By Wayne Winegarden and Kerry Jackson
No matter how bad the homelessness problem looks in other metropolitan areas, they pale compared to California's. While the state accounts for not quite 12% of the U.S. population, roughly 28% of the nation's homeless are in California. The lesson: Don't copy the Golden State's policies for mitigating homelessness – they simply don't work.
California's homeless population was not quite 139,000 in 2007. Within seven years, it had fallen to about 114,000. From there, it grew sharply to more than 161,000 in 2020. Over the same period, the total homeless in the rest of the states fell from a little more than 508,000 to 419,000.
This happened even though California's economy expanded about 50% faster than the rest of the country from 2014 to 2020.
Clearly California does not have the answers.
In April 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic struck, Project Roomkey was introduced in California. The program's mission was to house the homeless in hotel and motel rooms, as well as trailers, to help flatten the curve of viral infections and "preserve hospital capacity," said the governor's office.
From Project Roomkey grew Project Homekey, which directed state and federal funds for the purchase and renovation of hotels and motels, which would then become permanent housing for the homeless.
While well-intentioned, both programs have a structural flaw: they follow the failed "housing first" approach.
Yes, the homeless need homes. But housing first, which has been the official state policy since 2016, is better described as housing-and-nothing-else. According to a Cicero Institute study, attempts to alleviate homelessness based on housing first appear "to attract more people from outside the homeless system, or keep them in the homelessness system, because they are drawn to the promise of a permanent and usually rent-free room." Housing first is nothing more than a husk of a program because it doesn't treat the root causes of homelessness, which for many are addiction or mental illness, and often both.
Despite the shortcomings of housing first, California's commitment to Project Homekey has racked up billions in expenditures of federal and state dollars without having much if anything to show for all the spending.
In Los Angeles, where a third of the state's 161,548 homeless are located, Project Homekey has not met expectations. The 15,000 rooms that were set as the goal were never provided, while the excessive costs of Homekey have made it unsustainable.
A different set of problems has beset homeless housing in San Francisco. An investigation by the Chronicle found that the city's effort to shelter the homeless operate "with little oversight or support," which has led to "disastrous" results. Rodents infest rooms, crime and violence is common, and death, often from overdoses, a frequent visitor. Nevertheless, the city, as well as other Bay Area communities where Project Homekey has shown itself to be insufficient, remain dedicated to the program and its poorly aimed spending.
Here's some advice for lawmakers across the country looking to beat homelessness: don't ignore effective innovations from the private sector that are changing people's lives. Treating the addictions and mental health struggles that are at the core of the problem must be a priority.
California continues to insist its way is the only way. Until that changes, the state has nothing to offer other states in their struggle to reduce homelessness.
Dr. Wayne Winegarden and Kerry Jackson are co-authors of the new Pacific Research Institute brief "Project Homekey Provides No Way Home for California's Homeless." Download a copy at www.pacificresearch.org.

PROTECT Formula Program will help California address the climate crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an ongoing effort to combat the effects of climate change and address the growing costs of extreme weather events negatively impacting communities, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced new guidance and $7.3 billion in formula funding to help states and communities better prepare for and respond to extreme weather events like wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat. This is a first-of-its-kind program, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
 
“In every part of the country, climate change is impacting roads, bridges, and rail lines that Americans rely on--endangering homes, lives and livelihoods in the process,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Using funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're launching this unprecedented effort to help communities protect their transportation infrastructure from extreme weather and improve routes that first responders and firefighters need during disasters.”  
 
The new Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program funding is available to states over five years to make transportation infrastructure more resilient to future weather events and other natural disasters by focusing on resilience planning, making resilience improvements to existing transportation assets and evacuation routes, and addressing at-risk highway infrastructure.  In general, eligible projects include highway and transit projects, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and port facilities including those that help improve evacuations or disaster relief.  States are encouraged to work with regional and local partner organizations to prioritize transportation and emergency response improvements, as well as address vulnerabilities.
 
California will receive $121 million in Fiscal Year 2022 funding and is eligible to receive up to $631 million over five years to address climate change with a focus on resilience planning, resilience improvements to existing transportation assets and evacuation routes, and at-risk highway infrastructure. Severe weather events experienced by California in recent years include a series of severe storms and wildfires.
 
“We see the effects of climate change and extreme weather play out across the country every week, with extreme temperatures and rainfall and resulting flooding and wildfires that damage and in some cases destroy roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “The PROTECT Formula Program will help make transportation infrastructure more resilient to current and future weather events and at the same time make communities safer during these events.”
 
Eligible resilience improvements can involve adapting existing transportation infrastructure or new construction to keep communities safe by bolstering infrastructure’s ability to withstand extreme weather events and other physical hazards that are becoming more common and intense. Eligible project choices may include the use of natural or green infrastructure to buffer future storm surges and provide flood protection, as well as aquatic ecosystem restoration. PROTECT projects can also help improve the resilience of transportation networks that serve traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities, particularly during natural disasters and evacuations.
 
PROTECT builds on other USDOT actions to address the climate crisis and that support the Biden Administration’s whole-of-government approach to reducing greenhouse gas pollution by 2030.  Other USDOT actions include a proposed rule for states and municipalities to track and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the Carbon Reduction Program, which will provide $6.4 billion in formula funding to states and local governments to develop carbon reduction strategies; and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which will provide $5 billion to states to build out a national electric vehicle charging network, an important step towards making electric vehicle charging accessible to all Americans.
 

Motorists Should Expect Travel Delays in Work Zones
 
TRUCKEE – Travel delays are continuing through November on Interstate 80 (I-80) in Truckee for roadway construction activities.
 
Motorists are advised to expect typical delays of 15 to 20 minutes when traveling through the work zones on weekdays. However, delays of 25 to 30 minutes are common on Thursday afternoons due to increased weekend travel levels.
 
Shoulder work at the I-80 eastbound on-ramp from State Route 89 (SR-89) south and Central Truckee (Exit 186) off-ramp is scheduled for the next few weeks. Construction crews will primarily be working behind k-rail with minimal traffic impacts during area excavation, electrical and drainage work. Intermittent #2 (right) lane closures on the mainline near the ramps may be required.
 
Along westbound I-80, motorists are advised that the Central Truckee on-ramp will be closed daily for drainage work between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, August 1 through Friday, August 5. Signed detours will direct motorists along Donner Pass Road to the SR-89 south on-ramp.
 

 
Concrete and roadway widening work also continues on I-80 westbound between Central Truckee (Exit 186) and Donner Pass Road/Cold Stream Road (Exit 184) with alternating lane closures anticipated between 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Friday for several weeks. The I-80 westbound off-ramp to Donner Pass Road/Cold Stream Road (Exit 184) may also be closed intermittently for maintenance work the weeks of August 8 and August 15.
 
The construction activities are part of a $30.6 million project to rehabilitate the existing concrete on I-80 in Truckee, install a westbound auxiliary lane from the SR-89 south on-ramp to the Donner Pass Road off-ramp, install eastbound acceleration lanes from the Donner Pass Road on-ramp and the SR-89 south on-ramp, improve drainage, and upgrade concrete walkways along ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
 
Teichert Construction of Rocklin is the prime contractor for the project, which is scheduled to be completed in fall 2022. The construction schedule is subject to change based on weather, equipment availability or other unexpected events.
 
The department will issue construction updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3, on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3and on the Caltrans District 3 website. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.
 
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Issued: Monday, July 25, 2022
Nevada, Plumas and Sierra Counties
 
The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and the Public Health Departments of Nevada, Plumas and Sierra Counties are issuing a Joint Air Quality Health Advisory due to the likelihood of poor air quality conditions through Monday, August 1, 2022 resulting primarily from the Oak Fire near Mariposa County, CA.   Wildfire smoke may be intermittent and affect different areas within the three counties of Nevada, Sierra and Plumas with elevated levels of particulate matter dependent upon wind direction.    Poor air quality has the potential to cause negative health impacts, particularly for sensitive groups and when exposure is prolonged.   
 
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. 
 
If you smell or see smoke around you, the following actions are recommended:

• Minimize outdoor activities even if you are considered 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 personal asthma management plan;
• People with heart disease, respiratory conditions or chronic health issues should stay indoors;
• Contact your doctor if you have any 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/Vape pens or barbecues.

 
Near real-time air quality conditions for the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District  may be found at www.myairdistrict.com (click on your location of interest under “Local Air Quality”).  As you view the most recent data, consider that conditions can change rapidly due to wind shifts; it is important 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:
www.airnow.gov/
 
Smoke mapping can be found at:  https://fire.airnow.gov/
 ​

Loyalton's Main Water leak was discussed Tuesday night during the City Council meeting. Resident Bill Mertton was taken on a tour of the leak and told how an Olympic swimming pool at 50 meters x 25 meters x 2 meters deep is 660,000 gallons. At 100,000-200,000 gallons of leakage per day, it would fill 1-1/2 Olympic pools per week. He stated he's "amazed at the volume." Councilman Jerry Gerow stated how there might be other leaks too.
Three options were explained: 1) Preferred; encompass, abandon and remove with 1,200-feet of new pipe. Cost estimate $500,000. This option has been turned in for a grant application
2) Abandon and replace 300-feet of new line, using 6", 10" and 6" pipe costing less than $125,000.
3) Shut off valve and hope 6-inch can sustain the pressure with no cost up front and no new line. This could cause multiple leaks.
The City is checking with contractors and getting dates and hopes for an answer next week.
The City posted notices on doors for no outside watering for one week, due to overuse and the main well needing to recuperate.

Customers Who Signed Up Before June 2022 Must Re-Enroll to Continue Receiving Alerts
 
Online Tool Benefits Tenants, Even If They Don’t Have a Utility Bill in Their Name
 
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers and non-account holders can now sign up for notifications for any address they care about to stay informed about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). High winds can cause tree branches and debris to contact energized lines, damage our equipment and cause wildfires. As a result, PG&E may need to turn off power during severe weather to prevent wildfires. This is called a PSPS. 
 
It is important to remember that if you signed up to receive these alerts prior to June 2022, you will need to re-enroll for each address, to continue receiving these notifications through June 2023.
 
To sign up for alerts for any address that is important to you or a loved one, visit www.pge.com/addressalert. Alerts are accessible in multiple languages by automated call and text.
 
Address Alerts might be right for you if:

• You want to know about a PSPS at your home, work, school or other important location
• You are a tenant and do not have a PG&E account
• You need to stay informed about a PSPS affecting a friend or loved one
• Multiple members of your household want to be notified

 
Customers and non-account holders interested in receiving updates about forecasted PSPS for an address where they do not receive a bill can sign up for any number of address alerts. Note, PG&E customers will automatically be enrolled to receive PSPS notifications for any home or business they have an account for. Customers are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with PG&E so they can be notified if their specific location will be impacted.
 
Prepare for the unexpected
                                                                             
PG&E understands that losing power disrupts lives and has been working nonstop to make its system safer while also reducing the impact of PSPS events. PG&E urges all customers to plan ahead of an unexpected emergency. Below are a few resources that can help you prepare for an outage:

• Safety Action Center: Find tips and guides to staying safe during wildfires or severe weather.
• Kids Emergency Preparedness: Access interactive games, safety tips and quizzes to share emergency resources with children.
• Medical Baseline Program: Sign up for resources available to support those in the disabled and aging populations.

 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

Photos by Mike Buck

Don't Miss This!!!
Marines from Reno are coming to kick off football summer training camp, Monday, August 1st at 6 p.m. The players will be put through the Combat Fitness Test.
​This is part of a partnership with Glazier Clinics in which the Marines provide this service to schools and teams around the country free of charge. Their goal is to instill some of the Marine Corps winning spirit into the team through proven methods of training.

The public is welcome and there will be food and drink as well as some Booster items for sale.  
Welcome to Grizzly Football’s 2022 season! - Story courtesy Coach Augustine Corcoran

Tahoe National Forest to implement Stage 1 fire restrictions July 20 No campfires outside established campfire rings in designated developed recreation sites


 NEVADA CITY, Calif. – July 19, 2022 — Ongoing drought and warming conditions have prompted the Tahoe National Forest to initiate Stage 1 fire restrictions starting July 20, 2022. Under these restrictions, the public can still build or maintain a fire, campfire, or charcoal briquette fire in established fire rings within designated developed campgrounds and day-use sites, but not outside of those areas. Campfires will not be allowed at all Tahoe National Forest recreation sites--a list of designated developed recreation areas is linked below.


“As we move into critical fire conditions on the Tahoe National Forest, we are putting fire restrictions in place in undeveloped areas to protect our forests and surrounding communities,” said Tahoe National Forest Fire Management Officer Jason Withrow. “At this point in the summer season, we are continuing to allow fires where it is safest to enjoy them—in our designated developed recreation areas.”


Fire rings in developed sites are the best place to enjoy a campfire because they are designed to keep flames contained and are kept clear of debris and vegetation. These sites are also visited regularly by staff and often have a campground host nearby to monitor campfire safety. All of this mitigates the chance of an escaped campfire becoming a wildfire.


The decision to go into fire restrictions is based on a variety of factors. Fire management officials monitor the current wildfire conditions on the forest, fuel moisture levels, and predicted weather to determine when to begin, increase, and rescind fire restrictions.


Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited:

• Building or maintaining a fire, campfire, or charcoal briquette fire outside of established fire rings within designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground or recreation area, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Using a motor vehicle off paved, gravel or dirt National Forest System roads and trails, except within a designated developed Off-Highway Vehicle area.

Regardless of conditions and time of year, we must remain vigilant at all times to avoid human-caused wildfires. Help protect our forests, firefighters, and communities by following these principals when out on forested lands:

• Campfires: Attend your campfire at all times. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished: drown with water (NOT dirt), stir with your shovel, drown again, and feel for any heat using the back of your hand. Continue this process until no heat remains.
• Stoves: If using pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, or heating devices, use in barren areas with at least 3 feet of clearance from grasses and other debris that may catch fire. Prevent stoves from tipping.
• Vehicles: When traveling, ensure your chains are properly connected. The hot underside of the vehicle and dragging chains can start a fire. Stick to driving on designated roads and trails and be careful to not park your car or OHV in tall, dry, vegetation, including grass. The Tahoe National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map can be found here.
• Spark Arrestors: Ensure that all internal or external combustion engines have a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
• Flammable Items: Fireworks are prohibited on all national forests year-round, leave them and all other pyrotechnic devices at home. Always use caution with smoking. Extinguish all smoking materials dead out on bare soil. Pack out all cigarette butts and filters.

The full Forest Order and list of designated developed recreation sites can be found here.
For more information about the Tahoe National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe.
Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at facebook.com/TahoeNF.


USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 
OROVILLE, CA — Beginning this week, approximately 3.25 miles of Forest Road 94 on the Plumas National Forest will be closed for construction.
It is expected the work will be completed and the road will reopen by November 4.  Information will be shared as the work is completed and the road reopens.
The closure is between milepost 8.13 at the intersection with Forest Road 21N23, also known as Cascade Creek Road, and Forest Road 22N62, also known as Milsap Bar Road.
The stretch of Forest Road needs critical repairs this summer and is a section with numerous turns, the road narrows, sight is limited and there are not safe places to turn around.  For public, employee and contractor safety, it is necessary to temporarily close the road.
Crews will be working on repairing road damage, removing hazard trees, widening the road, repairing slides and replacing retaining walls damaged in the North Complex Fire. 
Today the focus was on signing the section of road as closed and moving equipment to stage in the area to start work this week.  As work begins, the road will be impassible for the duration of the project.
Recreation sites, including campgrounds, trailheads and trails along that portion of Forest Road 94 are currently closed for repairs due to damage from the North Complex Fire in fall 2020.  This includes South Branch, Hanson Bar, South Hartman Bar and Hartman Bar Campgrounds, and Hanson Bar and South Hartman Bar Trailheads and Trails.  These sites are closed under Order Number 05-11-03-22-01.
Forest Road 27 can be used to access Little Grass Valley and other open recreation sites in the area.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, follow the forest on Twitter @USFSPlumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. 
 
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Engine 361 firefighter and Willow Incident Commander Type 5 Trainee Krystal Benn officially called yesterday’s 1/10th acre Willow Fire OUT after completing a thorough patrol check today.

Yesterday evening, Tahoe National Forest Fire resources including E-361, Fire Prevention Patrol 61, TNF Truckee E-373 with assistance from Sierra County Fire Resources responded to the Willow Fire off of Willow St. in the Sierraville Ranger District’s Direct Protection Area (DPA). TNF Sierraville Battalion Chief 61 Shawn Burt initially took command of the wildfire that started from a commercial vehicle fire and spread into flashy grass fuels.  

Willow Incident Commander actual, TNF Engine Captain 361 Adam Smith recounts, “Engine 361 and Patrol 61 knocked down the grass fire while additional firefighters from Engine 361 with Sierra County Engine 282 attacked the hay buildup around the PTO on the hay bailer that was smoking. TNF Engine 373 assisted with mop up to ensure the 100% containment and control of the wildfire.  

The wildland firefighters on-scene from the U.S. Forest Service and Sierra County had previously trained together during the RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Refresher instructed by TNF Engine Captain 361, Patrol 61, with E-373 earlier in the season and utilized the training and familiarity with each other’s incident response capabilities to successfully contain and control the fire safely and quickly.

Photos of 7.17.22 Willow Fire with TNF Sierraville Engine 361 on-scene
Photos courtesy of TNF Engine Caption 361 and Willow Incident Commander Adam Smith

By Meredith Anello
Forestry Technician- Wildland Fire Apprentice 
Public Information Officer-Fire 
U.S. Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest 
Truckee Ranger District

It took only 20 minutes from dispatch to containment due to the convergence of U.S. Forest Service Fire Resources and Firestorm Crew 7 on Sunday’s Vista Fire on the Tahoe National Forest. 


“USFS Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Engine 362 and Fire Prevention Patrol 61, TNF Truckee Engine 372, cover Engine 332 from Mendocino National Forest with Plumas National Forest Fire Resources and Firestorm Crew 7 completed handline and a hose lay to surround the .5 acre Vista Fire that ignited south of Beckwourth on the Sierraville Ranger District,”reported Vista Incident Commander- TNF Sierraville Engine Captain 362 Zac Stockdale. 

The wildfire was initially reported to TNF Dispatch as a structure fire extending into vegetation but no structure was involved and the cause is under investigation. Fire resources completed mop up and gridded the entire fire area on their hands and knees to further secure containment lines and remove all interior heat as part of the quick, joint full suppression response. TNF Fire Prevention, Detection, and Suppression resources extended their staffing that evening to be available for new starts and continue to patrol the Vista Fire. 


Below, Fire Resources from the Tahoe, Plumas, Mendocino National Forests and Firestorm Crew 7 mopping up Vista Fire to remove remaining heat and secure containment lines

SACRAMENTO – – Today, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City) reacted to a new report that the Newsom Administration is moving closer towards a permanent expansion of the state’s failed early prison release program:

“We were all hoping that the gang shootout blocks away from the State Capitol would serve as a crime wakeup call for the Governor and Capitol Democrats,” said Gallagher. “Unfortunately, we were wrong. The Newsom administration is quietly pushing forward with their plan to further slash prison sentences for violent, unrehabilitated felons. Every Californian should be infuriated by this, especially those who have been victimized as a result of this state’s failed early release experiment.”

CalMatters reported this morning that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation quietly submitted the permanent regulations to the Office of Administrative Law late last month. The pending regulations will triple the amount of time some inmates are able to earn off their sentences and result in violent felons being released after serving less than half their original sentences.

In April, Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to direct the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to withdraw the dangerous early release regulations and allow the emergency pandemic rules to expire. Despite repeated requests, not a single Democrat lawmaker signed the letter opposing this early release expansion.

The letter highlighted spiking crime throughout California, as well as the case of Smiley Martin, who was released from prison in February after serving less than half a 10-year sentence for brutally assaulting his girlfriend. Barely a month after his release, Martin was arrested as a suspect in the Sacramento gang shootout that left six people dead just a block from the State Capitol.

 
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(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman LaMalfa (R – Richvale) submitted nine amendments to the House funding bills expected to come up for a vote next week.
 
“For too long, Democrats have treated the annual appropriations bill as a blank check to fund their frivolous wish-list items – and often times, these projects do not benefit the greater good of the American people. Our tax dollars should be responsibly spent on projects that will improve the lives of the American people,” said LaMalfa. “To emphasize this, I have proposed a series of reasonable amendments that would provide vast improvements to the people of the North State over the outlandish priorities that Congressional Democrats are peddling.”

1. Prohibits any high-speed rail funding for the State of California unless the Secretary of Transportation can certify that all landowners whose property has been taken for the project have been compensated, and that the environmental reviews for the entire high-speed rail project have been completed.

 

1. Prohibits the EPA from converting cropland to wetlands using their “abandonment” criteria.

 

1. Prohibits the EPA and Army Corps from finalizing or implementing the Biden Administration’s update to the definition of the Waters of the United States.

 

1. Directs the SBA to prioritize reopening and finishing consideration of the COVID EIDL loan applications that were still pending or being processed when the program was closed down on May 6th, 2022.

 

1. Stops FERC from moving forward on the Klamath dam removal project; may force them to only approve actions which show a net benefit to the socioeconomics of the entire Klamath Basin, and do not raise the costs of power.

 

1. Require the Secretary of the Interior designate phosphate and potash as critical minerals.

 

1. Prevents the Fish and Wildlife Service from listing new endangered species if that action will harm agriculture, limit necessary repairs to roads and infrastructure, or add additional red-tape surrounding needed thinning to prevent wildfires.

 

1. Transfers funds from the Environmental Programs and Management enforcement activities account to the National Forest System account for enforcement and remediation of illegal marijuana trespass grow sites on federal lands. This would include for the clean-up of toxic waste and chemicals at these sites.

 

1. Prohibits the SEC from finalizing or implementing regulations that require companies to report greenhouse gas emissions or climate-related risks.

 
 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
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By Ted Gaines
Word Count 604
 
It’s time for the Great Undoing. California must undo the policies that have created the affordability crisis, forcing working families to live paycheck to paycheck. Whatever it takes, one policy at a time, and I’m starting with driving costs.
 
I am announcing the California Driver Affordability Act of 2024, an initiative to eliminate the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) entirely. This tax on car ownership is currently .65% of your vehicle’s value, paid at purchase and then every year when you register your car or truck. It’s the main reason drivers get eye-popping registration bills every year.
 
Why this and why now? Despite intense negotiations and a little bit of bipartisan cooperation, the legislature has been unable even to suspend an increase in California’s highest-in-the-nation gas tax, much less suspend the tax entirely, as several states have done recently. Drivers are shouldering another $500 million in annual taxes that began on July 1. Couple that with our astronomical gas prices and runaway inflation and many families are simply priced out of summer vacation plans.
 
And it’s hardly just vacations that are affected. Imagine owning a delivery business right now, or a trucking company? Families are being squeezed as the price of a tank of gas races above $100 and are having to make hard choices about where to cut expenses, just so they can afford to drive to work. It’s a cruel state for working people.
 
Here’s a little reminder of how California works outside of wealthy coastal areas and Silicon Valley – we are the poorest state in the nation. The US Census Bureau’s supplemental poverty measure, which considers cost of living, shows California to be worse off than any other state. Californians pay so much more for life’s basics that they have only crumbs left to save, invest, or enjoy.
 
That’s an ugly counterpoint to the cheerleaders who boast that we are the world’s 5th-largest economy. How large California’s economy is does not matter to people who can’t afford to rent an apartment, buy groceries or put gas in their cars.
 
Governor Newsom is offering some one-time checks to help families weather the California cost crunch. It’s better than nothing but it’s not enough. Families can’t budget based on the whims of a governor. They need permanent relief and predictable costs. If the legislature or governor can’t deliver, it’s going to fall on the people themselves to change the state for the better.
 
Canceling the VLF is one needed step out of many. It will save drivers hundreds of dollars a year, forever. For example, if you are buying or re-registering a $20,000 car this year, you would save $130. If you are buying or re-registering a $40,000 car, you would save $260. Unlike Newsom’s one-year proposal, these savings would persist, year after year.
 
My initiative will backfill VLF money from the state’s surging general fund and nearly $100 billion surplus, so that local governments that depend on VLF revenues can continue to operate without missing a beat. This is a way of giving taxpayers the refunds they deserve but can’t get through elected government.
 
The legislature will never give up government revenue. Struggling Californians will have to help themselves at the ballot box if we are ever to undo the damage that has spilled out of the capitol.
 
This California Driver Affordability Act is a start. We need to make every aspect of California life more affordable, from housing to electricity to groceries. The state is becoming unlivable to all but the wealthy. That must change. It’s time to cut the car tax and start to permanently increase prosperity in the Golden State.
 
Senator Ted Gaines (Ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District. He is a leading taxpayer advocate and is committed to providing trustworthy and transparent representation for nearly ten million constituents in 30 counties of northern, eastern, and southern California.
 
 

What was reported first as a 20x20 fire instantly became 30x30 on Tuesday along Highway 395 north of Reno on the Nevada side. 
Smoke can be seen along the highway after the fire started about 11 a.m. No evacuations were necessary.

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Showcasing the faces of diversity in animal welfare



(Baltimore, MD. July 11, 2022) — Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is pleased to unveil a new public service announcement (PSA) showcasing more diversity on a well-known topic that typically does not feature people of color. Dozens of PSA’s on pets in hot cars have been created in the past, but few with underlying messages of race, equity and inclusion.


In the video, a young African American man rescues a small dog suffering in a hot car in sweltering heat. To CARE producers, it was critical the hero be a person of color, especially given this PSA is based on a true story. Last summer a young African American man from New Jersey rescued a dog from a blazing hot van moments before the animal died of heat exhaustion. “The PSA is about expanding the narrative of what we see in the mass media and the perception of pet owners in our country. So often the heroes are Caucasian, and the villains are members of the BIPOC community. Animal lovers and caring pet owners are of all races.” says James Evans, producer and founder of CARE.


CARE is a national 501©3 nonprofit based in Baltimore that addresses organizational and personal biases in animal welfare. The mission is to bring diverse voices to the industry while also advocating for a more inclusive path to pet adoption. CARE believes in using evidence-based tools, narratives, and insights to inspire organizations to be more inclusive and less biased. It’s all an effort to save more companion animal lives.


You can watch the video here.


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This week, CCW holders who were denied or granted a permit between 2011 and 2021 should be receiving communication from the Attorney General regarding the unauthorized data breach by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). This letter explains What Happened, What Information Was Involved, What They Are Doing, What You Can Do, and provides contact information for the DOJ.
To reiterate our earlier statement on this issue, we are incensed about this data breach and remain concerned for the safety and security of our CCW holders past and present. We strongly encourage those who receive the letter from the DOJ to take all appropriate steps to safeguard your personal information to include enrolling in the free IDX service provided. There will be an enrollment code on your letter from the DOJ.

A copy of the letter is attached. 

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) are gearing up for the hot and dry summer months as the state experiences a third consecutive year of severe drought.
California will enter the dry summer months with below-average reservoir storage and with the state’s largest reservoir, Shasta Lake, at critically low levels. The Sierra snowpack is essentially gone, and runoff into the state’s streams and reservoirs has largely peaked for the year.
“The overall water supply for California is still critical going into the dry summer months,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “DWR and its federal partners at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will continue to take a conservative approach to water management decisions to maintain storage, water quality, and water deliveries for millions of Californians. We need to be prepared for a hotter, drier future brought on by our changing climate.”
DWR and Reclamation are coordinating closely on water project operations and actions to address expected low river flows and temperature challenges this summer.
As a result of the ongoing severe drought conditions, DWR has finalized its decision earlier this year to deliver 5 percent of requested State Water Project (SWP) supplies in 2022. DWR will also provide water for any unmet critical health and safety needs of the 29 water agencies that contract to receive SWP supplies.
Reclamation is taking a similar approach to water supply allocation this year, given the critical conditions at Shasta Lake, the primary source of water for the Central Valley Project (CVP). Reservoir levels in Shasta were the second lowest on record on May 1 this year.
Most agricultural water service contractors will receive a zero percent allocation from the CVP this water year (with Friant Division Class 1 at 15 percent) and municipal water supplies for communities at the minimum levels for health and safety needs only.
“As the cornerstone of the Central Valley Project, we are working to conserve as much storage in Shasta Reservoir as possible, which is currently only at 40 percent capacity,” said Reclamation Regional Director Ernest Conant. “As such, we will be relying heavily on Folsom Reservoir to help with Delta water quality needs this summer. We are also working closely with state and federal partners to help protect endangered winter-run Chinook salmon.”
Among the actions to benefit winter-run Chinook is the installation of chilling units at Shasta Dam that will further cool the water coming into the Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery.
DWR recently conducted aerial observations of Shasta Lake, Lake Oroville and Folsom Lake to capture still photos and aerial video of the lake levels at their seasonal peak. These photos and videos are available for use by media outlets.  
DWR will continue to preserve as much storage as possible in Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir. Water releases from Lake Oroville will be prioritized to maintain Delta water quality, protect endangered species, and meet senior water right needs.
DWR and Reclamation have been operating the State Water Project and Central Valley Project under a Temporary Urgency Change Order since April that allowed for the flexibility to release less water into the Delta through June 30 and conserve limited stored water in Shasta, Oroville, and Folsom reservoirs. DWR and Reclamation currently project that both systems have available water supply to maintain Delta water quality through the summer.
The Emergency Drought Salinity Barrier along the West False River in the Delta will remain in place to help conserve storage and reduce the amount of saltwater intrusion into the Delta through the summer and fall. The barrier is expected to remain in place until November 30, however its continued need into 2023 will be reassessed in the fall.
Uncertainty still remains as summer approaches. Hotter temperatures, longer heatwaves, and wildfires could impact water management decisions. DWR and Reclamation will continue to monitor conditions and adjust as needed to navigate the severe drought conditions and plan for another dry fall and winter to come.
With that in mind, California is continuing to respond with a series of drought actions:

• Governor Newsom has called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent. He has also urged local water agencies to take more aggressive action to reduce water use through their locally developed Water Shortage Contingency Plans. Local agency decisions on water conservation are key to successful management of water resources.

• The State Water Resources Control Board has voted to require water agencies to move to Level 2 of their contingency plans, meant to address up to a 20 percent shortage of water supplies. The Water Board also voted to ban the watering of non-functional turf or decorative grass found around commercial buildings, industrial parks, and along roadways. DWR estimates that the ban will save hundreds of thousands of acre-feet a year, enough to supply water to more than half a million households for a year.
• DWR is providing direct community assistance for drought relief projects and to communities who need it most to address water supply challenges and help build local resilience. To date, DWR has awarded more than $406 million in drought relief funding to communities throughout the state. Additionally, the state recently announced $150 million in funding for groundwater sustainability projects in communities that rely on groundwater for their water supply.

Californians can now access current water conditions in real time at California Water Watch, a new website launched by DWR. This website will help Californians see their local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions down to their address or their local watershed. The site presents data from a variety of sources and allows the public to obtain a quick snapshot of local and statewide water conditions.

By Dr. Jennifer Malin, chief medical officer at Optum
 
With summer officially here, you may be rushing outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. You may also be thinking about how to best protect your skin.
More people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, and most skin cancer is associated with sun exposure. Knowing how to help protect your skin from the sun may have a lasting impact.
To help set the record straight, here is some useful information on some common sun protection myths.
True or false? Your sunscreen should have UVA and UVB protection.
True: When walking down the sunscreen aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. Start by looking for a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. That means it filters both types of ultraviolet radiation.
The Skin Cancer Foundation says that ultraviolet A rays are present all day and can cause skin-aging and wrinkling while ultraviolet B rays are strongest during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and can cause sunburns. Both types have been linked to skin cancer.
True or false? One application of sunscreen lasts all day.
False: Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day and SPF, or sun protection factor, can help you know how often. If you typically burn after 10 minutes in the sun, multiply that number by the SPF. For SPF 30, this would translate to 300 minutes, but the sunscreen will start to rub off before then. So, reapply often, at least every two hours.
Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off or excessive sweating.
True or false? You should use the highest SPF possible.
False: You may be surprised to learn that higher SPF does not always mean better protection. You may not need anything higher than SPF 30 if you’re applying generously and often. This is because, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 protects against 97% of the sun’s rays, while SPF 50 increases that just a bit – to 98%.
True or false? A little dab of sunscreen goes a long way.
False: To get a sunscreen’s full protection, you should consider applying about one ounce (about two tablespoons). Again, it’s important to reapply every two hours, or right after coming out of the water.
True or false? You can get sun damage on a cloudy day.
True: One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting about incidental sun exposure. Your skin is still soaking up UV rays even on cloudy days or while driving with the windows down. To help protect skin in such situations, consider making protection part of your normal routine. Put sunscreen on first thing in the morning, even if you aren’t thinking about going outside – be consistent.
True or false? Sunscreen is better than covering up.
False: While sunscreen is vital and should be used, it’s important to stay covered up. Wear lightweight, tightly woven hats, shirts and pants. Combine sunscreen and sun-protective clothing for your strongest protection.
True or false? Both sunscreen spray and sunscreen lotion offer the same protection.
It depends. While sunscreen spray can be easier to apply, it comes with a few risks. Sunscreen spray is harder to control and most people do not use enough — experts recommend spraying each area of your body for at least six seconds. You also need to rub it in after application. In addition, ingredients in spray sunscreens may be irritating to your lungs if inhaled, so you’ll want to be sure you’re not spraying it directly on your face. Consider using a lotion for a base and reapplying with spray instead.
Summer is a great time to get you and your loved ones outside to enjoy the fresh air, outdoor activities and exercise under the sun so don’t let concerns about sunscreen stop you from enjoying the warmer weather.

In addition to doubling staff, three tiers of volunteer positions are now available.
TRUCKEE, Calif. (June 14, 2022) - Visit Truckee-Tahoe announces a major expansion of the Sustainable Truckee Ambassador program for summer 2022 made possible by more funding partners, doubling the number of Staff Ambassadors, plus the launch of a new volunteer program.

Operated and administered by the Truckee Trails Foundation (TTF), the Sustainable Truckee Ambassador program now includes a three-tiered volunteer program for local residents and anyone in the world (visitors alike) to help protect our community from wildfire danger, educate outdoor recreation users, and mitigate excessive trash. Staff Ambassadors, who are employees of TTF, will increase from three in summer 2021 to seven. In addition to Visit Truckee-Tahoe funding, Town of Truckee, Truckee Fire Protection District and Nevada County (pending June 28th Supervisor meeting) are contributors. 

“With everyone’s eyes and ears on trails, beaches, OHV roads and paved paths, we can all help protect Truckee from wildfire danger, trash and unsafe recreation behaviors,” said Colleen Dalton, CEO of Visit Truckee-Tahoe. “People talking to people has proven to be the most effective way to cultivate a safe and caring culture in an era of digital overload.”

“We received great feedback from the trailhead ambassador interactions last year, and are excited that this resource is expanding this summer,” said Erica Mertens, Keep Truckee Green program manager for the Town of Truckee.

With expectations for another busy summer, the goal is to prevent wildfires and to educate and welcome all people who enjoy the outdoors. Coverage this summer expands beyond the 36 trail signage locations of last year to Town of Truckee scenic paved paths in addition to Tahoe National Forest OHV roads towards Prosser, Boca, and Stampede. Staff Ambassadors will ride new mountain e-bikes funded by Visit Truckee-Tahoe for rapid access to more remote areas. Locals will recognize Sustainable Truckee trailhead signs with a focus on three messages: safety between hikers and bikers, pack out trash and poop, and wildfire danger. 

In addition, Truckee citizens are encouraged to join a community of Sustainable Truckee Ambassadors as volunteers. Three volunteer opportunities are available all summer long, providing different levels of participation for everyone who wishes to get involved: Volunteer Ambassador, Secret Steward, and Virtual Fire Lookout Ambassador.

“We heard from so many locals asking about how they can help. Truckee Trails Foundation is excited about creating the new volunteer program with our partners Visit Truckee-Tahoe and Town of Truckee participating in the creative thought process,” said Allison Pedley, Executive Director of Truckee Trails Foundation.

As critical boots on the ground during peak periods, Staff and Volunteer Ambassadors will be trained to identify and report fire danger to the corresponding land management agency or dial 9-1-1 if a threat is real and imminent. Scheduling and trail coverage will be managed by TTF. Staff Ambassadors carry satellite communicators for emergency communications in trail areas that are known cell service dead zones.

An easy, DIY volunteer opportunity is “Secret Stewards.” This role is for everyone who hikes and bikes their favorite trails, on their own time, and who would like to report back on conditions that need attention. 

Virtual Fire Lookout Ambassadors will help by keeping an eye on ALERTWildfire lookout cams for fire or smoke. Cams are on www.visittruckeetahoe.com/weather. 

“There have been some great success stories of volunteers setting up watch groups to monitor the ALERTWildfire camera system and reporting the first sign of small, developing smoke columns to 911. Early detection, dispatch, and rapid response sets firefighters up for operational success” said Eric Horntvedt, Wildfire Prevention Manager for Truckee Fire Protection District.

Sustainable Truckee Ambassadors (Staff and Volunteers) will receive training on Monday, June 20th, 5:00-6:00pm at Truckee River Regional Park picnic tables next to the skate park and playground, located at 10050 Brockway Road in Truckee. Facilitators from Truckee Fire, USFS, Truckee Trails Foundation and Visit Truckee-Tahoe will be present. Ambassadors receive a Sustainable Truckee Ambassador t-shirt, name tag and a signup schedule for available shifts to rove trails, beaches, piers, paved paths and OHV roads. 

“After June 20th, on-demand training will be available in addition to Ambassador meetups to cultivate community and teamwork, as well as hear feedback on data collection and ways to improve the program,” said Kim Jean, TTF Ambassador Coordinator. 

“We are seeking to foster an inclusive, welcoming outdoors in a respectful and compassionate way - inviting trail users to take care of the land and be fire-safe,” stated Siobhan Kenney, Director of Sustainable Tourism for Visit Truckee-Tahoe. 

Sign up and learn more about Sustainable Truckee Ambassador Staff and Volunteer positions at www.VisitTruckeeTahoe.com/ambassador. Spanish speakers are needed.
 
The Sustainable Truckee Ambassador program is a collaborative partnership made possible by several key organizations. Both Staff and Volunteer Ambassadors are managed by Truckee Trails Foundation, with primary funding from Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s Sustainable Truckee initiative. Additional funding comes from the Town of Truckee and Truckee Fire Protection District. Nevada County is expected to contribute funding, to be determined at the June 28th Supervisor meeting.