Date of Release: 7/31/2019                        
Location of Occurrence:  Crocker Mountain
Agencies: Plumas County SWAT Team, USFS Law Enforcement, California Fish and Wildlife and CAMP   
 
Suspect: Mario Valencia 52 years of age from Mexico
 
 
On July 31, 2019 the Plumas County Sheriff’s SWAT along with Law enforcement officers from United States Forest Service, California Fish and Wild Life and CAMP conducted a marijuana eradication raid in the area of Crocker Mountain in north eastern Plumas County. 
 
During entry into the garden area by law enforcement, the team encountered 2 Hispanic males who were tending to the marijuana plants. One suspect, Mario Valencia 52 years of age from Mexico was apprehended while the other fled on foot and was able elude the team.  Valencia was booked into the Plumas County Jail on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession for sales of marijuana and substantial stream diversion.   
 
The raid team eradicated over 11,000 marijuana plants. There was a large amount of trash and fertilizer located in and around the garden.  The characteristics of this garden are consistent with the gardens of large Drug Trafficking Organizations operated by the Mexican Drug Cartel. The investigation is ongoing. 
 
 
By
Steve W Peay
Investigations Sergeant
 
 
 
 

At approximately 1:30pm on Thursday, July 25th, a vegetation fire was reported in the area of Sagehen Summit.
Tahoe National Forest (TNF) Truckee Battalion 71, Joe Griffin, was the tip of the spear arriving first on-scene, leading the TNF East Zone Truckee and Sierraville Fire resources to the vegetation fire south of Independence Lake off of Holcombs Rd. (County Road 260). The Truckee and Sierraville Fire resources consisting of TNF Engines 61, 62, 371, 73, Patrols 61, 62, 71, 72, the Truckee Hotshots, joined by Tahoe Helitack with Helicopter 514, Air Attack 503, and Sierra County Watertender 18 converged on the Sage Fire under the command of Joe Griffin, Sage Incident Commander. Resources took suppression action including deploying a progressive hoselay from Engine 61, encircling the fire. The fire's edge was cooled by bucket drops from H-514 as fireline construction by firefighters from Engines, Helitack, and the Truckee Hotshots contained the fire to under a quarter acre. Fire Investigators were on-scene to determine the origin and cause while crews moved into mop up mode, drowning the fire, stirring it with hand tools, and hand feeling the entire fire area to ensure all heat was extinguished. Engines remained on-scene and available to initial attack a new start. The cause of the Sage Fire is under investigation.

The National Forest System land where the Sage Fire was burning had been treated by the local U.S. Forest Service years ago with thinning, mastication, and prescribed burning to reduce the fuel load and improve forest health. The adjacent private land had also been thinned and masticated by the land owners. Upon arrival, TNF Battalion 71 observed surface fire between 1-3 foot flame lengths, with a moderate rate of spread. "The fuels reduction treatments that the land received prior to this wildfire, reduced the intensity of the fire, keeping the fire on the ground, unable to climb into the canopy while slowing its rate of spread. This allowed for the firefighters to directly and more safely engage the fire and quickly gain control of it," stated Joe Griffin. A local homeowner who spotted the fire's column called 911 and noted how quickly all the fire resources arrived to put out the fire, relieved because of the potential for it to spread further into the forest and onto private property.  The local familiarity of the area that TNF Fire Management leaders have from decades of firefighting on the Tahoe National Forest make for these fast and effective responses.
​

For those who enjoy back-road driving, there are many old logging roads and FS roads in Tahoe, Sierra and Plumas Counties. A word of warning, the back roads are not all ones you can drive in a conventional car, and in many places they are single lanes with few places to turn around. Also, in many places road maintenance crews have created berms or ditches across the roads to discourage use of active logging roads and/or to divert water run-off.
    If you are driving a conventional car or a motor home, it is wise to stick to well traveled roadways. Four-wheel drive is almost a necessity on most of the most of the back roads in the area. On July 28th, we headed up Lunch Creek Trail Road, intending to wind up on Gold Lake Road. We did, but not at all where we intended.
    When we reached the junction with Sierra County Road 9, we went straight ahead instead of turning right on to 9. The road quickly turned very narrow and it looked as if we would wind up at Haskell Peak. There were innumerable side roads. At one point we took a wrong turn, turning right instead of left, and eventually wound up on Gold Lake Road below the lower turn-off to Frazier Falls. In the 18-plus miles of dirt road we did not see one other car, and several tImes we had to move fallen trees, branches or large rocks off of the road so we could continue.
    Most of the time after we crossed Road 9 we were on the east side of the mountain in cell phone range. Knowing that we could contact someone if we got into trouble made the trip far more comfortable. Views to the east were spectacular, but the road was not for the faint of heart. Drops at the sides of the road were often well over 2,O00 feet in places. And, at one point as we turned a corner, we were looking directly up at the FS Mills Peak Lookout a couple of thousand feet above us.
    We drove through high mountain meadows full of flowers and past hillsides covered with flowers and flowering bushes. There were literally acres of pennyroyal intermingled with corn flowers, mullen  sunflowers, penstemon, buttercups, blue and white lupine, asters, leopard lilies, sierra lilies, asters and some we could not identify. Underneath the taller flowers were mariposa lilies and tiny yellow violets. There was red, blue and yellow penstemon. I had never seen a yellow penstemon before, but it is listed in the Peterson Guide for Pacific States Wildflowers. Manzanita was still in bloom on the high eastern side of Haskell Peak, as were ceanothus, mountain spirea and bitter cherry.
    There was one large snow bank at the edge of the road at about 7,000 ft, and several wet areas and seeps at the edge of the road where there were literally hundreds of butterflies. Dragonflies were everywhere. Sphinx moths, butterflies, and multiple types of bees were busily pollinating. It was surprising to see the sphinx moth active during the day.      
    The highest point on the road was about 7,400 feet, but there were side roads that must have gone much higher. If we were avid mountain bike riders, this would be a great day’s ride.
​

 
People v. Jeffrey Steven Smith (CR03997X)
 
On July 12, 2019, Jeffrey Steven Smith, age 48, of Downieville, was convicted of making criminal threats, a violation of Penal Code section 422, a felony.  Mr. Smith was arrested by Sierra County Sheriff’s Deputies following an incident involving a US Forest Service employee.  Mr. Smith will be sentenced on August 9, 2019. It is anticipated that he will spend 90 days in a rehabilitation facility and remain on 3 years formal probation.
 
 
People v. Steiner Von Knoeffler (CR03975)
 
On July 23, 2019, Steiner Von Knoeffler, age 28, of Downieville, was convicted to being under the influence of alcohol in public, a violation of Penal Code section 647(f), a misdemeanor.  Mr. Knoeffler was arrested on February 9, 2019 by CHP.  Mr. Knoeffler will be on summary court probation for 2 years and will be required to pay a fine.
 
 
People v. Andre Depavloff (CR03994)
 
On July 23, 2019, Andre Depavloff, age 49 of Nevada City, was convicted of driving under the influence, a violation of Vehicle Code section 23152(f).  Mr. Depavloff was arrested on May 23, 2019 in Downieville by the Sierra County Sheriff’s Department.  Mr. Depavloff was sentenced to time served, he will be on summary probation for 3 years, attend DUI school and pay a fine.
 
People v. Bradley Garfield Watkins (CR03893X)
 
On July 26, 2019, Bradley Garfield Watkin, age 34, of Grass Valley, was convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a weapon, a violation of Penal Code section 29805(a), a felony.  Watkins was arrested following a search pursuant to traffic stop turned up a rifle.  Mr. Watkins will be sentenced to 16 months in prison.
 

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met July 16. Public Works Director Nancy Rogers met with Liberty Utilities and reported on solar lights and stated the city is responsible for downtown lights. From the audience, Robert DeMartini called the lights “antiquated,” with not enough light and wanted better lighting. Nancy was asked to check wattage.
Deputy Clerk Kathy LeBlanc met with staff of CA League of Cities, of which Loyalton is not a member, but reported the “benefit of oodles of grant money.” She told of an SB2 grant which provides $25,000 - $150,000 for updating the general plan with a deadline in November, another grant benefitting low income housing and stated there’s “Money out there.” The City is within their jurisdiction and it offers programs and help for no cost. Rather than wait to join, Mayor Sarah Jackson made the move administratively and stated, “Action taken!” Council member Joy Markum said she’s used the League 5-6 times. “They’re wonderful and well informed,” she said.
Under Public Comment, Eileen Benson wondered about cleanup on the far end of Third Street, questioning enforcement. Councilman Brooks Mitchell stated letters had been sent and they have 60 days.  Other question, Brooks said it was private property and added 608 Cedar complaints.
On the east side of the post office where it is not blocked off, Brooks reported it’s private property and the post office won’t pay for two parking lots.
Assistant Fire Chief Robert DeMartini said there have been 101 calls as of that day. He appreciated the help on the Zollinger Street structure fire and stated there was no Cal Fire investigation. They will notify the homeowner to clean it as it is a hazard and eyesore. He called the former trailer park “a terrible mess,” and called all the overgrown vegetation “danger on our hands.”
Robert defended fire response time, stating, “In over 48 years, I’ve yet to receive a pay check.”
Robert thanked the Boy Scouts who donated the new California and U,S. flags to the fire department and thanked the Council for sending clean up letters.
Leak detection testing at the sewer ponds was performed May 20-23 and did not generate conclusive results at a cost of around $20,000, halted ad saved with a change order/amendment to add $16,000. Alexa Kinsinger, E.I.T, Project Designer and Lucas Tipton, P.E., Principal Engineer reported alternatives and a State site visit and progress report have to be approved.  The Council approved an alternative when the pond level is below outlet pipes to perform leak detection and to run pressure tests on each leak area.
The Council approved a fire department door renovation not to exceed $9,000.
A temporary maintenance worker for three to six months was approved after much discussion. Brooks Mitchell told of five stop signs upside down and falling behind on weed maintenance and lawn mowing. The position would pay $14/hour week ends for 20 hours/week. Joy Markum was in favor of paneling on the Social Hall which “needs to happen.” Brooks said there would be a clear job description. There was deep discussion over the two maintenance people having to be at the sewer plant for safety and Nancy addressed weed control at the ponds. Audience members were disheartened with what seems “no self motivation,” with workers. The City yard was called “a mess.” Nancy stated workers go to work at 7:30 a.m., make rounds, take samples, make quarterlies and start pumps for rancher, Einen Grandi. Brooks made the motion the position not exceed $7,500 and Joy Markum voted no. 
It was agreed maintenance worker Keith Jordan could respond to wildland fires within the service area as response takes out a sewer worker. The Council would .​not support him going out of the service area.
The Council budgeted and approved $2,500 for the County to  paint streets in the area of schools and nursing.
The City met with CA Rural Waters Association over lights in City buildings and sewer plant with a recommendation of $1,500 to retrofit lights and save $3,000/year. Cost is for equipment only, no labor.
Mayor Jackson reported on the 2017-18 Draft Audit with 14 findings, “all recommendations are procedural; no fraudulent action; no missing funds.” Brooks called it a “work in progress.”
Concerning the Grand Jury report, bookkeeper Tracy Smith stated they “never asked me anything.” She was never interviewed. Brooks said Grand Jury had taken records for six months and it was then agreed, “No City records leave.” Brooks felt the City was in its “best financial shape in about 20 years.” It was approved to send a limited, positive response.

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PRO-

POSED EASEMENTS for the Hill and Potter Ranch Agricultural Conservation Easement projects was discussed during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on Tuesday.  Executive Director of the Feather River Land Trust, Shelton Douthit stated he was delighted to support Arnold and Christine Potter and Justin and Sarah Hill in their conservation easements. He stated over 34,000 acres are currently under conservation easements in Sierra Valley and added it was consistent with the general plan as the agricultural element calls out for permanent protection of agriculture lands. Douthit stated they have secured 100% funding for both the 253 acre Potter Ranch and 440 acre Hill Ranch which are both near the City of Loyalton. He added this was the same resolution that came before the Board about the Martinetti Ranch a couple years ago. He said the owners plan to use the proceeds to improve the ranch and pass it on to their kids. Douthit added no one could predict what we will be facing in the future, so these plans are designed to adapt to that. Supervisor Lee Adams stated he is supportive of this, but Sierra County is 70% national forest land. 25% of timber receipts went away so now we have Secure Rural Schools, which is seen as a handout. He said he would vote for this, but wants to see something back in Sierra County and would like to see agencies force the Forest Service back into Downieville. 50 -100 jobs left when they left. Adams stated they were whittling away any possible economic development, and was concerned with four goals stated on the easement that agriculture was the last goal. He supports public lands, but what happens to Sierra County in the future, adding forever is a very long time. Adams added that a private business in Sierraville wants to develop and has economic possibilities but is getting squashed on another level. Douthit told Adams the goals weren’t in any particular order, stating the easements were designed to protect agriculture and to prevent urban uses on these properties. He stated, "We have $18 million that has been focused toward this valley for the purchase of these easements. Those dollars go to the private property owners, but we’re hoping....you know many of them have stated they are going to reinvest those funds in the ranches right here.” Supervisor Sharon Dryden wanted to know where the funds come from. Douthit stated $9 million is from the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Farm Bill and are federal funds. The matching funds come from Department of Conservation Sustainable Land Conservation Program (cap and trade money). He said projects are initiated by the landowners and the Land Trust becomes the holder of these easements, which are monitored twice a year. Dryden would prefer these easements go before Rural Conservation District (RCD) before coming to the Board, like the process with the planning commission. She questioned tabling it for a month, so the RCD could review first. Douthit stated these are private property rights and each easement is unique. He stated they are at deadlines and could not wait a month. Supervisor Jim Beard was adamantly opposed to using taxpayer money, but is a firm believer in property rights and would have to approve based on other easements From the audience, Dave Goicoechea is the adjacent property owner to the Potter Ranch. He supports the specific easement and is also the Chairman of the RCD. He agreed with Adams, but felt the pressure to develop was real, adding he worried they could lose the General Plan with one vote. He would like to see a mandatory requirement in these easements that they continue to be operated as farms.
Rick Roberti, Vice Chairman of RCD stated he has easements along three sides of his ranch. They went through the process, but decided not to put their ranch in an easement. Part of why they decided against it, was because Department of Fish & Wildlife is part of it and are always doing something negative to their lifestyle. Roberti also wants his kids to have



the option to change things. He warned the Board these aren’t the only two groups who hand out easements, adding there are radical groups who don’t like grazing and cattle that give out easements. Roberti felt going before the RCD in the future was a good decision. Roberti was not afraid of what Potters are doing or what the Hills are doing at the old Genasci Ranch, but stated looking down the road, we need to be careful what we lock ourselves into.
Linda Sanford from the Valley View Angus Ranch was the first easement in the Valley in 1996. She stated they donated the easement for tax purposes and said you could make the easement tailored to the way you want it, adding it has been perfect to this day. 
She felt it was a benefit to the County.
Lucy Blake, from the Lemmon Canyon Ranch, stated she did a conservation easement in 2011. She said no two easements are the same and with the funds she received she was able to make expensive improvements to forest health, barn improvements and restored a farmhouse in Sierraville, which she rents, using local help. Blake stated these are private investment decisions, and felt it would be intrusive with the RCD getting heavily involved. She didn’t want the board micromanaging easements, but commended the Board on maintaining agricultural viability in Sierra County.
The Resolution for both properties was approved unanimously.


THE CLOSURE of the Downieville branch of Wells Fargo Bank had continued discussion during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday, July 23rd. Supervisor Lee Adams finally received a response back after the letter was sent from the Board Chair a month ago. He read aloud the “canned” response, and stated this was not the response he was hoping for. Adams said the Bank is interested in hosting community workshops to explain mobile banking options and the ATM is to stay and hoped to provide an enhanced ATM with more capabilities. Adams concluded by stating, they have few options and an enhanced ATM is certainly better than nothing.

 
REDDING – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans District 2), in conjunction with Hat Creek Construction and Materials, Inc., is anticipating longer delays for the next few weeks on the Chilcoot Pavement Rehabilitation in Lassen and Plumas Counties. The $17.4 million project, funded in part by Senate Bill 1, is rehabilitating 9.5 miles of State Route 70 in and around Chilcoot, from just west of Summit School Drive to just east of the junction with U.S. 395.
 
The project is currently under 24/7 one-way traffic control operations. Beginning this Sunday, July 21 at 7 p.m., motorists can expect 30 minute delays from the junction with U.S. 395 (Hallelujah Junction) to 2.5 miles west of that location. Delays may be slightly longer during the early morning and late afternoon periods. These longer delays are anticipated for approximately two weeks, into early August. Motorists may also experience backups onto the offramps from northbound and southbound U.S. 395.
 
During this period of full depth reclamation, there will be large amounts of equipment on the project. Motorists are advised to stay alert for workers and equipment in the area. California Highway Patrol units will be on site to assist with any traffic issues. Speed limit reductions remain in place within the project limits. The project is anticipated to be completed by November of this year. 
 
Through Senate Bill 1, Caltrans has committed to repair or replace 17,000 miles of pavement, 7,700 traffic signals, signs, and sensors, 55,000 culverts and drains, and 500 bridges by 2027. ​

Published: June 27, 2019By Rachel Morey


There are few vacations so romantic and freeing as the American road trip. Fortunately, this type of getaway can be inexpensive, as well. Here are a few tips for keeping your mind, body, and wallet happy during your next road trip on a budget.
Stay FlexibleA road trip is about much more than simply getting from point A to point B. It’s all about what happens during the journey. Before you decide to road trip your way across the United States, adopt a laid-back state of mind about the adventure. There’s no place for rigid expectations, here.
Decide What Type of Road Trip You'd LikeAre you searching for the best burger in the Midwest? Do you want to tour as many zoos as possible? Are you making your way to a music festival?
Think of one main thing you’d like to see or do each day of the trip and use Google Maps to plot a rough outline. This will help you determine whether your goals are achievable. For example, if there’s a 17-hour drive between two of your stops, you may be happier if you can find something to do in between those two stops so you don’t have to spend so many consecutive hours on the road.  
If you or your traveling companions have a student ID, bring it along. Many museums, concert venues, and movie theaters offer discounts or free admission for students.
Consider FoodFast food is expensive. Eventually, you’ll not only grow tired of the same basic fried and beige food groups, but your body will stage a revolt. 
Avoid the drama completely by thinking about what you’ll eat and drink on the road. You’ll save money (and your stomach) by packing some simple non-perishable snacks. Make sure you have room in your vehicle for one medium-sized cooler and keep it stocked with bottled water on ice. Choose snacks that won’t melt in a hot car or freeze solid if left in the vehicle overnight.


Don’t eat at gas stations. The food is notoriously bad, and the snacks are expensive. Use an app like Waze or Google Maps to find a conveniently-located grocery store. Buy sandwich ingredients and fruit, then treat your traveling companions to a relaxed picnic in a nearby park.
When it’s time to eat in a proper restaurant, lean on the Yelp app for advice from fellow travelers and information about how much it costs to eat at various places. The Groupon and LivingSocial apps often have high-value money-saving coupons for restaurants that you can search by location.
Pay Attention to Gas RewardsMany gas stations offer rewards programs that allow you to save at the pump. Shell's program lets you save 30 cents a gallon on your first five trips to the pump and then 10 cents going forward. Also, drivers can save 10 cents per gallon (up to 20 gallons) for every $100 spent on fuel with BP’s Driver Rewardsprogram.
Purchasing gas this way means you'll likely need to keep an eye out for a certain gas station chain, as opposed to stopping just anywhere for gas... which can be annoying. You can also consider the Pay with GasBuddy program, which serves as a debit card at most gas stations nationwide. It'll just take your gas purchase right out of your checking account and helps you to save anywhere from 5 cents to 20 cents per gallon depending on the type of membership you choose.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Mid-Trip Repairs

Before you leave for your trip, make sure your mechanic checks your car for problems. A bad wheel bearing 800 miles from home could ruin your road trip and destroy your budget. Let the shop know you are planning a road trip so they can pay special attention to your brakes, the condition of your tires, and details like your windshield wiper blades.
Check with your car insurance company to find out if you have roadside assistance. If not, find out if you can add it. With most insurance providers, this extra service costs just a few dollars each month.
Pack a small vehicle emergency kit. Include extra windshield wiper fluid, a few quarts of oil, an empty gas can, a full-sized flashlight, jumper cables, and reflectors.
Pack SmartBring extra phone charging cables and a car charger for cell phones. Consider bringing several charged cell phone power banks as a backup, as well. One of the great things about a road trip is that you can pack more stuff than if you are traveling by plane. Take advantage of the extra space by packing things that you’ll be glad to have.
Even if the weather is hot, pack a sweatshirt or sweater. Air conditioning in the car will be nice and cool and you may want to cover up. Bring along tennis shoes so you can walk longer distances comfortably. If you pack carefully, you can avoid having to spend your vacation budget on things you left at home.
A well-planned road trip on a budget offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy the scenery and sights while staying well within what you can afford.
Editor's Note: This is the third post in a four-part series, "Drive Safer Memorial Day to Labor Day," which focuses on keeping teens safe on the road this summer. Read our first post here, and our second here. Visit DriversEd.com for the best road courses in America.
Schedule Your Teen Driving Lessons Now!