or disagree with our neighbors but know that we are safe while doing so. We are privileged to know, respect, and call our local law enforcement friends and neighbors. We acknowledge this privilege and recognize these are privileges that every community should share. Whether you are gathering in the City of Loyalton to stand for Black Lives Matter, to stand against those law enforcement officers across the nation that abuse the power of their badge, or stand in support of something else entirely, I am privileged to welcome you to PEACEFULLY conduct your protest or rally here. Respectfully, Sarah Jackson, Mayor of the City of Loyalton SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Wednesday called on counseling groups across California to work together in a coordinated effort to expand services that can close gaps in mental health supports for students experiencing increased levels of trauma exacerbated by the pandemic. During his weekly virtual media check-in, Thurmond called attention to emotional strains caused by the pandemic: Students are missing important, caring connections with their friends and teachers since school campus closures, and many are living in isolation and experiencing increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Youth across California are struggling to process their own grief and anger over issues of racial injustice while also under the strain of household circumstances such as food insecurity. In the meantime, there are thousands of students across the state who have not checked in with their teachers since school campuses closed three months ago, Thurmond noted. And the California Department of Education (CDE) anticipates that the number of youths identifying as homeless could increase as the impacts of the pandemic continue. Counseling and mental health groups that want to help are asked to email mentalhealth@cde.ca.gov. “For months, students have experienced intense stress under the biggest challenges they may experience in a lifetime. Just as we are thinking about what academics look like for students in the weeks and months ahead, we must make sure that we prioritize the mental and emotional health of students who will likely be entering a very different school environment this fall,” said Thurmond. “I call on all of our leaders in the field of counseling, mental health, and social-emotional learning to join us in the effort to close gaps in these supports.” To begin laying the groundwork for this effort, the State Superintendent has convened leaders from the California Association of School Counselors, the California Association of School Psychologists, and the California Alliance of Child and Family Services to begin sharing resources and ideas for creating a framework and securing resources for students in need. Additionally, the CDE has numerous resources for educators, families, and students, including resources for students in crisis, students experiencing homelessness, and foster youth. CDE’s guidance for the safe reopening of schools also addresses ways to support the mental health and well-being of all. An archived broadcast of the full media check-in can be viewed on the CDE’s Facebook page. ##### 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. AN EARLY MORNING non-injury collision across from White’s Sierra Station in downtown Loyalton resulted in the power box being destroyed and a blip to some power and a total loss of power to those on south Second Street. Liberty Utilities, CHP and the ambulance were on scene but White’s continued to be “up and running.”
TWO OF THESE SWEET KITTIES ARE AVAILABLE, WITH THEIR MOM, FOR ADOPTION AT Pets for Adoption at Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.
Dr. Donald Rebhun, Regional Medical Director for Optum in California
Let’s face it: even before the current pandemic, many of us had apprehension about going to the doctor for check-ups and routine care. As a practicing internist with many years of experience helping people live healthier lives, I’ve certainly seen my share of patients who are nervous going to the doctor. Now, with health authorities and physicians asking people to socially distance and avoid crowded public spaces, the thought of going to a doctor’s office and sitting in the waiting room brings an added dimension of anxiety. That’s why physicians, like myself, have adapted new technology to provide care and make in-person visits safe. The fact is routine care shouldn’t be put on the backburner. It’s vitally important for people, especially those with chronic conditions, to stay on top of their health. A recent survey of primary care physicians revealed a troubling statistic: the majority of physicians surveyed believe that delayed care due to COVID-19 could result in serious and sometimes fatal outcomes. This is especially true for the six out of ten adults with chronic conditions. These patients face serious risks if their conditions aren’t managed appropriately. For example, diabetes affects nearly 34 million people in the U.S. and diabetic patients can take preventive measures to avoid severe complications such as nerve damage, heart disease and kidney disease. Simply keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in check, and having regular checkups with a doctor, can help reduce their risk. There’s also growing concern for children. The World Health Organization says that over 80 million children under one year old are at increased risk of diseases such as polio, measles, and diphtheria due to COVID-19 delays of vaccinations. An Optum study also examined data from providers and health systems looking at over 117,000 children who received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in the first four months of both 2019 and 2020. It found a 43 percent drop this year. We can’t overstate the importance of parents keeping on top of their children’s vaccine schedules to help keep them protected against preventable diseases. So, how do we stay on top of our health while keeping safe from COVID-19? The most important thing you can do is call your doctor and ask for guidance. Your doctor may suggest a remote visit. Many have rolled out private, secure video chat and phone visit technology within the last few months. While a physician can’t draw blood or listen to your heart and lungs remotely, sometimes they can diagnose a condition based solely on your description of symptoms. They can also help determine whether you should come in for an in-person visit or if your symptoms suggest you should be seen in an urgent care or emergency room. For those at higher risk during COVID-19, being able to see your primary care doctor from the comfort and safety of your own home can be extraordinarily helpful. When you do need to go to the office, many doctors have put effective new safeguards and procedures in place for in-person visits. These include limiting the number of people in the clinic, screening visitors for symptoms and encouraging hand hygiene and the use of masks, among other steps. Patients should take comfort in knowing their doctors and clinical staff are taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus. We’re all feeling the fear and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that shouldn’t cause us to put something as important as our own health on the backburner. The consequences are too severe. Physicians, like myself, want to remind our patients that we are here to be your partner in maintaining good health. So take care of yourself and give us a call. (2.5% Negotiated Raise Also Taken Away) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020 Contact: Terry McHale at (916) 233-5100 tmchale@aaronread.com SACRAMENTO, CA – CAL FIRE Local 2881 President Tim Edwards said, “Our decision to oppose the cut in wages to firefighters is not an indication of any personal disregard for the Governor and the work he has done during this difficult time. We oppose the cut in wages because it creates chaos within the department and it is fundamentally unfair to firefighters who have been on the front line through the recent historic fire seasons, as well as being first responders to the pandemic, and the range of calls that are made to a full service fire department.” The Governor is asking that CAL FIRE firefighters – who were just given increased firefighter staffing to bring fire engines to an appropriate level and limit the practice of keeping firefighters on the line for weeks, and even months, at a time – give up a 2.5% raise they negotiated through bargaining and also take an additional ten percent cut in pay. This means a 12.5% pay cut for our firefighters. “CAL FIRE is already the lowest paid among the major fire departments,” said Edwards. Consider the facts:
### Ms Hood was accused of embezzlement. The trial court dismissed the case. The People appealed.
The People v. Hood Case: C088355, 3rd District Disposition date (YYYY-MM-DD): 2020-06-09 Disposition description: Reversed & Remanded to trial court w/directions Disposition status as of 2020-06-09: Final Notes: The judgment is reversed. The matter is remanded to the trial court with directions to set aside its order granting defendant's motion to dismiss and enter an order denying the motion. For more information on this case, go to: https://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/disposition.cfm?dist=3&doc_id=2271280&doc_no=C088355&request_token=OCIwLSEmXkw5WzApSSFdVEtIUFw6UTxbKyBeSz9SLDtOCg%3D%3D For opinions, go to the following web site: https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions-slip.htm Court of Appeal opinions are generally available on the web site by 5 p.m. on the disposition date. Unpublished opinions are generally available on the web site by 5 p.m. on the disposition date or by 5 p.m. on the court workday following the disposition date. Date Time Area Nature Details Tue 26 May 9:15P Community of Sierra Brooks Medical Weak party, assist to ambulance Fri 29 May 3:45A Community of Sierra Brooks Medical Fall with hip injury, assist to ambulance Mon 01 Jun. 6:30P City of Loyalton, Sta. #1 Training Engine pumping operations, E-12 & E-15 Thu 04 Jun. 5:10A City of Loyalton Medical Respiratory distress, assist to ambulance Sat 06 Jun. 9:09A Community of Sierra Brooks Medical Chest pain, assist to ambulance By Allison Smith On Saturday this week, I stood on the sidewalk in downtown Loyalton for several hours, holding a sign that said “Black Lives Matter in Sierra County”. I smiled and waved at people driving by. I think many people were wondering why I would do this, here in this tiny, quiet town. I went out again on Sunday with my friend and we stood out there together, with our signs. That day, a man drove his truck near us at the curb, then gunned his engine and peeled out, leaving a big cloud of diesel smoke behind, then he u-turned and yelled at us to “Go home!” I walked up to his truck and we started talking. I had a conversation with him for the next half hour. I asked why he felt angry about my sign and he began to understand why I was out there. He eventually apologized for his driving, and we found some common ground and exchanged names before he left. I think maybe his thoughts reflect the questions of others as well, so I decided to write this and share a bit of the conversation we had: “We don’t have this in our community! I never thought I’d see this here. Why are you bringing this here??” No, in Sierra County we don’t have a black community that is being constantly challenged with police brutality. We don’t have that. Here’s what we DO have. We DO have a diversity of people in Sierra County, with a variety of skin colors and ethnicities—some black, some Latino, some Asian, some Native American, many white and many mixed. We’re all human. But racism exists. Both in this country and in this community. By holding this sign, I am not bringing racism, it’s already here. It is a thing that is deeply embedded in the American psyche. I am pointing it out. By holding a sign that is speaking to the importance of treating all black people with equality and justice, what I am bringing is my own voice, in a public way, to say that I am working against racism, whether it’s racism here or anywhere across the country. We talked about how he felt angry because he was connecting my sign with bringing the chaos and looting that he has seen on TV. I let him know that I am here to stand up and speak out, peacefully, AGAINST violence, the violence that is happening to black people in this country, the violence that has a hundreds of years old history. I pointed out to him, that in fact, in this instance, his driving move in front of us was actually HIM bringing the violence, to which he eventually agreed, and then apologized for. “I know everyone and everyone likes everyone and gets along fine here in this community!”, he said. I told him that I respectfully challenge that idea, that he cannot know or speak for anyone else’s experiences here but his own. I suggested it may appear to him that all is well in the community because he does not have the same experiences as others with darker skin or different cultures. So how would he really know? Racism exists on many levels and can be experienced in big ways and in small moments. In America we have a culture of silence around racism. But that silence only allows racism to continue. Me standing out there on the street with a sign saying Black Lives Matter is about breaking my own silence. Standing up to show others that they are not alone, that the beautiful diversity that is our humanness will be supported. I put a heart on my sign to show that my message is about love. “Well, I stand for All Lives Matter” another person told me. Yes, I stand for all lives too. But all lives are NOT equally endangered right now, black ones are. The point is to bring attention to the difference. Black people continue to suffer the worst effects of systemic racism, in policing, housing, employment, incarceration, and now even with Covid-19, they are dying at a higher rate than others. Black lives are more difficult, on so many levels, than my white one, because of the color of their skin. THAT is why I stood with a sign that says Black Lives Matter. If everyone was doing fine, I wouldn’t be writing this. I could go on here to talk about the experiences that I have had, that have helped me, as a white person, to see and feel the depths of how important undoing racism is in our culture—the experiences that led me to standing out there holding a sign, in this small, quiet town. But I still have so much to learn about how to undo racism, so I’ll be busy doing that. And, I am always open to talking. COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY UPDATE was given during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held by teleconference on Tuesday, June 2nd. Public Health and Social Services Director Vickie Clark acknowledged sincere appreciation for everyone, knowing it was universally impacting everyone on some level deeply, and believed they were all doing the best job they could. She stated in week one of stage 2 Sierra County received its first positive case. Then the Governor moved the opening of hair salons and restaurants to stage 2 for the counties that could attest to it. Clark said the public felt this meant we were moving to stage 3. She stated they responded and made adjustments quickly and last week opened 39 new businesses. Clark said to further confuse the public, a bunch of counties around us opened into Stage 3 out of compliance. Last Friday the Governor said counties can move into Stage 3 at county discretion. Clark said in response to the Governor’s confusing information she was on the phone with the state department until Friday evening and a letter came out of it that was sent to Assemblyman Dahle and the state health officer asking for some clarification. A response from the state health officer was given to clarify. A variance county can open a sector after the state has issued guidance on how the sector can open and the local health officer has given approval. If that sector has not yet received guidance for that sector from the state, then that sector cannot yet open. Supervisor Sharon Dryden said although it sounds like some leniency we really don’t have it. Clark said the county’s attestation had to address a lot of different things, including that they had capacity to do a proper amount of testing and had proper staffing levels, including partnerships with surrounding hospitals. They had to show how they would handle containment, and could handle a surge of 35%. Clark stated they also needed to show what our triggers would be for pulling back, adding if we fall below what they attested to, we would have to pull back in reopening. Supervisor Peter Huebner asked what does our own population have to do with opening. Clark stated they have to protect our fragile population, adding it wouldn’t be prudent to ask people to come to our county if we don’t have the means to keep it under control. Supervisor Lee Adams stated we can make restrictions heavier in the state order but cannot make them less restrictive. Clark said as soon as they get new industry guidance, they would be able to move forward very quickly since they have all the business plans and felt the state department was working hard on those guidelines.
Clark reported COVID-19 testing was to begin this day in Loyalton and had 28 people registered so far with capabilities of doing onsite registration if needed. She said medical personnel from Oakland was stranded due to riots, so they had to secure their own health professionals to help with the testing, and had to go through special training that morning, adding tests are now 97% accurate for positive. Clark stated they would be announcing they have one positive case and one recovered case and those that were quarantined will be lifted on June 5th. Planning Director Tim Beals spoke as part of the County Office of Emergency Services stating all barricades have been lifted and removed. He added that some advisory signs will be going up, but park closures will be removed. The social distancing signs were discussed. Supervisor Sharon Dryden didn't feel they were effective at all and have been getting vandalized and restaurant owners are stating the signs don’t give off a warm welcome. Clark stated they are moving out of a fear-based approach and if the public is wanting them removed, she was ok with them coming down. Beals will start removing them. Please Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sierra Superior Court was not in session in April. Some cases were heard in May of 2020. While some hearings resumed via Zoom, the courthouse has remained closed. Be aware that the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are still prosecuting defendants. People v Richard Lee Snyder (20CR0018) On May 5, 2020, Richard Lee Snyder, age 73 of Truckee, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(b), driving under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Snyder was sentenced to three years summary court probation; ordered to pay a fine; and must attend DUI classes. People v. Lily Bluemoon Tizer (20CR0012) On May 5, 2020, Lily Bluemoon Tizer, age 32, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(a), driving under the influence. She was sentenced to two days jail; three years summary court probation; ordered to pay a fine; and attend DUI school. People v. Brandon James Tweed (CR03937) On May 5, 2020, Brandon James Tweed, age 25, of Yuba City, was convicted of violating California Vehicle Code section 14601.1(a), driving while his license was suspended or revoked. He was placed on two years summary court probation and ordered to pay a fine. People v. Jeremiah Daniel Brittingham (19CR4078) On May 19, 2020, Jeremiah Daniel Brittigham, age 46, of Loyalton, California, was sentenced in connection with this convicted of misdemeanor corporal injury on a domestic partner. He was sentenced to three years summary court probation; ordered to pay a fine; and attend a one year batterer’s intervention program. People v. Antionette Camille Kangas (19CR4041) On May 19, 2020, Antionette Camille Kangas, age 27 of Sparks, NV, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(b), driving under the influence. She was sentenced to 2 days in jail; placed on three years summary court probation; ordered to pay a fine; and ordered to complete a D By Joel Fox
Editor and Co-Publisher of Fox and Hounds Daily Sometimes following action on a bill in the California legislature feels like you are watching a high stakes poker game. This week such a hand was played in which the gambling house (think the ruling majority) risked $269 million hoping to cash in a much larger prize in a few months. ... Senator Pat Bates dealt the hand as she put up SB 1319, a bill to alter the change in ownership provisions which a long-ago legislature passed to implement a section of Proposition 13, the property tax reform law overwhelming passed by voters in 1978. Bates' bill would establish new rules to determine when commercial property changes hands. The bill provided that when 90 percent of ownership interest changed hands within a three-year period, a change in ownership of the property is established and the property is reassessed at full market value, increasing property tax revenue for a local county. ... ... If Bates' bill cleared the Senate Finance and Governance Committee earlier this week, it would be on its way to help government budget shortfalls in California to the tune of $269 million a year, according to the Board of Equalization. ... But Bates bill failed on a party line 3 to 2 vote. Legislators are desperately looking for revenue sources to offset the government budget problems. Why turn down more than a quarter-of-a-billion dollars? Here's where the big gamble came in. A much larger property tax increase is set for the November ballot. The measure commonly referred to as a "split roll" will reassess business property on a regular schedule and potentially bring in $12 billion a year. ... So, at the Sacramento casino on Wednesday, the bet was made. Cast aside $269 million in hopes of cashing in on $12 billion. Given the economic condition of the state and voters' concerns with jobs and the economy, there's a good chance the split roll will fail, and the Capitol gamblers will come out flat busted. ... Click here to read the entire article published in Fox and Hounds Daily. ### Nevada City, Calif. — The Tahoe National Forest is increasing access to the public by providing additional developed recreational opportunities. We encourage visitors to check our website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including: • Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others • Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials • Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass • Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use. • All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly. The Tahoe National Forest will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as county policies and facility preparations allow. For complete list of current updates, please visit our webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Please click on the Tahoe National Forest Update: June 3-11 For additional information, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe; Facebook facebook.com/TahoeNF and Twittertwitter.com/Tahoe_NF. REDDING – As temperatures warm up and more people hit the roadways during the summer months, Caltrans District 2 reminds motorists of these summer driving tips: · NEVER leave a child or pet in a hot vehicle. · Make sure your vehicle is in good running condition. Check tires and fluids and have a full tank of gas. · Watch your lights and gauges. If the temperature gauge is moving up, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater to help draw heat away from the engine. · If the temperature gauge enters the red zone, immediately pull off the road, well away from traffic. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage to your vehicle. DO NOT attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot. · DO NOT park a hot vehicle on dry vegetation. If you are towing, make sure your connection is tight and that no cables are dragging on the ground. · Properly dispose of cigarette butts. · If you are stopped in traffic, put the vehicle in “park” and lightly step on the gas to help circulate coolant. · Carry water, snacks, a first aid kit, a charged cell phone, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat. · DO NOT drive distracted. California law prohibits texting or talking on a cell phone while driving unless a hands-free device is utilized. Turn down your music so you can hear horns and sirens. · Check road conditions before you go: Ø California: QuickMap (also available by app.) Ø Western U.S.: One-Stop-Shop #### By Dr. Glenn Mollette The death of George Floyd at the hands of police should never have happened. It was murder and a dark moment in America. The looting, terrorism and burning of American cities by so called protesters is criminal and a dark moment in America. The Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's death must be held accountable. The criminals involved in wrecking American cities, robbing and burning businesses must be held accountable. Americans have the right to free speech. Free speech does not mean destroying property, hurting police officers and criminal activities. The question many Americans are asking today is who is funding these criminal, terroristic riots that have happened across America? People are showing up from other cities and states to wreak havoc and chaos in American cities. Who is paying their travel? Who is providing their lodging? Who is paying them money? Are there really this many evil, bad people in America? Obviously, there are because the acts of violence displayed on national television are not coming from peaceful protesters. We have seen and heard about many peaceful protesters. Thousands of people have made their protests in a peaceful, honorable way. No one blames anyone for being upset and angry about what happened to George Floyd. It made me angry. I would be willing to march with anyone to cry out against such an act and event. Actually, I cried out against Floyd's murder in last week's column stating my feelings about his murder by the hands of the Minneapolis police officers. This column goes to thousands of media outlets. It was horrific and wrong and the officers must be punished. The looters and criminals who have vandalized and saw Floyd's death as an opportunity to pursue criminal activity also must be put in jail and punished. America is in deep trouble. We are still in the middle of Covid-19 with the prospects of a Fall resurgence. Unemployment soars. Businesses have closed and many are struggling to hold on. Economically our nation is buried. The future of our older generation is at great risk and the younger generation has not grasped yet what is really in store for them financially. The economic plight of this nation has put the realization of the American Dream at great risk for America's children. We desperately need a revival of "rightness" in America. There was a day when people believed in strong morals, decency, respect and the Golden Rule. This "rightness or rule" must happen from all the politicians, to the police officers, to the protesters and to every person in America. The preachers in America must get this message out. The politicians must get this message out. We must put this message into our daily living. Or, it's over for America. Here's the rule again, "Treat others the way you want to be treated." |