SACRAMENTO - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued a consumer alert advising Californians to use care when playing location-based virtual games, such as the Pokémon Go treasure hunt app, just released this month.

Pokémon Go is an augmented reality application that generates a virtual treasure hunt taking place in the real world. Consumers of all ages, including minors, play it on their mobile devices. Using the forward-facing camera on a mobile device, players search for Pokémon characters in their vicinity, including at local parks, landmarks, and retail locations.
For Pokémon Go to work, a player must grant the app access or “permission” to his or her mobile device’s GPS function, location, and camera when downloading the app. To play and “capture” the virtual Pokémon creatures, the player must then go to physical locations, called “Pokéstops” or “gyms,” where other players may also be gathering.   
Consumers should be aware that the virtual experience in Pokémon Go can expose players to physical danger. For example, there have been reports of predators and thieves adding beacons or “Lure Modules” to Pokéstops to bait individuals playing the game to certain locations in order to steal from them. Recently in Southern California, two men were so distracted that they fell off a cliff while playing Pokémon Go, and another man playing the game alone late at night in a park in Anaheim was stabbed multiple times by a group of men when he was distracted.
The Attorney General offers consumers the following tips to help them better ensure their physical safety and protect sensitive location data while still having fun playing Pokémon Go:

• Stop and think before you share your personal information with an app.
• If you elect to download Pokémon Go and therefore allow the app access to the location function of your device, you should deactivate the app’s location access when you are not using it. This prevents Pokémon Go from “running in the background” and having access to your location when you are not playing. -On Android phones, review the permissions tab on app pages in Google Play store, which displays the information and features that the app can access on your phone.
  -On iPhones, review the permissions you have already granted by viewing Pokémon Go in iPhone Settings. Make sure you are operating the updated version of the app to protect the security of your mobile device and privacy of your data.
• Consumers and parents should take the time to review the privacy settings on their mobile devices and the permissions within the app.
• To prevent children from making in-app purchases – buying extra content and subscriptions once the app has been downloaded – parents can adjust the settings on their mobile device. For iPhones, turn off in-app purchases and for Android, set your phone to request a password before purchases can be made. For parents who do not want to create a Google account for their child, there is an option to create a Pokémon Trainer account. Parents also have the right to refuse collection, use, and/or disclosure of their child’s personal identifiable information by directly notifying the game’s developer, Niantic.
• As you search for characters, remember that Pokémon Go is a game you play in public, with the public. As you play, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If possible, only go to a Pokéstop with a friend or partner. 
• Parents and guardians should take extra care to know where children are going, when and with whom when they are playing the game.
• Pokémon Go characters and locations are randomly generated and some real locations may be dangerous or unsafe for players to enter. Stay alert and always watch where you’re going – being distracted by a phone in your hand could make you a target for a crime or susceptible to injury. 
• Don’t trespass onto private property and don’t go into areas that are unfamiliar or risky to your personal safety. 
• Business owners and local leaders can play a role in community safety by determining if their business, park or landmark is a Pokéstop or gym. 
• Don’t play Pokémon Go while you are operating a vehicle or riding a bike or skateboard.

The Attorney General has published a consumer information sheet that gives step-by-step instructions for better controlling your location privacy on iPhone and Android devices: Location, Location, Location Tips on Controlling Mobile Tracking
Also see Getting Smart About Smartphone



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Young@Heart by Pam Young
God Bless America and God Help the Uninformed Voters
Do you get confused by political issues, or are you a well-informed voter when you head to the polls? In the state of Washington, our Secretary of State sends out a Voter’s Manual before every election. It’s quite thick, probably a hundred pages at least. In it you can read about and better
understand the candidates’ stand, ballot measures and issues, if you’re a Yale graduate of the law, that is. Take ballot measures for example. Here’s Wikipedia’s definition:
I’ve never read an explanation of a ballot measure on a ballot that I’ve clearly understood. And if you’re the average citizen, it’s my “proposition” you’ll be wasting your time trying to understand what they’re writing about. If they want us to understand, why don’t they make what they write understandable? Do you think it’s because they want us to be confused? Using big words is just another way to show off one’s education, not one’s IQ. There’s also power in knowing more words than the masses. You get to use words with each other and make the masses feel stupid.
Yesterday, I went to a Chamber of Commerce lunch where Washington’s Secretary of State spoke. Her name is Kim Wyman and she’s beautiful! She has long, auburn hair and has a great speaking gift along with a good sense of humor. That’s why I felt okay to ask a question during the Q & A, after her talk.
I asked, “Would it be possible to write a more understandable Voter’s Manual; sort of a Voter’s Manual for Dummies version?” No one even snickered at my question. I went on to explain that by the time I’ve attempted to understand what a candidate or an issue is all about, I’ve ended up feeling stupid and tossing the manual in the trash.
Madam Secretary responded, “I wouldn’t be able to approach such an issue at this time.”
Since there was not a single person in the room who agreed with my dilemma (the room went quiet as death) and the secretary obviously didn’t find any humor in my question, I refrained from continuing with this suggestion, “Maybe you could get it to be a ballot measure in 2017. You could call it Proposition Dummy.”
The interesting thing about this event is that AFTER the meeting, a lawyer in our town came up to me and said, “You nailed it Pam! I do the same thing you do and I’m an attorney!”
A ballot measure is a piece of proposed legislation to be approved or rejected by
eligible voters. Ballot measures are also known as "propositions" or simply
"questions." Ballot measures differ from most legislation passed by
representative democracies; ordinarily, an elected legislature develops and
passes laws.
Here’s the deal, people are reticent to admit they don’t understand. That’s why it was so quiet at the Chamber meeting. It’s a throwback from being in grade school and asking a question that someone in the class said was stupid and you got embarrassed and felt stupid. We don’t like to be embarrassed and asking a question in a group can certainly lead to embarrassment.
It’s the same with laughter. As a public speaker (especially one who uses humor), speaking to a group of 30 or fewer is not fun, because people in a small group are more careful about what they laugh at. They just aren’t confident enough to bust out laughing at something unless they’re sure that it’s really funny and others will laugh too. There’s fear of being embarrassed. If that lawyer would have snickered or nodded, (but she was a chicken) I’m sure there would’ve been more chickens able to come out from the coop and cluck.
I’d love to know if you have trouble understanding politics, because of its confusion level. But it’ll take courage to admit it. Surely there’s someone who could explain these people and issues in more understandable language. Until that happens, I guess I’ll remain an uninformed voter, praying for God to guide my pen to fill in the right squares.
For more from Pam Young go to www.cluborganized.com. You’ll find many musings, videos of Pam in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, videos on how to get organized, lose weight and get your finances in order, all from a reformed SLOB’s point of view. 

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WASHINGTON, DC, July 15 - As the nation mourns the horrific murder of five police officers in Dallas last week, police departments across the nation face new threats of anti-police violence via the Internet.


Dallas Police Chief David Brown has told reporters that he and his department are taking an anonymous Facebook threat very seriously.  "We're all on edge and we're being very careful."


In Detroit, four men were arrested for making Facebook threats against police in that city.  Meanwhile, the FBI has arrested three men in Baton Rouge, LA accused of robbing guns from a pawn shop.  One of them allegedly confessed that the weapons were intended to be used against police officers.  The search is on for a fourth suspect who got away.


"It's a senseless war on cops that appears to be escalating and the only way to stop it is for enough people, both black and white, to stand with their police forces in solidarity," says Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.


Weber cited a study, by the New York Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.  It showed that the majority of NYPD officers - 96% of them - feel that the lack of support for the work they do is taking its toll.  "But you can bet that when a citizen is faced with a life-or-death situation, your local cops will not hesitate to put themselves in harm's way to protect you regardless of whether you support them or not."


The AMAC chief said that it is up to our elected officials to take the lead in shifting public opinion in support of our police.  "I'm not asking them for blind faith as regards the police, but I am asking them to give credit where credit is due.  The vast majority of those who choose to be policemen have the 'right stuff;' they care about the people in their communities and are prepared to go to extremes to keep them safe.."


Weber quoted one police officer, Jay Stalien, currently serving in Palm Beach, FL  Previously, he served in Baltimore, MD.  He is African-American and he posted a poignant message on his Facebook page that has attracted tens of thousands of views.  In his words, 'I became a cop because black lives in my community, along with ALL lives, mattered to me, and wanted to help stop the bloodshed.'  


ABOUT AMAC
The Association of Mature American Citizens [http://www.amac.us] is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members.  We act and speak on their behalf, protecting their interests and offering a practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today.  Live long and make a difference by joining us today at http://amac.us/join-amac.


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NEW COUNTY COUNSEL David Prentice with Prentice Long & Epperson LLP was introduced at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Downieville on July 5th. Prentice told the Board he was very excited to be here. He stated he is trying to create a county counsel department and feels this will enhance the services. Prentice stated one person can’t do everything, but he will be the department head. He said his partner Margaret Long is the Assistant County Counsel and will oversee CPS work and supervise Deputy County Counsel Sophia Meyer who is a former prosecutor and assistant district at-
 ​torney in Modoc County. She will be doing the public guardian and CPS work. Joe Larmour is their expert on marijuana legislation and will be doing all the Board of Equalization and Planning Department work and will be attending the planning commission meetings. Prentice’s partner Jason Epperson will help with the litigation team. Prentice concluded by wanting to impress to the Board that he is always available.  Board of Supervisors’ Chair Lee Adams said he felt fortunate to have him and his team on board.
Cost of Prentice Long & Epperson LLP is $19,000/month; “buying his firm,” according to Treasurer/Tax Collector Van Maddox. With five-+ lawyers, Maddox says “we avoid outside counsel costs.”

LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Downieville on Tuesday, July 5. County Planning Director Tim Beals stated until the permit status gets resolved, the County is in limbo. He said the State position is the notice of suspension gives the County the ability to move forward, adding it seemed odd they were “dancing” with a property in a suspension that the County doesn’t have the permit to operate. Supervisor Paul Roen spoke with Assemblyman Brian Dahle’s representative who stated the notice of suspension is as far as the State goes and from that point forward it falls on the County. Auditor/Tax Collector Van Maddox echoed what Roen said as he heard the State told Dahle it was now a County problem. Beals stated the County has a property without an owner who is “missing in action” and a self appointed park manager, who is charging people for rent and waste disposal. He stated the park manager is not supposed to be doing these things when the park is under suspension. Beals said the park manager has now retained an attorney. Beals felt he would need some pretty clear direction from the Board, adding, at the end of the day it was a violation of the zoning code as he is operating without a permit. Beals continued that there was a mini storage on the property, which was further complicated by four or five units in the City of Loyalton. Maddox said potential buyers looked at the property and determined it wasn’t worth running as a park in the condition it is in. The buyers said they needed to have enough units paying rent and didn’t see it as viable. Maddox said a great deal of the tenants are far behind in state taxes. Maddox felt the park needed to be empty before it would sell and thought what they could sell it for would be closer to raw land. Supervisor Jim Beard said he is still getting many complaints about extension cords strung all over. Beals said they have the ability to go in and do inspections and issue a health and safety order. He added that following through on this order would include a hearing and then removing people. Beals wanted the Board to be aware that this is where this issue was heading. He stated he knows there are illegal fireplaces in trailers as well as illegal additions to the trailers and huge environmental health violations. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein felt they need clarity from the State on what they are allowed to do. He said the mobile home park was in his district, adding he’s had a lot of concerns and sleepless nights over it. Chair Lee Adams thought the issue needed to go to an adhoc or standing committee to work with the Auditor, Planning Director and Health and Human Services Director. He said new County Counsel David Prentice brings some experience regarding a similar issue that occurred in Alpine County.
Prentice said the issue with the State is they see the liabilities so the State suspends and does nothing else, adding they are dumping it on the County. He recommended that from here  on this item be a closed session item and asked the Board not to discuss it anymore outside of closed session until they come up with a plan. It was decided that Supervisors Schlefstein and Beard would be on the committee.

LETTER OF INTEREST:
To: Van Maddox, Sierra County Tax Collector
Re: Loyalton Mobile Home Park
Dear Mr. Maddox:
As you know, this firm represents Ernest Rimmer, resident and manager of the Loyalton Mobile Home Park. The purpose of this letter is to put you, and by extension Sierra County, on notice that any further attempts to force the residents of the Loyalton Mobile Home Park out of their homes will be promptly met with legal proceedings.
The Loyalton Mobile Home Park residents have been in a state of fear and worry for a long time, due to the fact that the Park owner Steven Griggs, has abandoned the Park. This has resulted in continual decline in a maintenance of the Park, mounting utility bills, ongoing uncertainty about the future, introduction of squatters to the Park, and other problems the residents have had to deal with. The County, and yourself, are well aware of these issues. The existence of squatters and other individuals who have no right to reside in the Park is a health and safety issue the County is disregarding, despite the fact the residents have attempted on multiple occasions to have the squatters removed.
The Park has been up for tax-sale auction on multiple occasions, and has not sold. Despite your ability to reduce the minimum bid to a price that would attract a buyer the County has chosen not to do so, due at least in part to your belief that the property will sell for a higher price as raw land. The primary problem with
this approach and plan is that selling the Park property as raw land will displace all of the residents, approximately 35% of whom are disabled individuals, and many others who are elderly, The vast majority of the residents do not have anywhere to go if they are uprooted, and this callous approach to the lives of approximately 60 people is frankly disturbing. This approach also neglects to consider the damage that will be done to the businesses in Loyalton who depend on the purchases of the Park residents, as the residents comprise approximately ten percent of the people in the Loyalton area. The additional problem with this belief and approach is that converting the Park to raw land will take substantial funds.
Multiple individuals have also informed our office that there is an attitude amongst individuals in County government that the Park residents “need to go.” The identities of these individuals will for now remain confidential. Where exactly the County wants the residents to go is unclear, but there seems to be a prevailing attitude that the Park residents are lower class individuals that the County would prefer to be rid of. This attitude is also subtly evident in the audio recordings of the Board meetings online.
The recent action prompting this letter is the fact the County has requested the Department of Housing and Community Development to permanently revoke the Park’s operating permit. This is also evident from the County’s July 5, 2016 agenda record. I will be absolutely clear; this solicitation was unwarranted and inappropriate, and if it continues it will further make the County squarely liable for any and all relocation expenses incurred by the residents. We are also informed that numerous factually inaccurate statements have been made in conjunction with the solicitation.
The attempt to revoke the Park’s operating permit also bears the risk of driving away any potential purchasers of the Park, as you know the inability to reinstate the operating permit would be a deal-killer to purchasers. Rather than soliciting the State to permanently shut down the Park, I would think the County would be doing its best to find a capable, responsible owner and to place the Park up for auction again as quickly as possible. This is especially so in light of the fact multiple potential purchasers fitting this description have expressed an interest in purchasing the Park. Despite this it appears the County has done its best to avoid communicating with any of the purchasers, and refuses to auction the property again until winter 2016. This is unacceptable for the residents.
In closing, Mr. Rimmer and the other residents ask that the County assist them by doing everything possible to auction the property to a responsible owner at a reasonable price, as quickly as possible. Lisa Campbell, counsel for the Department of Housing and Community Development, has attempted to coordinate meetings and conference calls with individuals from the Department, County, and potential purchasers, which so far the County has refused to participate in. By copy of this letter to County counsel it is requested that Mr. Christian contact me to coordinate such a call so that everyone can discuss resolution of these issues.
If you would like to discuss anything do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Derek C. Decker
Krogh & Decker, LLP
Attorneys at Law
Sacramento, CA

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The Sierra County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report has been filed with Heather Foster, Sierra County Clerk-Recorder.  Copies of the report may be obtained via email or mail by contacting the Sierra Superior Court by mail at P.O. Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936 or phone at 530-289-3698.  You may view and print the report on the County website under the title of Grand Jury Reports at www.sierracounty.ca.gov.

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