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!

U.S. Small Business Administration and California Chamber of Commerce
Announce New Collaboration
Helping More California Entrepreneurs Start Up, Scale Up & Succeed 
SACRAMENTO – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) today announced a new Strategic Alliance supporting California’s 4 million small businesses.
 
“This new strategic alliance with CalChamber, which has served California business owners since 1890, will help the Small Business Administration better reach and support this state’s entrepreneurs,” said SBA’s Region IX Administrator Michael Vallante.  “There has never been a better time to start or grow a small business, and the SBA’s partnership with CalChamber will help more California entrepreneurs use our programs to get their small businesses going, and keep them growing.”
 
“The U.S. Small Business Administration empowers California entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow and  expand,” said CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg. “This new partnership helps us serve the millions of California entrepreneurs that make this state’s economy the fifth largest in the world,” said Zaremberg.
 
The SBA’s six California Offices will work with CalChamber to strengthen and expand small business development in California, including in rural areas which support important industries such as timber and natural resources, and in Opportunity Zones which spur growth in low-income communities.
 
The new partnership will kick off in July with a free training webinar for California small business owners on state labor and employment laws.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
About the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber)
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California.  Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state.  Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law.  CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California’s economy and create jobs.  Please visit our website at www.calchamber.com
​

A PUBLIC MEETING on the proposed Sierra Hot Springs (SHS) development project was held Saturday, June 29th by the Sierra County Planning Department at the Sierraville School. Planning Works Director Tim Beals stated he’d been with Sierra County 47 years, adding it was a very special place to him. He introduced Brandon Pangman, Deputy Director in the Planning Department, Andy Cassano, of Nevada City Engineering, Kaisa McDonald, General Manager of Sierra Hot Springs, Markus Lang, Project Manager of Dudek Consultants from Auburn, and Kristin York, Vice President of Sierra Business Council.
Beals told the large audience in attendance that the meeting was to informally discuss the project, to have an open dialog and be transparent.  He said they were not there to advocate for the project, adding they were objective and there to serve the direction of the county general plan, respect the rights of the property owner and respect the needs of the community. Beals stated the evolution of the project had been somewhat invisible and looking back he wished they had had a meeting like this months ago and this was their chance to rewind a little so everyone got a feel for the project.
Kristin York asked how many people were there because they loved Sierra Valley. With all hands raised, she told the audience to remember that throughout the meeting, adding it was important to listen and learn.
Beals talked about the County General Plan that was adopted in 1996. He said the Board of Supervisors looked at the plan that hadn’t been updated since 1970 and turned it over to the Planning Commission, who conducted over 50 public meetings in the course of two years and the result was a general plan developed by the community. The General Plan has been touted as a unique document and is still functional and very viable today. Beals stated there are five basic fundamental goals of the plan: 1. To maintain its culture, heritage, rural character and preserve its rural quality of life. 2. To defend its important natural features and functions. 3. To foster compatible and historical land uses which are rural and which contribute to a stable economy. 4. To direct development toward the areas already developed. 5. To provide and plan for all land and uses regardless of ownership or governmental jurisdiction. Beals said the concept of a project at SHS is consistent with the General Plan.
Brandon Pangman talked about land use regulations and the process of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as a lot of comments have been about the environmental process. He gave the timeline in which had been completed up to this point. SHS sent an application to the County in February 2015. The County deemed the application complete in April of 2015. Pangman stated in the CEQA process, the bulk of the time is the environmental review, which looks at a broad range of impacts with the environment. SHS completed over three years of background studies. He said SHS worked for years with an eye toward Sierra County’s general plan to help mitigate environmental impacts, and willingly amended their application to achieve this. Pangman stated the draft document was circulated in November 2018, and solicited comments, adding all the documents are publically available. From the audience, it was asked where SHS project was in the CEQA circulation and process. Pangman stated the Mitigated Negative Declaration Draft Document had been completed and the next step was to develop responses to all the comments. He said the document could be modified based on those comments.
Kaisa McDonald, is the general manager at SHS and has worked there 19 years and prior to that, she grew up there. She stated in 2005, SHS looked at building some resident housing but were told they had to have a master plan. In 2012, she joined with Andy Cassano and worked on it for about 3 years. She is hoping to find something that would work well with the community. She said SHS was one of the few areas in the General Plan that is zoned visitor commercial so it gives a good opportunity for tourism. McDonald stated since 2003, there’s been a 319% increase in business and has been turning people away for lack of room. She stated since they are a non-profit they don’t pay Federal income taxes, but pay Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) and felt SHS was the largest contributor in the County, paying $80,000 last year. SHS pays property taxes and paid $44,000 last year and employs 32, paying about $783,000 in payroll. McDonald thought about 26 of     those employees were local hires.     Andy Cassano, a land surveyor and planner who grewup in Camptonville, reminisced about the prosperity the area used to have due to the timber industry. He stated the Sierraville School closed due to the loss of economic opportunities. Cassano said he wouldn’t have taken the job if the 384-acre property wasn’t zoned visitor commercial. He stated he and Kaisa looked to develop a menu of items SHS can choose from over the next 20, 30 and 40 years, and worked to come up with a project in areas that were already being used, consistent with the General Plan, and something that “would not ruin your lives.” He said he’s worked with McDonald the last seven years, and stated she is a smart businesswoman and very community oriented. He concluded that they would like nothing better than to find jobs for people who live here and maybe have a school here again.
York asked the audience if there were any clarifying questions. One audience member stated he felt the project was being pushed through. He felt any project of this size, should have automatically had an Environmental Impact Review (EIR), adding it doubled the size of the community of Sierraville and asked how this keeps with the rural quality of life. Pangman stated they looked at the situation and there wasn’t a huge increase. A designated campground will actually decrease the numbers.
Another comment asked why Sierra County felt it followed the General Plan when a legal opinion did not? Beals stated, “You can hire ten attorneys and get ten different answers.” He said they were still in the process of evaluating on whether they want to move forward or step back and reconsider some things that have been presented.
Fire danger was a concern with the audience, and was stated SHS is in a high grass area and borders the Tahoe National Forest. It was asked what Sierra County was doing to follow the recommendations of Cal Fire. Beals said the comments received from Cal Fire would be entered into the project approval process.
Traffic was a big stumbling block for the audience and it was stated the study cited was out of date. Pangman said he found some errors, and an old traffic study was entered. He stated the correct traffic study was done in 2016 for this project in August after Burning Man. Another question asked if there could be anything in this project to help with the volume and speed of traffic going through Sierraville. Beals understood that needed to be evaluated, adding they have tried to slow people down with speed back signs and enforcement.
One audience member stated this was a major application that would affect this valley and asked why they are six months into the project and just now having public input. Beals said when the document concluded in January, he misjudged the time and needed to hit rewind and start over so everyone was on the same page.
One audience member stated they are blessed to have SHS here, but would like to see a balance struck, and felt more workshops could fill in key pieces. She added, she wants a good project. Beals agreed that more discussion had to be done to address the concerns of the community, and added nobody was suggesting this would be shoved
down your throat. He stated the County will evaluate the input closely and will meet with the applicant to see where they want to go. Beals concluded by stating, they want to hear the concerns and take it back to a productive environment.
Other concerns brought about after the audience was separated into groups, were social impacts to the community, noise pollution, dust pollution, and public safety. Some suggestions consisted of cutting the project in half, downsizing the market so people will do more shopping in local towns, and have a second access road for fire. People felt the project was positive in tax revenue, economy, employment, and improvement to the facilities.
Beals appreciated the comments and would be having a constructive meeting with the property owner to address these concerns. He felt the meeting was very constructive and hoped to have a solution people can get behind.
From the audience, Rick Maddalena thanked McDonald for
her open-mindedness and stated they have the right person to make the right project happen.

 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) continues to make substantial progress toward its Community Wildfire Safety Program (CWSP) goals, intended to mitigate the risk of wildfires and protect customers and communities.
 
“We’ve accomplished a lot, but there is more work to do. Our system is better today than it was yesterday, and it will be better tomorrow than it is today. We are committed to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep our customers and the communities we serve safe,” said Sumeet Singh, PG&E vice president of the Community Wildfire Safety Program.
 
Here are updates on the various facets of the CWSP, through June 22, 2019:
 

•          Wildfire Safety Inspection Program (WSIP): Visual inspections of 96 percent and aerial inspections of 92 percent of approximately 50,000 transmission structures in high fire-risk areas. Inspections of all 222 substations in high fire-risk areas. Inspections of more than 99 percent of nearly 700,000 distribution poles in, or adjacent to, high fire-risk areas.
•          Wildfire Safety Operations Center (WSOC): The 24/7 command center for PG&E’s wildfire monitoring and response opened in 2018. The WSOC, based in PG&E’s San Francisco headquarters, has received technological and facility upgrades in 2019.
•          Weather stations. These provide hyper-local information and increase situational awareness. Approximately 430 have been installed since 2018, including 231 so far this year. PG&E will have 600 in place by the end of 2019 and 1,300 by 2022.
•          High-definition wildfire cameras: An effective tool for early spotting of wildfires, 31 cameras have been installed so far with a goal of 100 in place by the end of 2019 and 600 by 2022.
•          Enhanced vegetation management: Work to keep trees and power lines separate continues. The 2019 forecast is to prune or remove approximately 375,000 trees along approximately 2,500 miles of distribution lines. More than 50 percent of the line miles have been inspected so far with 20 percent cleared.
•          Reclosers: These devices shorten a power outage by sending a live pulse when an issue is detected. On days of higher wildfire risk, this functionality is turned off for safety. In 2019, we added remote-functioning capability to all operational line reclosers in High-Fire Threat District (HFTD) Tiers 2 and 3 (737 devices with remote capabilities.) This work was completed by June 1 and will further increase our ability to isolate and minimize the scope of PSPS events by sectionalizing portions of circuits within HFTD Tiers 2 and 3. We will do additional sectionalizing over the next five-plus years.
•          Helicopters. In June, PG&E finalized the agreement with CAL FIRE to make four PG&E-owned heavy-duty helicopters available at CAL FIRE’s discretion to support fire response and suppression activities as needed.  [These helicopters are used for normal PG&E maintenance & operations activities when not required by CAL FIRE.] 
•          Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): The first PSPS event of 2019 took place in June. Customer and stakeholder communications, including open houses and workshops, continue. Customers should make sure their contact information is updated at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts
•          System hardening and resiliency: So far in 2019, PG&E has completed installing stronger and more resilient poles and covered power lines on 44 circuit miles with a goal of completing 150 circuit miles in 2019 and 7,100 miles in high fire-threat areas in the next 10 years.
•          Pilot resilience zones. By the end of the 2019, our goal is to have at least one resilience zone operationalized. Construction is ongoing on the first pilot in Angwin in Napa County. The resilience zone is designed to be quickly isolated from the broader electric grid when a PSPS is initiated and to receive power from temporary mobile generation connected to a new pre-installed interconnection hub. Additional grid hardening was recently added to the scope of the pilot project to maximize risk reduction, which extended the operational target beyond June 1 to the end of 2019.

Additionally, PG&E has begun daily aerial fire detection patrols across thousands of miles of its service area. This is the sixth year for these patrols which assist the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE and local fire agencies with early fire detection and response. Early detection of smoke or fire allows fire agencies to quickly respond to accurate locations. The patrols began on June 1 and will run until October 31, depending upon conditions. Seven planes will fly daily routes from late afternoon until dusk, the time of day when wildfires are most likely to start. 
 
For more detailed information on the various pillars of the Community Wildfire Safety Program, visit our website, www.pge.com/wildfiresafety
 
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 www.pge.com/ andpge.com/news.
 
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, expectations, estimates, future plans and strategies of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which management believes are reasonable, and on information currently available to management, but are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition to the risk that these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include the factors disclosed in PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, their most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and their subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, those associated with PG&E Corporation’s and Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Chapter 11 cases. PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
 

The fire department was paged out at 10:27 AM on Saturday morning to the report of a structure fire, with several structures.   Loyalton Fire was first on scene with Engine #15 within minutes, followed shortly by Engine #12 and later engine Brush #10 with approximately nine personnel.   The Incident Commander was Loyalton Division Fire Chief John Evans.  Mutual aid was requested at time of dispatch and the following departments provided that mutual aid:   USFS Engine #61 from Sierraville Ranger Station, USFS Engine  #62 from Lewis Mills on Smithneck Road and USFS Battalion Chief #61 Shawn Burt from Sierraville Ranger Station.   Sierra County Fire Protection District #1 responded with an engine and a water tender.   Sierra Valley Fire from Chilcoot provided an engine and Beckwourth Fire responded with two apparatus.   Cal Fire responded two Prevention/Arson Investigation Officers and an engine from the Martis Peak area south of Truckee.   Also early on scene was the Sierra County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol to assist with scene control and possible evacuations, which eventually were not necessary.  The Loyalton Ambulance Medic #1 from Eastern Plumas Health Care arrived to stand-by for any possible emergency medical needs.   The City of Loyalton later provided a long-reach back hoe and city worker/operator to assist with the mop-up process moving heavy debris on site to allow fire department better access and to ensure the fire was out.   Also, a Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative lineman from Portola  responded as mutual aid for Nevada Energy Company, which was a delayed response, to disconnect a power line down in the street.

Loyalton Engine #15 and the two USFS Engines #61 and #62 knocked the fire down within twenty minutes and controlled the fire spread to the existing property at 11 Zollinger Street between Church and Jones Streets, which was a long-time vacant single story wood residence built approximately in the 1930's and uninhabited for decades.   The single city lot had several moderate sized trees and over-grown vegetation consisting of tall grass and brush surrounding the structure.  The fire was contained to the primary lot with no damage to adjoining residences.   Fortunately there was little to no wind at the time of the fire.   

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Sierra County Sheriff's Office and the California Department of Fire and Forestry, Truckee Area Office.  The start is considered suspicious due to the property being unoccupied for many years.   There were no reported injuries or loss or damage to fire apparatus/equipment.   The tall flames and black smoke plume drew many local residents and the current property owners later arrived on scene and were of the incident.   Residents on several sides adjoining the property were repeatedly verbally grateful to fire fighting personnel for protecting their homes and for the rapid response and knock down/control effected by the Loyalton Fire Department volunteers and mutual aid personnel.    The Loyalton Fire Department is very thankful to the other local area agencies, both paid and volunteer, who responded to help with this structure fire in the center of our city.   We are thankful no one was hurt and the damage was limited to the original structure and vegetation.

Susanville – Warming temperatures and winds are drying out the abundant annual grass crop. The increasing fire danger posed by the high volume of dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting the CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Lassen, Modoc and Plumas Counties. This suspension takes effect Monday, July 15, 2019 and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.
 
“Last year was a devastating reminder that the public cannot let their guard down. Together, we must adapt and evolve to be able to withstand the intensity of these fires, keeping in mind, that the only way to mitigate the damage they cause is through preparation,” said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE director. “The dry, hot weather that fueled the massive fires last year will return again this year, so it is up to the public to be ready.” 
 
Since January 1, 2019 CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 2,108 wildfires for 19,144 acres. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to take that extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home and buildings on their property and being prepared to evacuate if the time comes.
 
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:

• Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
• Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility

 
The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
 
The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.
  
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, on how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires,  visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
 
# # #

Harold Pease, Ph. D.



As government controls more portions of the economy, democracy transcends to socialism.  Sometime in this transition democracy ceases to be democracy although the term continues to be used, and no-one can identify that moment when it is too late to pull free.
So why should the dependent class, defined as the approximately 47% who pay no federal income tax and are largely those who benefit from food stamps, subsidized housing, healthcare and other assistance programs, fear socialism?  Because socialism has a history of ending assistance programs.  Democracy enables a marriage between the assisted class with their vote power and politicians wishing to empower themselves by, in effect, transferring wealth from those who have to the poor.  Once established this marriage self perpetuates and amplifies.  Try seeking office today on a platform that ends all governmental assistance programs—or, even just one, food stamps.  
The brakes (limits) of the Constitution are powerful when observed but they cannot perform well once gifting (bribing the dependent class for their vote) has been introduced into the body politic.  Once ingrained it cannot prevent itself from offering larger and more gifts until elections are bidding wars without constitutional restraints.  This feeds an enlarging national debt that can never be paid.  We see this today in the Democratic Party presidential debates: free college, reparations for the descendants of ex-slaves, a guaranteed income, and free healthcare for everyone in the world willing to cross our borders illegally.  In exchange for your vote the socialist politician advocates that everything be free.  This is his most powerful lure and works well on idealistic youth and the already dependent but it risks collapsing the economy, democracy, the Constitution and liberty.
Aristotle recognized this when he wrote,  “Republics decline into democracies and democracies degenerate into despotism.”  The deadly virus of democracy is voter gifting by politicians willing to sell their souls for elected office.
King Solon of Athens created the governmental form a republic because the philosopher king believed that man should govern himself and, once he had the republic in place, left Athens to attend the University of Alexandria in Egypt never to return.  The new idea, personal freedom, resulted in five major unintended consequences: a booming economy, a creative and intellectual surge, an ever enlarging voter base, an unequal distribution of wealth because not all were equally gifted or industrious and, finally, class envy because, although all who worked were comparatively better off from pre-republic standards, some still had more.  
The ever enlarging voter base deteriorated into a democracy which had no brakes, no resistance to class envy and the marriage between the expanding poor who could link their vote with unprincipled politicians willing to transfer the fruits of labor from those who produce to those who do not in exchange for their gaining power.  Democracy degenerates into gifting but soon enough there does not exist enough money to sustain the gifting and it ends with an economic crash.  Once despotism replaces democracy there are no constitutional checks. 
Rome repeated the same experiment with a similar result about a century later.  Bread and circuses (free food and entertainment) destroyed the noble idea.
The previous failures were known to the well-read Founding Fathers who wanted the burst in creativity and general prosperity for all as delivered in a republic without the class envy and voter gifting.  What if the powers of government were divided and separated into three branches with each a check on the other two and each given a list of the things they could do with gifting excluded?  What if all powers not specifically mentioned in Article I, Section 8, remained with the states and the people as stipulated?  What if all taxes must be spent only on the items on the list?  What if the federal government could not assume additional power without the consent of 3/4th of the states?  The government could not take over the economy by confiscation or regulation and the poor could never destroy the rich or devour the middle class.  We could never degenerate into democracy then to the most common form of despotism today, socialism—fathered by Karl Marx. 
Not a single sentence in the Constitution gives a benefit to anyone, only an environment of equality where one can maximize his talents.  
In our republic all votes are not equal.  Under the Constitution as designed only the House of Representatives was democratically elected by the people.  State legislators voted for U.S. Senators, an Electoral College selected the President, and he appointed supreme court justices for life confirmed only by the Senate. 
We must apply the brakes of the Constitution to retain our republic.  Otherwise in time the productive classes cannot provide the money that is demanded of them to feed and otherwise subsidize the less productive class.  It already can’t.  We exceed 22 trillion dollars in debt.  Each taxpayer owes the federal government $182,881, payable today (See USDebtClock.org).  Despite unrealistic promises, socialism gives only slavery and shared poverty.  
Gifting must end.  When the banks crash, a new government will form and it will not honor the debt that destroyed its predecessor government, nor is it likely to fund social security, medicare, unlimited war, income security, federal pensions or any other program that contributed to it.  Under socialism freedom does not survive. 


Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years at Taft College.  Newspapers have permission to publish this column. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

 
 
REDDING – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans District 2), in conjunction with Hat Creek Construction and Materials, Inc., will begin 24/7 one-way traffic control operations for pavement recycling and overlay 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.
 
24/7 one-way traffic control operations are slated to begin on July 9 and will remain in effect until the end of August. Typical delays are anticipated to be 15 minutes, with a two week period of delays of up to 30 minutes. Please look for changeable messages signs in the area advising of changes to schedule. The Caltrans District 2 Public Information Office will also communicate dates with longer delays as information becomes available. Shoulder restoration, reconstruction of metal beam guardrail, and striping are also upcoming on the project, which is currently slated to be completed by November.
 
Speed limit reductions are currently in place within the project limits. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive carefully when in and around construction zones. 
 
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. 
 
####

(SACRAMENTO) A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck today near the town of Ridgecrest, in Kern County. It was the strongest earthquake in the region since the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake, and shaking from the main shock and aftershocks was felt throughout Southern California. Damage to local residents is still being evaluated, and our hearts go out to those affected by this earthquake.

This event is an important reminder that all of California is earthquake country. Earthquakes can happen at any time—a magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred on our northern coast just a couple of weeks ago—and we need to be prepared. It’s important to know what to do to stay safe when the ground starts shaking—drop, cover and hold on!—and to take other steps to prepare to survive and recover from damaging earthquakes, such as to retrofit homes built prior to 1980 and the advent of modern building codes, which may be more vulnerable to earthquake damage, and consider earthquake insurance to protect ourselves financially.
If this earthquake had occurred under a densely populated area, it is likely that California would be looking at many more injuries and at damages in the billions of dollars.
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) has approximately 2,000 policyholders in the affected area who likely experienced strong shaking. Any damage to their homes would be considered well within CEA’s claim-paying capacity for covered claims. (CEA has more than $17 billion in claim-paying capacity—enough to cover claims from a reoccurrence of the 1906 San Francisco, 1989 Loma Prieta or 1994 Northridge earthquake.)
Information on how to file a CEA policy claim is on CEA’s website. If you have a CEA policy and an earthquake has damaged your house or personal belongings, contact your residential insurance company as soon as possible to start your claim. To learn more about how to prepare to survive and recover from a damaging earthquake, visit EarthquakeAuthority.com.
About CEA
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a not-for-profit, privately funded, publicly managed organization that provides residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss. Learn more at EarthquakeAuthority.com.

​

SUSANVILLE, Calif., July 3, 2019 – With Independence Day right around the corner, the Lassen National Forest becomes a popular destination for recreational activities. Forest Service officials urge residents and forest visitors to keep wildfire prevention in mind, particularly during Independence Day celebrations.  It only takes one out-of-control campfire or careless individual to ignite a wildfire. Everyone is requested to exercise safety, especially when it comes to camping, cutting fuelwood, and even driving in the Forest.  Here are a few reminders that will help ensure a safe holiday for your family.

• On Thursday, July 4, 2019, all the Lassen National Forest offices are closed for the holiday. 
• Forest offices will resume regular business hours on Friday, July 5, 2019.
• Fireworks of any kind, are not permitted on the National Forest. Please leave them at home.
• When dialing 911, during high traffic holiday weekends, especially around Chester and Lake Almanor, emergency services can be more readily reached on a landline rather than a cell phone.
•  Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure your coals are cool to the touch before you leave it.
• Expect substantial vehicle traffic in and around the Chester and Lake Almanor area, please drive defensively.
• Local recreation information, books, maps, guides and Forest souvenirs are available in the lobby of all district offices. 

The Lassen National Forest wishes you a safe and happy holiday.
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research o
​

-Tips for your holiday visit!-
 
QUINCY, Calif. July 3, 2019 — Plumas National Forest (PNF) offices will close Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day and regular business hours will resume Friday, July 5. With the exception of Little North Fork Campground, all campgrounds are open although you will need a “wag bag” at the Gold Lake 4x4 Campground.
 
Know before you go! Remember that cell phone reception, food, gas, and lodging are not always available or convenient. Carry emergency equipment and appropriate maps in your vehicle and check the weather forecast before your trip.
 
Expect the unexpected! There are plenty of opportunities to observe animals on the PNF. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear or other wildlife. Store your food and equipment appropriately so bears and other animals aren’t tempted to steal or damage your supplies.  The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has important information about safety around wildlife. Please see https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/.
 
Remember, fireworks are always prohibited on national forests. Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside designated recreation sites. Permits are available online athttp://www.preventwildfireca.org/. Follow these campfire guidelines:
 

• Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
• Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
• Clear all flammable material away from the fire a minimum of five feet in all directions; never build a campfire on a windy day or leave it unattended.
• To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Use the back of your hand to ensure it’s out cold. Do not leave until you know your campfire is Dead Out.

 
In signing his latest budget, Governor Newsom gave his seal of approval to record spending, including hundreds of millions of dollars in pork projects.
 
Some of the most egregious earmarks included:
 

• $3.5 million for dog parks in San Diego and Rancho Cucamonga
• $2.3 million for playgrounds in Grand Terrace, Colton, San Francisco and Dublin
• $4 million to relocate a food bank in Elk Grove
• $9.1 million for libraries in Whittier, Fillmore, Isla Vista, Laguna Woods and Fullerton
• $5.7 million for a cycling/pedestrian bridge in Fremont

 
Clearly, frugality wasn’t a priority in the Governor’s spending plan.
 
Still, he did find one project to scrimp on, vetoing badly-needed funding to replace El Dorado County’s aging courthouse.
 
Replacing the courthouse is a “critical need” and one of the judicial system’s highest priorities.
 
According to the Sacramento Bee, the 106-year old building is so small that inmates are kept in public hallways before trial, there is no jury assembly space and attorneys don’t have conference rooms to meet privately with clients, victims and witnesses.
 
So what’s the difference between the courthouse and the pork projects? The courthouse is in an area represented by Republicans.
 
Nobody can say with a straight face that a luxury dog park is more important than replacing a dangerous courthouse. It’s time for Governor Newsom to stop playing politics with public safety.
 

U.S. Forest Service  
July 2019
Meredith Anello, manello@fs.fed.us, (530) 587-3558
​
 
 

Sierraville, Calif.  – “Sierraville Ranger District, vegetation fire, area of Cottonwood Campground for Engine 61, Engine 62, Engine 73, Engine 371, Engine 72, and for Battalion 61 notification. Standby for checkback.” As soon as this dispatch was heard, Tahoe National Forest Truckee and Sierraville Ranger District engine crews responded to this simulated wildfire for the annual East Zone Fire Readiness Proficiency Drill.
 
On the Tahoe National Forest, fire managers and resources are prepared year-round to respond to natural and human-caused wildfire, as well as other all-hazard incidents that occur every year in the Tahoe National Forest and nationally. When the seasonal firefighters, some starting as rookies like Jake Ward on Engine 73, report to duty mid-May, engine crews undergo intensive training with their modules and alongside other engines in the variety of tasks critical to wildland fire suppression and all-hazard responses.
 
“We train extensively with hoselays and fireline construction, as well as conduct comprehensive trainings in medical aid to assist the public or one of our own, both on and off the fireline. We utilize live fire for car and dumpster fire drills to become proficient in tournout and SCBA usage and the training is continuous,” said Greg Lowdermilk, Engineer on Engine 371. “Training equips our firefighters with the skill sets they need to provide greater protection for public safety, firefighters, and natural resources as they safely and effectively respond, manage, and assist with wildfire and all-hazard incidents,” said Joe Griffin, Truckee Ranger District Battalion Chief.
 
This wildfire simulation Readiness Drill presented the engine crews with the complex conditions and scenarios that U.S. Forest Service firefighters encounter while engaged in fire suppression in the dynamic and inherently dangerous wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire environment.  Despite the absence of live fire in this simulation, crews responded with the same intensity, enthusiasm and focus as if they were responding to a real vegetation fire incident. “We train like we fight fire,” said Shawn Burt, Sierraville Ranger District Battalion Chief.
 
On-scene at the origin where the historic Cottonwood Fire occurred, Sierraville District Ranger, Quentin Youngblood and TNF East Zone fire managers observed fireline operations that began with the Incident Commander trainee sizing up the fire and providing a safety and tactical briefing for crews to initial attack the simulated wildfire. Crews working together from multiple engines demonstrated their proficiency in deploying hoselays that advanced flowing water around the fire in the steep terrain. Another engine crew engaged in mobile attack, spraying water to knock down the fire as the engine drove along the road on the left flank. Crews using chainsaws and hand tools cut quality fireline to contain the simulated fire. Fireline leaders communicated with East Zone Division 6, Eric Petterson who was playing the role of an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (Air Attack) to simulate air support over the fire. The Engine 73 rookie, Jake Ward, an avid outdoorsman, who has been working hard, learning and training as a wildland firefighter for over a month, utilized his EMT skills to help his engine crew provide medical aid to a fallen Engine Captain in a simulated emergency medical incident within the fire incident. The wildfire simulation culminated with the emergency radio traffic that evokes strong emotion even in simulation…the report of the crew’s escape route being cut off by fire and having to deploy fire shelters on the line. The crews fell back on their annual, mandatory training and the cohesion they have built as a zone, to move quickly and calmly through the necessary fire shelter deployment procedures.
Circled up for the After Action Review of the day’s events, the East Zone fire managers and the Sierraville District Ranger provided valuable reminders from their decades of experience to the firefighters who have now completed critical training, demonstrating a high level of proficiency and readiness to respond to wildfire and all-hazard incidents locally and nationally. Firefighters were reminded as the season progresses to work on the fundamentals, continue to be proficient on every incident type, maintain a high level of situational awareness and good communication, consider the safety side of things, and finally, don’t stop training, never stop learning.
 
The public is urged to help their community, natural resources and firefighters by preparing for wildfire and practicing responsible fire safety. This includes knowing were campfires are permitted, obtaining a California Campfire Permit for campfires outside of developed campgrounds, fully extinguishing all campfires out cold, checking equipment to prevent sparks, never having fireworks in the National Forest, and creating home defensible space. For more info, check out readyforwildfire.org and preventwildfireca.org.
 
                       

 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has begun daily aerial fire detection patrols across thousands of miles of its service area. This is the sixth year for these patrols which assist the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE and local fire agencies with early fire detection and response. Early detection of smoke or fire allows fire agencies to quickly respond to accurate locations.
 
“Given the continued and growing threat of extreme weather and wildfires, we are committed to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep our customers and the communities we serve safe.
Early detection with these patrols can give first responders the critical window of time to quickly contain wildfires,” said Sumeet Singh, PG&E vice president of the Community Wildfire Safety Program.
 
The patrols began on June 1 and will run until October 31 or later, depending upon conditions. Seven planes will fly daily routes from late afternoon until dusk, the time of day when wildfires are most likely to start.   
 
Using fixed-wing aircraft, fire spotters will operate along these routes:

• Redding to Auburn in the Northern Sierra
• Auburn to Sonora in the Central Sierra
• Sonora to Porterville in the Southern Sierra
• Redding to Humboldt to Lake County
• Vacaville to Solvang near the coast
• Redding to Hoopa to McArthur (Siskiyou County and northeastern Shasta County)
• Mendocino County

 
The patrols are coordinated through PG&E's aerial operations. The Mendocino County route is co-funded by PG&E and run by the Mendocino County Aerial Fire Patrol Co-Operative. The Co-Op patrol began June 15 and will run through October 15 or later, depending upon conditions.
In 2018, PG&E patrols identified a total of 209 fires, 10 of which were first reports. The patrols totaled more than 5,200 flight hours. PG&E began operating the aerial patrols in 2014, after the governor issued a drought emergency declaration. PG&E has continued the patrols because of the scale of tree mortality and the significant increase of fire risk in California.
The aerial patrols are just one tool that PG&E utilizes to reduce the risk of wildfires. Our Community Wildfire Safety Program includes enhanced inspections of electric infrastructure in high fire-risk areas; the installation of weather stations and high-definition cameras to increase situational awareness; the operation of a 24/7 Wildfire Safety Operations Center; and other actions described in our Wildfire Safety Plan.
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 24,000 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 www.pge.com/ andpge.com/news.
 
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