​Jeff McCollum, Chief of Sierra County Fire Protection District #1 has decided to take a break from the District Chief positon which oversees the Sierraville, Sattley, and Calpine Volunteer Fire Departments.   The District also provides medical aid and fire protection to Verdi CA, Long Valley, Sierra Brooks, and communities and ranches adjacent to Loyalton through service agreements with the City of Loyalton and Truckee Meadows Fire District.
McCollum was asked to be District Chief in 2013 and assumed command in 2014.  His rein has been highlighted by significant upgrades in the fleet, communications system, and equipment available to the volunteers.   “There is now a seatbelt in every truck we own” stated McCollum in jest.   But the comment does reflect the notable improvement in the fleet.    Other highlights include a recent purchase of a mobile compressed air/ light tower that enhances the capabilities of all the departments in Sierra Valley when coupled with a similar unit stationed in Vinton and owed by Sierra Valley Fire Department. 
McCollum and his wife Tami will continue as volunteers. Additionally, Jeff will manage radios, repeaters, and help with fleet oversight.  
Mick Connelly, a former fire fighter in Stockton Fire Department and current resident of Calpine, will step up as Interim District Chief.   Connelly has been with the District for 4 years as a Division Chief responsible for training, recruitment, and retention.   The Board of Commissioners asked Connelly to take on the District Chief role for a 6 month to 1 year period to “see how the shoe fit”.  
“We can’t express enough our appreciation to Jeff for his leadership and untold number of volunteered hours over his 6 year term”, said Commissioner Rick Maddalena.   “He can stand proud of his accomplishments.”      “We welcome Mick to this new role and pledge our support to help him be equally successful” added Maddalena.
 

Plumas and Sierra Counties, CA – Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has become aware of a number of reports regarding “mysterious and unsolicited seeds from China and others parts of Asia”. The seed packages, often labeled as jewelry, toys, etc., are being shipped to homeowners throughout the U.S., including Plumas and Sierra Counties. The CDFA is communicating with the United States Department of Agriculture to determine any necessary actions for shipments received in California.

In the meantime, the Plumas and Sierra Counties Department of Agriculture is instructing residents not to open, plant, or dispose of any unsolicited seed packets received, but to contact our office. Invasive species can devastate the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects, severely damage crops, and poison livestock. Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective way to protect our agricultural industry and the environment.
We encourage recipients of these seeds to contact our office at (530) 283-6365 for arrangement to collect, isolate, and properly store the seed. If you have planted the seeds, please contact our office for additional direction.
Plumas-Sierra Counties Department of Agriculture 208 Fairground Road
Quincy, CA 95971
(530) 283-6265 ([email protected]) 

​

Tragic fire strikes Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center in Quincy
Photo by Carlos Ramirez via Kathy Michael
Story by Sierra Business Council <[email protected]>​
​On Wednesday, July 29th, a fire raged through Quincy, burning several structures including several homes, the brewing operations for Quintopia Brewing Company, the costume and prop building for our local community theatre and children's drama program, and the building for Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center (PCIRC).

Sadly, PCIRC's home office, their entire supply for the local food bank, and their supply of PPE slated for distribution in the county were all lost in the fire.

Our hearts go out to our friends and partners at PCIRC and everyone impacted by this tragedy in Quincy. Throughout the Sierra there are countless examples of tenacity, grit, and community in the face of adversity through fire, but that doesn't make it any less devastating when it happens.

Please join us in supporting the PCIRC's recovery efforts. To donate to the PCIRC and other impacted organizations, please follow the links below.

 Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center

PCIRC provides direct services to many vulnerable people throughout Plumas County, who need their support now more than ever. Despite losing their own home just yesterday, PCIRC is already open remotely. If you're in need of emergency services, please contact Cathy at [email protected] or (530) 591-5697. 

If you're able to help, the most immediate need is financial. Here's how to donate:

• Preferred: Send checks to PCIRC c/o Ohana House, PO Box 3005, Quincy, CA 95971
• Preferred: Donate at Plumas Bank or U.S. Bank
• Donate through PayPal on PCIRC's website: pcirc1.org/donate

Quintopia Brewing Company Mutual Aid

 
 
Contribute to Quintopia Mutual Aid: gf.me/u/yjftfn
West End Theatre and dramaworks


The West End Theatre and dramaworks support community theatre and offer youth empowerment programs through drama. They lost their 30-year collection of costumes, sets, and props in the fire.

• Donate to help them rebuild: westendtheatre.us/fire.html

 
Van Maddox, Sierra County Treasurer-Tax Collector reminds miners, boat owners and others with unsecured taxable property that the unsecured tax bills for 2020-21 must be paid by August 31.  “Avoid the 10% penalty that attaches if the payment is not received timely.”  California does not have a grace period but August 31 postmarks are accepted. 
 
Unsecured property taxes are assessed on mining claims, equipment, boats, airplanes, structures on public lands such as summer homes, and other types of personal property and possessory interests.  The bills are mailed in July and are due in one installment on August 31 each year.
 
Please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 289-3286 or email: [email protected] if you have questions or need more information.
 
COVID19: In light of recent developments, including the new guidance from the Governor of the State of California, and as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID19), the Sierra County Treasurer-Tax Collector will not be providing services to the public on a walk-in basis. We will provide service at the counter for tax payers and those needing to complete the Affidavit of Assessment Work Notice or Notice of Intent to Hold, by appointment only. Requests can be made by calling 530-289-3286 or email [email protected] Members of the public must adhere to the following requirements for the duration of their appointment:
 
·      Avoid entering the Courthouse if you have a cough or fever
·      Maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another
·      Please wear your face covering

Emergency Repairs Necessitate Intermittent Eastbound Lane Closures
 
NEVADA COUNTY – Caltrans is alerting motorists and truck drivers of anticipated delays on eastbound Interstate 80 this week from Boca to Floriston for emergency guardrail repairs.
 
Maintenance crews will be replacing damaged guardrail between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Interstate 80 eastbound lane reductions will be in effect during these periods for the safety of highway workers.
 
During guardrail repair periods, permit load trucks may expect delays on Interstate 80 from Boca to Floriston. Caltrans will be coordinating with the California Highway Patrol to safely guide permit load trucks through the work zone. Motorists should also anticipate travel delays in the area and slow for work zones.
 
Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work. Caltrans advises motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert.” The department will issue updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.

 
By Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
I understand and affirm that black lives matter. Some of my dearest friends are black people. I love them and they matter. There are many black people, who I do not know, but they matter just the same. 
 
Red people matter. Yellow people matter. Brown people matter. White people matter. 
 
Coalminers, butchers, factory workers, plumbers, bakers, carpenters, waiters, cooks, physicians, attorneys, politicians, ditch diggers, ministers, writers, journalists, actors, sports heroes, laboratory researchers, pharmaceutical companies, nurses, secretaries, schoolteachers, EMTs, veterans, and service men and women, representing us in our branches of service, matter.   Of course, the list goes on and on. Do any of these people not matter? They all matter.
 
Do I matter? I finally figured out that I really do matter when I understood that God only made one of me. He made me and he didn't make me to be somebody else. Being me was the greatest thing in the world, for me. Embracing me, has totally liberated me and given me a whole new freedom to enjoy life. I matter. My wife and children and grandchildren matter. My siblings, friends, neighbors and acquaintances are just like me. They are all unique individuals and they matter. 
 
I'm trying to keep all my body parts working. My legs, lungs, liver, kidneys, feet, hands, eyes, heart, etc. It's not easy and I'm always doing maintenance. Could I live with one arm? A neighbor who taught school and who was one of the greatest people I knew growing up taught classes and refereed basketball with one arm. He was an inspiring human being.  I have another friend who does life very well with one real leg and one artificial leg. Truthfully, all body parts matter. 
 
We can make it without some body parts but most of us don't want to. Which body part doesn't matter to you? They all matter and it's important to keep them working in harmony as long as possible. A harmonious healthy body is a beautiful body and seemingly can do almost anything. If a doctor determines cancer is in a part of your body then it requires attention and removal in order to save your life. A body can't live long with a growing cancer. Often poisoned organs have to be aggressively removed to save the body.  Standing by and patiently watching to see what the cancer does next will most surely lead to death. 
 
What body part doesn't matter? They all matter. What human being does not matter? All matter. As we affirm that black lives matter, we have to ask if there is anyone who doesn't matter? Are there humans who are less significant? Less deserving? Is there any human being who should ever by classified as second or third rate? No, not one. 
 
We've heard before that, "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." May all discrimination of any kind end on our planet. May injustices toward anyone because of skin color be held in abomination. May no one be allowed to treat others obscenely or inhumanely without severe repercussion. 
 
Who doesn't matter? You matter. We all matter. 


 

WASHINGTON – The first child to die of heatstroke in a car this year sneaked outside his family’s home, climbed into the family car, and became trapped.  More than half of the hot car deaths in 2020 have happened the same way.  NHTSA urgently asks you to encourage your viewers and readers to always keep their cars locked in the garage or driveway—even if they don’t have children of their own. 


With more parents and children at home right now, the risk that unlocked vehicles pose is real – and urgent. Please help us spread the word and protect children in your community.


Online Resources 


https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke
www.noheatstroke.org
 ​

JULY 28, 2020 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced that it will begin emailing households in low-responding areas to encourage them to respond to the 2020 Census.

“These emails are a final reminder for people to respond to the 2020 Census on their own,” said Northern and Central California spokesperson Marna Davis with the U.S. Census Bureau. “Census takers will begin visiting households that have not yet responded to the census on August 11, 2020.”  
The emails will alert households in low-response areas that time is running out and their response to the 2020 Census is important for their communities. The email messages will invite people to respond online at 2020census.gov.
People who receive the email and haven’t already responded should click on the link provided and complete the census online. It’s easy, safe and important.
The emails will go to all households that the Census Bureau has contact information for in census block groups with a response rate lower than 50%. This will include households who may have already responded.
The email messages will come from [email protected] and will give recipients the option to opt out of receiving future messages. The Census Bureau is also considering sending text messages to areas that have low response. 
Households have until October 31 to respond to the 2020 Census. However, census takers will begin following up with households nationwide next month.
                                                ####












​

Until further notice the monthly Commodities giveaway will occur on the first Thursday of the month 1-3PM as a drive thru in front of the Loyalton Senior Center.  There is an annual produce event coming up in September as well.  The following is the basic info which I'll be posting on the Facebook community page and on fliers around town.  If you are able to put something in the paper to let people know I would really appreciate it!

Upcoming Commodities events:
Thursday 8/6 1-3PM- Drive Thru at the Loyalton Senior Center
Thursday 9/3 1-3PM- Drive Thru at the Loyalton Senior Center
Friday 9/11 (tentatively 9AM-12PM)- Tailgate Produce Giveaway across the street from Leonards in Loyalton

All events are for anyone who needs help with groceries, there are no age or residency requirements. Please wear your mask and remain in your vehicle.

*** Volunteers needed for the 9/11 event. 5-10 able bodied adults to pack produce and load cars. Contact Chelsea at [email protected] if you are able to help out. Thank you!
​

A reminder about PG&E recreation whitewater flows being higher this weekend.
 

Lee Anne Schramel
Public Affairs Officer

Forest Service
Plumas National Forest

p: 530-283-7850
c: 530-616-1175
[email protected]

159 Lawrence Street
Quincy, CA 95971
www.fs.usda.gov/plumas


Caring for the land and serving people

  
 
 
QUINCY, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges the public to take extra safety precautions as water flows will be higher through the weekend of July 25-26 for whitewater recreation on a portion of the North Fork Feather River.
 
During the higher flows this part of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are only appropriate for skilled paddlers, and not appropriate for tubing.
 
The Rock Creek Reach is the 8.3-mile portion of the North Fork of the Feather River in the Plumas National Forest between PG&E’s Rock Creek dam and the Rock Creek powerhouse near Storrie.
 
By 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, flows will be increased to 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) and later that afternoon reduced to 700 cfs. On Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m., flows will gradually decrease to the season normal of approximately 150 cfs.
 
The recreational flows are conducted in cooperation with the American Whitewater organization and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee and are usually held four weekends a year in June, July, August and September. No recreational flows were held last month due to dry-year conditions.
 
PG&E advises recreationalists to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with others outside their immediate household.
 
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
 

• Stay out of cold water. Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

 

• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.

 

• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides, sub-surface obstacles, fast moving water, and transitions to full tunnels and pipes. For more water safety tips visit:  www.pge.com/hydrosafety

 
 
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 20,000 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/and pge.com/news.
 

Press Release: July 24, 2020
Nevada City, CA--Local river communities are feeling the impact of increased visitorship on the South Yuba River. Due to COVID-19 shutdowns, many people from outside the local area are searching for a quiet place to cool off this summer and the South Yuba River has been impacted more than usual. With recreation sites closed around the state, visitors are flocking to the South Yuba River to enjoy its emerald green pools. Unfortunately, the river is being “loved to death” as evidenced by the mounds of trash and hundreds of cars lined up along roadsides—and even within the roadways. This summer tourism season is harming the health and safety of our river and community.

SYRCL has been at the forefront of on-river advocacy for nearly a decade. “This has been a tough year. Typically our River Ambassadors are at the river crossings each weekend talking to visitors from out-of- town and picking up trash. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to safely implement the River Ambassador program that, in normal years, helps mitigate negative impacts. This summer, the program has been pared down to posting signage and sharing safety messaging on social media,” says Daniel Belshe, SYRCL Community Engagement Manager. “Without this important program and with the increase in visitors, the problems are compounded.”
Local North San Juan resident Darlene Markey spurred online conversation this week by commenting, “We are experiencing more litter, graffiti, overuse of trails, polluted waters, sun lotion slicks, lack of bathroom facilities, increased fire danger, more rescue operations and increased exposure to COVID. We live in fear and frustration each weekend. Residents no longer have sanctuary—any quality of life–at our river crossings. We are cleaning up what 800,000 plus visitors bring and do to our beloved river and community. Enforcement is inadequate and spotty. Signs are completely ignored...what can we do?”
In addition to the litter issues, many visitors are ignoring social-distancing guidelines as they pack trails and beaches. Parking lots fill up quickly, prompting dangerous roadside and illegal parking that blocks access for fire, medical, and rescue personnel. Blocking these river access roads also blocks residents, not just an inconvenience but a safety concern for emergencies.
Local residents are requesting more be done to keep the river and river community safe this summer. Wildfire is a huge concern in the Yuba River canyon. One spark can put thousands of homes and lives at risk. Campfires and BBQs were made illegal at the river two years ago, but uninformed visitors still start them. Local beaches and trails are littered with illegal camps, garbage, facemasks, tents, picnic refuse, and glass.
“We’re hearing from our members and larger watershed community that this dangerous situation needs to be addressed through more awareness and more interventions by agencies,” says Booth. “We are seeing a lot more ‘first-timers’ to the river. Out-of-towners need to know it’s not safe to come to the South Yuba right now—from Emerald Pools to Bridgeport. Our rescue personnel are stretched thin, while the hazardous parking conditions and serious fire risk endanger visitors and our community. Also, it’s almost impossible to practice physical distancing right now.”
According to Booth, SYRCL is also hearing from the Yuba community that road and enforcement agencies seriously need to address the traffic dangers. “The small parking lots can’t accommodate all the cars this summer, and drivers are making poor decisions, desperate to find parking. Residents who drive
our roads everyday are horrified by the sheer number of visitors in cars and on foot, and the safety issues it is creating in our community. While our law enforcement and safety personnel are doing the best they can with the resources they have, it’s not enough. These problems are not new, but they are compounded by increased visitation and less capacity for SYRCL volunteers to be out educating the public. These issues have been ignored for too long – and here we are, a predictable bad situation made worse by an unpredictable public health crisis.”
“SYRCL and many of our local community members are willing to help to raise awareness, but what we really need are additional resources and enforcement from local and state agencies helping implement solutions that will immediately reduce risk,” say Booth.
About SYRCL: The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL, pronounced “circle”), based in Nevada City, CA, is the leading voice for the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed. Founded in 1983 through a rural, grassroots campaign to defend the South Yuba River from proposed hydropower dams, SYRCL has developed into a vibrant community organization with over 3,500 members and volunteers. See: www.yubariver.org. 

​

We just received approval from the Sierra County Health department to have our students return to school on August 26th. The approval was granted with very specific guidelines that included wearing masks and social distancing at school by everyone. Violation of these guidelines will result in cancellation of the approval. I implore everyone to wear masks and social distance as required by the health department thru out the county. We need to set an example for our kids. If the virus spreads in our county it may mean we close the schools. Please comply, help keep our schools open and protect us all. Mike Moore, Sierra Plumas School Board President.

​

Nevada City, Calif. — Tahoe National Forest fire management officers and recreation managers have noticed two distinct trends so far this summer: an increase in Forest visitors dispersed camping and a sharp increase in both escaped and illegal, unattended campfires.
 
The Tahoe National Forest entered campfire restrictions on May 29, 2020. Since that date, wildland firefighters have responded to nineteen escaped campfires. An escaped campfire, by definition, is an incident in which an unattended campfire is already burning adjacent areas and the immediate suppressive action taken by Tahoe National Forest wildland firefighters have prevented further spread. By comparison, the second highest number of escaped campfires over the same date range occurred in 2018 when the Tahoe National Forest responded to only nine escaped campfires.
 
“These numbers only account for statistical escaped campfires,” said Eli Ilano, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor. “Firefighters, recreation managers, and other Tahoe National Forest employees have also taken action on approximately seventy-five unattended, illegal campfires outside of designated recreation sites. These are campfires that have been left burning with the possibility of immediate escape into the forest. Drastic numbers such as these greatly increase the potential for large, destructive wildfires.”
 
“In California, about 95% of wildfires are human caused and many are the result of escaped campfires. We need our visitors, now more than ever, to practice responsible recreation. This starts by following campfire restrictions,” said Ilano.
 
Current fire restrictions prohibit campfires outside of fire rings within specific developed recreation sites across the Tahoe National Forest. Fire restriction patrols will be conducted throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall; punishment could mean up to $5,000 in fines or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. A list of locations where campfires are allowed within established fire rings can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tahoe/home/?cid=FSEPRD750152.
 
 
 

By Dan Walters
July 19, 2020


California's high poverty rate stems mostly from its high cost of living and blue state policies impose extra living costs on the poor.

There's no question that the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe recession it spawned are widening California's economic divide.

California already had the nation's highest rate of functional poverty before this year began, as calculated by the Census Bureau using cost-of-living as well as income data, with nearly 20% of the state's 40 million people impoverished. ...
... Low-income, non-white Californians are more likely to be infected with the coronavirus, more likely to become unemployed, and more likely to become homeless as their incomes shrink. Therefore, it's inescapably logical that pandemic is making the poor even poorer.

However, the most important factor in California's high, and apparently increasing, level of poverty is not income, but our very high cost-of-living, second only to Hawaii among the states. ....


Housing is the most significant cost-of-living component. Whether buying or renting, putting a roof over one's head consumes a disproportionately high portion of personal income. ...

Democratic politicians who dominate the Capitol talk about jump-starting housing development, but have mostly dropped the ball. Two big Democratic Party allies, labor unions and environmentalists, are major impediments to housing reform.
Housing, however, is not the only cost factor that keeps so many Californians in poverty. Energy for transportation and to heat, cool and light our homes is another big one ...
How high are Californians' energy costs? ...

... California motorists are paying the nation's second highest gasoline prices, 98 cents a gallon or 47.3% higher than the average of the 49 other states. The report also pegs residential electric power rates at 55.8% higher than the average of other states, which translates into $6-plus billion per year in extra expense.Commercial power rates are 69.7% higher than those of other states, and industrial rates are 115% higher - costs that obviously translate into higher prices for consumers.
Monthly power bills will continue to rise sharply. For instance, as Pacific Gas and Electric emerges from bankruptcy it faces massive new debts and new obligations to make its power grid safer, and both will inevitably affect consumers' utility bills.
There's another looming factor - efforts in some cities to ban natural gas hookups in favor of all-electric appliances ...
... electricity is already much more expensive than gas, so if it succeeds, higher household energy costs will further widen the economic gap.
A new report from a Washington-based think tank ... contends that "banning the use of natural gas imposes a regressive energy tax on low- and middle-income consumers" in California. ...

California's dominant liberals talk a lot about ending poverty, but are often oblivious that their policy decrees raise living costs of the poor.
Click here to read the article published in CALmatters.

Monday, July 20, 2020 through Thursday, July 23, 2020
Plumas and Sierra Counties
 
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Plumas and Sierra County Public Health Agencies are issuing a joint Air Quality Health Advisory to notify the public of intermittent poor air quality conditions through at least July 23, 2020 resulting from the Hog Fire west of Susanville.  The greatest smoke impacts are expected closest to the fire, but there will likely be impacts to communities farther away including the Chester/Lake Almanor Basin area, Indian Valley, Quincy, Portola and the Sierra Valley.  Air quality throughout these counties is dependent on atmospheric conditions and will vary as wind changes direction, with smoke settling in low areas at night.
 
Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.  People who are affected by, or susceptible to, COVID-19 may be at increased risk from wildfire smoke due to cardiovascular symptoms or a compromised or suppressed immune system.
 
If you smell or see smoke around you, the following actions are recommended:

• Minimize outdoor activities even if you are healthy;
• Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible; run the air conditioner on the “recirculate” setting if that is an option;
• People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan;
• People with heart disease, respiratory conditions or chronic health issues should stay indoors;
• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe fatigue;
• Keep airways moist and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water;
• Avoid breathing additional smoke, such as from cigarettes or barbecues.

Near real-time air quality conditions for Quincy, Portola and Chester may be found at www.myairdistrict.com (click on your location of interest in the “Local Air Quality” portion).  As you view the most recent data, take into consideration that conditions can change rapidly due to wind shifts; it is wise to monitor the smoke throughout the day and make plans accordingly.  The smoke may be visible in satellite imagery, available via www.weather.gov/sto (near the bottom of the page).
 
Additional information about air quality can be found on the following website:
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=5&mapcenter=0&tabs=0
 ​

This is about what is known as "Split Roll", which is primarily to separate the property tax base on commercial/industrial properties from regular residential properties. There are a few exceptions to which commercial properties will be taxed, but in a nutshell, most would, over the next few years, be reassessed to CURRENT MARKET VALUE TAX RATES. Currently residences are taxed at PURCHASE PRICE VALUE plus allowed annual increase of up to 2% annually and any additional local taxes and fees. 

The following sentence is included in the actual text of the Prop 15-

(a) Preserve in every way Proposition 13's protections for homeowners and for residential rental properties. This measure only affects the assessment of taxable commercial and industrial property. 

A major concern is that once the state gets voters to approve such a change to commercial properties, it doesn't take much imagination to see that they will come for residences next, using the same arguments, essentially non-property owners saying residential property owners "don't pay their fare share". 

I hope this answers any questions. I am also attaching a copy of the article I wrote on this issue for the mid-April edition of the Capitol Update. Please watch for further Capitol Updates- we will be going into more detail with ballot measures as the weeks go by. We will also be pointing out the CFRW position on each measure after the Executive Board announces their positions. 



California Proposition 15, the Tax on Commercial and Industrial Properties for Education and Local Government Funding Initiative, is on the ballot in California as an initiated constitutional amendment on November 3, 2020.

A "yes" vote supports this constitutional amendment to require commercial and industrial properties, except those zoned as commercial agriculture, to be taxed based on their market value, rather than their purchase price.

A "no" vote opposes this constitutional amendment, thus continuing to tax commercial and industrial properties based on a property's purchase price, with annual increases equal to the rate of inflation or 2 percent, whichever is lower.

Overview

What would this initiative change about how properties are taxed in California?

The ballot initiative would amend the California State Constitution to require commercial and industrial properties, except those zoned as commercial agriculture, to be taxed based on their market value. In California, the proposal to assess taxes on commercial and industrial properties at market value, while continuing to assess taxes on residential properties based on the purchase price, is known as split roll. The change from the purchase price to market value would be phased-in beginning in fiscal year 2022-2023. Properties, such as retail centers, whose occupants are 50 percent or more small businesses would be taxed based on market value beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026 (or at a later date that the legislature decides on).

The ballot initiative would make an exception for properties whose business owners have $3.00 million or less in holdings in California; these properties would continue to be taxed based on their purchase price. The ballot initiative would exempt a small business's tangible personal property from taxes and $500,000 in value for a non-small business's tangible personal property.[1]

The state fiscal analyst estimated that, upon full implementation, the ballot initiative would generate between $8 billion and $12.5 billion in revenue per year.[2]

Where did the current tax assessment formula, based on purchase price, come from?

See also: California Proposition 13 (1978)
In 1978, Californians approved Proposition 13, which required that residential, commercial, and industrial properties are taxed based on their purchase price. The tax is limited to no more than 1 percent of the purchase price (at the time of purchase), with an annual adjustment equal to the rate of inflation or 2 percent, whichever is lower. According to the state Legislative Analyst's Office, market values in California tend to increase faster than 2 percent per year, meaning the taxable value of commercial and industrial properties is often lower than the market value.[2]

How would revenue from the change in taxation be distributed?

The ballot initiative would create a process in the state constitution for distributing revenue from the revised tax on commercial and industrial properties. The ballot initiative would distribute the revenue to specific areas, rather than the General Fund. First, the revenue would be distributed to (a) the state to supplement decreases in revenue from the state's personal income tax and corporation tax due to increased tax deductions and (b) counties to cover the costs of implementing the measure. Second, 60 percent of the remaining funds would be distributed to local governments and special districts, and 40 percent would be distributed to school districts and community colleges (via a new Local School and Community College Property Tax Fund). Revenue appropriated for education would be divided as follows: 11% for community colleges and 89% for public schools, charter schools, and county education offices. There would also be a requirement that schools and colleges receive an annual minimum of $100 (adjusted each year) per full-time student.[1][2]



The following sentence is included in the actual text of the Prop 15-

(a) Preserve in every way Proposition 13's protections for homeowners and for residential rental properties. This measure only affects the assessment of taxable commercial and industrial property. 



https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_15,_Tax_on_Commercial_and_Industrial_Properties_for_Education_and_Local_Government_Funding_Initiative_(2020)


Sincerely, Gretchen Cox-

CFRW Legislative Analyst Committee

Millions of California students – and parents – at home this fall: This week, the Los Angeles Unified School District acceded to teachers union demands and canceled in-person classes when the school year begins. The San Diego Unified School District made the same decision. These two biggest districts in the state educate more than 720,000 students. Each of these students becomes part of a lost year of learning and social development, with a disproportionate impact on minority students and working-class families.
 
Gov. Newsom’s take: Gov. Newsom praised the LAUSD/SDUSD decision, saying, “Two things are non-negotiable: our children’s health and the absolutely essential importance of educating our children. To me it’s an 'and,' not an 'or.'” Contrary to the governor’s implication, it’s also an “and” for supporters of in-person school reopening. And given the disaster of the virtual education experiment, this side has a stronger case.
 
Other places across the state follow suit: Following LA’s precedent, other major districts in the state also announced this week that they would not reopen physical classrooms when the school year begins. Sacramento County, which educates more than 250,000 students, said its schools will remain closed. The Fresno Teachers Association demanded classes in the state’s third-largest district remain entirely online. Long Beach Unified, the state’s fourth-largest district, and San Francisco Unified, the state’s sixth-largest, announced they will remain remote when the school year begins.
 
The Californian redoubt of Orange County: The Orange County Board of Education, hewing to scientific and empirical evidence showing that children face far less risk from Covid than the flu and don’t seem to transmit the virus, voted to open schools as normal.
 
Teachers unions’ ransom note: In the latest episode of National Review’s Radio Free California, David and Will discuss the LA teachers union’s ransom note to the public demanding higher taxes, the termination of school police, universal healthcare, and more money in return for reopening schools.
 
Teachers unions use kids as pawns in their charter chess match: As I told The Center Square, “The LA teachers union is shamelessly exploiting COVID-19 and holding children's education hostage to achieve its ultimate goal of banning school choice. Rather than looking at the widespread evidence and expert opinion, including the American Association of Pediatrics, that schools can reopen safely, unions are using kids as pawns for their own benefit.” (The National Academy of Science has since come out in support of school reopening as well.)
 
One rhetorical question destroys the teachers union position: The LA teachers union, unsurprisingly, frames its broad demands as a way to help poor kids. But as CPC contributor Edward Ring points out in his latest contribution, “The problem with this [teachers union] litany is it predates COVID-19 and ignores a crucial question: Are disadvantaged communities going to be better off or worse off if schools don’t reopen?"
 
Biden’s “teachers’ unions first” agenda: CPC contributor Larry Sand discusses how Joe Biden promises to put teachers unions before students. “In fact, Biden said in May that if he is elected, “Charter schools are gone.” Every parent of the 600,000 California students in charter schools should hear Joe’s threat.
 
Teachers unions’ sweet deal. Susan Shelley reminds us in her OC Registercolumn this week that teachers unions face no potential consequences for holding kids’ education hostage:
California teachers’ unions won a victory when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a budget trailer bill that bases school funding levels for the new school year on the attendance in the previous school year. This cheats growing charter schools, often non-union, of the revenue to educate newly enrolled students. The new law also prohibits layoffs of teachers or other school employees through June of 2021.

So even if the schools are closed, everybody gets paid. That’s a very sweet deal courtesy of taxpayers, many of whom are currently on hold with the Employment Development Department, trying to get their unemployment benefits.
O say can you… lean on me? The LA Times ran a 3,000-word op-ed this week arguing that the national anthem should be canceled. Apparently, it’s racist. “Its lyrics are ornate and Anglophile, with syntax that frustrates the efforts of normal human Americans to follow along — to deduce who or what, exactly, is gleaming and streaming. As for the music: It’s as British as beef Wellington.” (Some cultural stereotypes are apparently still OK.)

The clickbait headline -- “It’s time to cancel ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Here’s what should replace it” -- doesn’t try to hide its cancel culture motivations. The proposed replacement? “Lean on me” by Bill Withers. It’s a classic song, no doubt. But one of its lines -- “You just call on me brother, when you need a hand” – is surely a little too “problematic” for today’s zeitgeist.

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Jordan Bruneau
Communications Director
[email protected]
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