SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Although the summer season will soon be coming to a close, many Californians will continue to take advantage of the warm weather into the Labor Day weekend.  As the celebrations commence, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants everyone to enjoy their holiday and to remain safe on California’s roadways.


All available CHP officers will be on duty during the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), from 6:01 p.m. Friday, September 2, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 5.  Drug recognition experts and CHP officers will be on patrol watching for impaired drivers as well as assisting motorists in need throughout the holiday weekend.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign on August 19, and it will run through September 5.  This law enforcement crackdown is intended to zero in on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and help reduce injury and fatal collisions.  Research from NHTSA shows that high-visibility enforcement, such as an MEP, can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.


“Too many lives are lost on our roadways every year as a result of impaired driving.  Let’s end the summer safely and remember to designate a sober driver, wear your seat belt, and obey all traffic laws,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. 


During last year’s Labor Day weekend, CHP officers made more than 1,200 arrests for driving under the influence.  Unfortunately, 32 people were killed in collisions in California during the same weekend, and at least seven of those people killed were not wearing seat belts.


If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 9-1-1.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel.  Your phone call may save someone’s life.


The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.

Drought and Bark Beetle Damaged Trees Present Roadway Safety Hazards
                                                                                            
SIERRA AREA – Caltrans District 3 will be joining the Governor’s drought-related State of Emergency efforts to identify, cut and remove dead and dying trees from alongside Interstate 80 and State Highway 20 beginning September 6, 2016. Tree removal operations will take place on Interstate 80 between Magra and Kingvale and on Highway 20 between Willow Valley and Yuba Pass. Removal efforts are anticipated to conclude in November.




There are more than 60 million affected trees in the state, primarily stressed by drought and infected with the bark beetle – and many of these dead or dying trees could contribute to road hazards or wildfires. The Caltrans tree removal project will improve the safety of our highways for travelers, truckers and emergency services, as well as reduce fuel for potential fires.


District 3 has contracted with certified arborists who, along with the Caltrans trained professionals of the District 3 Tree Crew, will be removing dead and dying trees within 100 feet of the roadway’s centerline. These crews will also assess trees that are capable of falling on highways, regardless of their location. As part of the program, Caltrans will: 


·         Identify the dead, dying and at-risk trees along state highways; 
·         Contact the landowner, if the tree is outside the public right of way, and discuss removal options; 
·         Cut and remove identified and approved trees from state right of way. 






Working closely with CalFire personnel and staff from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Caltrans is working statewide to identify critical areas of concern. Caltrans News Flash #92 covers work already starting in Tuoloumne County - https://youtu.be/WOg2azsrOsA .


Roadways may be impacted by tree removal efforts. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap at: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. For project updates, follow Caltrans District 3 on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3.

 
            Christopher Davis (38) Reno.  Davis was sentenced for transportation of marijuana for sale.  He was placed on three years probation, served 148 days in jail, and fined $1855.  The arrested resulted from a routine traffic stop by CHP on highway 80.
 
            Gabriel Marquez (21) Portola.  Marquez pled guilty to driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above.  He was placed on three years probation, 48 hours jail, vined $2430, and ordered to alcohol school.
 
            Joseph Immel (22) Payson.  For leaving a dog in a vehicle unattended, he was fined $455 pus he paid a $200 impound fee.
 
            Larenzo Larrucea (40) Calpine.  Lauuucea pled guilty to unlawful take of a creature (an elk) which was on ranch property that he was foreman.  He received one year probation, and was fined $1055.
 
            Samuel LaBono (21) Loyalton.  LaBono was sentenced on a conviction of sending material to a minor by electronic means with the intent to commit sex offenses.  He was placed on five years probation, served 267 days in jail, fined $2410, and ordered to register as a sex offender.
 
            Jose Lopez (21) Corning, and Luis Chabarin-Ramos (22) Stockton.  After a contested hearing the two were ordered to stand trial on charges of cultivating marijuana, possession for sale of marijuana, unlawful diversion of a stream, and resisting arrest.  The evidence demonstrated that they were in a very large marijuana plantation on forest service land just south of Sierraville.
 
            Gabriel Sanchez-Radillo (36) Red Bluff and Efrain Diaz (34) of Mexico. After a contested preliminary hearing, in separate cases, were ordered to stand trial for illegal cultivation of marijuana, possession for sale of marijuana, use of toxic substances, placing toxic substance in a manner that posses a threat of harm to others, illegal stream diversion, and resisting arrest.  The two men were arrested in separate marijuana grows on forest service land east of Sierra Brooks.
 
            David Money (34) Reno.  Money was found in violation of his probation for absconding from probation, and not following the terms of probation.  His underlying conviction was a charge of auto theft.  When sentenced on September 23, he is facing up to three years in prison.
 
 
Lon Lieburn (54) Mt. Pleasant Wisconsin.  After a plea to driving under the influence, Lieburn was placed on three years probation, served 48 hours in jail, fined $2430, and ordered to attend alcohol school.
 
            Steve Perkins (53) Oroville.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Perkins was ordered to stand trail on charges of first degree burglary (a residence).  The evidence produced showed that he had broken into a vacation cabin and took some items from.
 
            Alexandra Shepard (49) Reno.  Fishing without a license, fine $450.
 
            Thomas Gonzalez (19) Loyalton.  Sentencing on convictions for sex acts with at minor and possession of child pornography.  He was placed on four years probation, served 222 days jail, fined $1700, ordered to stay away from victims and family, and he must register as a sex offender. 
 

Bipartisan Effort Overwhelmingly Approved by Legislature
SACRAMENTO, CA – August 24, 2016 – Legislation sponsored by the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) to restore the State’s commitment to its county partnership involving state wildland areas is headed to the Governor for his signature. Commonly known as Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), 36 California counties rely on State PILT to fund vital local programs and services. Senate Bill 1188 by Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) has 15 other authors and co-authors, and is a bipartisan effort to restore Fish and Game Code language making State PILT payments to counties a requirement.
Established in 1949 to offset adverse impacts to county property tax revenues that result when the State acquires private property for wildlife management areas, State PILT helps small and rural counties fund a variety of programs and services that benefit county residents.  In 2015, the final State Budget Package included language in the Fish and Game Code that changed “shall” to “may” to make future State PILT payments to California’s 36 PILT counties permissive.  
“State PILT is crucial to California’s counties, and over the last 15 years counties have struggled to tighten their budgets in order to fund programs and services for residents when the State stopped making payments,” said Patricia Megason, RCRC Executive Vice President.  “This language change makes it clear that the State values its county partners and recognizes the impact State PILT has on programs and services to residents throughout the state.  We are grateful for the Senator’s leadership on this issue, and we urge the Governor to sign this legislation.” 
The language change in the 2015 final State Budget Package is significant as the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) already owes nearly $8 million in State PILT arrearages to California’s State PILT counties.  Despite the previous requirement in statute that the DFW make State PILT payments annually to the impacted counties, they have failed to do so until last year.  
“This was an agreement made decades ago and the State has reneged on these payments for far too long,” said Senator Mike McGuire. “Small communities and rural counties desperately need these dollars to keep our neighborhoods safe, fund local fire and emergency services, and invest in crumbling roads and streets.” 
A detailed Q&A on State PILT can be accessed here.  The full text of SB 1188 can be accessed here. 
About Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-five member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.  RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties.  To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter.
                                                                           

 

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) issued the following statement regarding Assembly Bill 1889 (Mullin), which passed out of the Senate today allowing bond money to be spent on High Speed Rail-related projects without certification by an independent consultant.


“High Speed Rail is shaping up to be the most colossal waste of taxpayer money in the history of California. Now we have this bill that is going to spend the bond money in a way that was never authorized by the voters.


“Let’s not double down on a terrible project by siphoning money behind taxpayers’ backs. Our roads are crumbling and I keep hearing that we need higher gas taxes, higher registration fees, to pay for these desperately needed repairs. If it’s really desperate, why are we going to waste a hundred billion dollars on this rail project?


“High Speed Rail is a disaster that robs money from better, more useful infrastructure projects and I’m extremely disappointed my colleagues passed this bill out of the Senate.”


Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District, which includes all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou counties.

SPARKS, Nevada – August 25, 2016 – It is with great sadness that the U.S. Forest Service mourns the passing of firefighter Ian Howard. Crew members on Engine 16 from the Plumas National Forest discovered their friend and colleague's passing last Sunday morning. The cause of death is unknown at this time. The crew was prepositioned for firefighting at the Paskenta Work Center on the Mendocino National Forest and were staying overnight in Corning, CA. At the time of Ian’s passing, his engine was not assigned to an active wildfire incident.
Ian was a fire engine operator assigned to Engine 16 from the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest. He was a respected and dedicated employee and his passing is a big loss, not only for the Plumas National Forest, but also for the Forest Service. In Ian's time as an employee with the Forest Service, his contributions were that of a selfless public servant. He will be greatly missed.
Please keep the Howard family, Engine 16’s crew, his coworkers and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Condolences for the family can be sent to: Beckwourth Ranger District, P.O. Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103.
Ian’s body will be flown via Forest Service aircraft to Reno-Stead Airport on Friday, August 26, and escorted to a funeral home by his Plumas National Forest crewmates and other fire, law enforcement, and first responder vehicles. Media agencies are invited to collect imagery and interview a Forest Service spokesperson at this event, beginning at 10:00 AM at the front entrance of Reno-Stead Airport. Please RSVP to the contact information above by 8:00 AM on Friday. Reno-Stead Airport is located at 4895 Texas Ave, Reno, NV 89506.

MINERAL, CA –Lassen Volcanic National Park will join 412 park units across the United States to celebrate the 100th birthday of  the National Park Service on August 25.  Thursday through Sunday, the park entrance fee will be waived and everyone welcomed into the park for free.  A special showing of, This is America, will be presented on Thursday in the Loomis Museum Auditorium at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Later that evening at 8:30 p.m., Ranger Chris Duva, will present a special 45-minute evening program at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater on the history of Lassen Volcanic National Park and the National Park Service.   “We invite visitors to come celebrate the National Park Service birthday this weekend and enjoy what Lassen Volcanic National Park has to offer,” said Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons.


This is America is a complete 45-minute film that tells the story of the national park idea through the prism of our nation's diverse population, weaving together stories of extraordinary people from a wide variety of backgrounds who devoted their lives to the national park ideal – to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time – and helped it broaden and evolve over the course of 150 years.


There is still time to submit your favorite Lassen photo for the Annual Pass Photo Contest.  Submit up to two photos per household by September 9 – see details on the park website. Ranger-led programs will continue through September 5 and the park’s Reach Higher Trail Challenge is still underway. “This is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy Lassen’s scenic trails and take a fitness challenge that will earn hikers a special park centennial bandana,” stated Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons.  As visitors drive along the park highway they can also listen to the new Then and Now Highway Audio Tour which includes sixteen stops that delve into Lassen Volcanic’s 100-year history and highlights the triumphs and challenges of today.   Visitors are encouraged to download the MP3 files from the park website through the Lassen Audio Tours podcast before visiting the park. 


Come prepared for cool weather especially in the early morning and late afternoon.  Lassen is a high elevation park ranging from 5,650 to 10,457 feet and weather can change quickly.  Check the weather forecast before your visit and come prepared for the conditions. It is recommended you wear layers and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Even on overcast days, sun exposure is greater at higher elevations.    The Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is weather-dependent this time of year and is subject to closure at any time due to snow and icy conditions.


The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For more information, please visit the website www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the park at 530-595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov.

Ben Davis got his first Archery Buck August 23, 2016 and it is his biggest buck. The buck was a 4 x 3 and the rack width was 27 inches.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers are looking for any information the public may have regarding two unsolved crimes: the unlawful killing of a male bighorn sheep in Siskiyou County, and the unlawful maiming of an adult male deer in Humboldt County.



The bighorn carcass was discovered near the Jenny Creek camping area and reported to CDFW by a citizen on June 12, 2016. The head and horns had been removed from the sheep and the remaining portion of the carcass was left along the side of Copco Road at Iron Gate Lake Road, just out of sight of passing vehicles. Officers are uncertain about the cause of death, but it is always unlawful to remove and possess parts of wildlife that were not legally harvested.


On July 29, 2016, CDFW responded to a citizen's report of an injured deer near the 6400 block of Elk River Road in Eureka. Wildlife officers discovered the large deer had been shot through its back, which injured its spine and left it paralyzed. Due to the severity of the injuries and suffering, the deer had to be euthanized. Evidence indicated the deer was illegally shot with a high-power rifle, which was consistent with nearby residents' reports of gunshots in the early morning hours that day.


Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to call CalTIP, CDFW's confidential secret witness program, at (888) 334-2258; or send a text to tip411. Both methods allow the public to provide wildlife officers with factual information to assist with these and other investigations. Callers may remain anonymous, if desired.


The Humane Society of the United States learned of these cases from previous news articles and contacted CDFW to pledge a reward of up to $5,000 -- in addition to a reward of up to $1,000 from the CalTIP program -- for information that leads to arrest and conviction in either of these two cases.


For more information on the CalTIP program or to download the CalTIP reporting app, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/enforcement/caltip.
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Sacramento - CAL FIRE announced Wednesday it will be awarding nearly $16 million for fire prevention grants to local fire departments and fire safe councils to reduce the threat of large wildfires. The 2016-2017 State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund and tree mortality grants are aimed at reducing the threat wildfires as well as dead and dying trees in and around communities within the State Responsibility Area (SRA).
 
“In just the last couple of weeks, we have seen how destructive this fire season has already been and the critical role fire prevention projects play in helping us protect lives and property,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. "As the drought continues, and millions of more trees die off, we must take every step to prepare our neighborhoods and communities from wildfire.”
 
The 2016-2017 CAL FIRE grants have a one-time appropriation of 10 million dollars that is intended to address the risk and potential impact of wildfire and dead and dying trees on habitable structures in the SRA.  The grants also provide a one-time allocation of six million dollars for fire prevention projects that are not limited to the SRA.  The target audiences for the grants include, but are not limited to, local government agencies, fire districts and fire safe councils to augment recent fire prevention projects. The grant amount will be limited to a maximum of $200,000 per project. This will allow for broad distribution of grant funds to local government agencies and organizations throughout the State. The 2016-2017 grant applications are due September 28, 2016, by 3 p.m.


CAL FIRE is encouraging a wide range of applicants throughout the state to apply for this funding. Interested parties can get more information at CAL FIRE’s grants webpage at:  http://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/grants.php.


# # #

Date: August 23, 2016
 
 
Once again, Fair Manager John Steffanic makes his annual proclamation, “Best Fair Ever!”. The honest truth is, it really was one of the better fairs in recent memory. Comments were overwhelmingly positive; citing the full commercial hall, big crowds for many of the entertainers and the excellent condition of the fairgrounds. Hundreds of people took advantage of the Golden Ticket for the carnival, offering unlimited rides every day of the fair for only $75 when bought in advance. It also helped that Wold Amusements, the carnival operator, brought 3 new rides this year. There were lots of smiles at this year’s fair.
 
Almost every category of statistics that the fair tracks saw an increase. Each day saw an increase in attendance for a week long increase of 4%. A little over 10,000 people came through the gates of the fair over five days. Interestingly, revenue for attendance was up since more people bought family and weekly passes. These passes save money for visitors, but generate more money for the fair because more people are attending.
 
A great fundraiser for the Chester and Quincy wrestling teams is paid parking for the fair. Revenues are split between the wrestlers and the fair. Almost 100 more cars paid for parking this year than last. Our community is very supportive of these athletes, happily paying for parking and many contributing more to their efforts. The fair and the schools are grateful for the support.
 
As mentioned, Serpilio Hall was filled to capacity with 38 spaces rented, compared with 29 last year. Due to several last minute cancellations, outdoor vendors were down from 17 to 13. There were two less food vendors than last year, but Plumas and Sierra Counties were hungry, driving sales up 7%. The top three food concessions are pretty consistent year after year; Munch-A-Bunch, which sells classic fair food like corn dogs & hamburgers is always far ahead of the others. Second in popularity is Thai Thai BBQ and third place goes to California Ice Cream Company. Most were close to, or ahead of the previous year’s sales.
 
Unfortunately, entries of exhibits continues to creep downward. Despite efforts to get more young people to enter things into the fair through school projects, every area saw a decline in entries. The good news is that more entries are being judged. That would be the difference between how many entries are received in July, and how many of those are actually judged during the fair. That numbers stands at around 11%, where many other fair are double or triple that number. “This is the true heart and soul of our fair,” says Steffanic, “without entries in every department, we lose a little more of who we are.” His goal is to get every resident of both counties to enter something at least once in their lives. Steffanic asks that everyone who currently enters things in the fair, encourage, nudge and even harass their friends and family to enter next year.
 
The planning for 2017 is already underway. The search is on for different entertainment, bigger entertainment, more experiences, more exhibits, more fun and, well, the “Best Fair Ever”.

NEVADA CITY, Calif. – Fire restrictions will go into effect on July 11, 2016, within the Tahoe National Forest, according to Eli Ilano, Forest Supervisor. “Hot and dry weather has created conditions on the Forest that could support large fire growth,” said Ilano. “These fire restrictions are necessary to ensure a fun and safe summer for everyone.”


Fire Restrictions

• No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires are allowed on Tahoe National Forest lands outside of designated areas, even with a valid California Campfire Permit, except within the oven at Wheeler Sheep Camp.
• Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed, unless otherwise restricted, with a valid California Campfire Permit available from Forest Service offices during business hours and at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit.
• No possessing or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device, including explosives.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site.
• Internal combustion engines are restricted to National Forest System roads, trails, and areas, as identified on the Tahoe National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (including the Prosser Pits Developed Off-Highway Vehicle Area). Motorized cross-country travel between roads, trails, and areas is prohibited.

Complete details regarding 2016 fire restrictions, including the list of designated recreation sites, will be available by July 11 on the Tahoe National Forest website at:  www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe.


Those with a valid 2016 wood cutting permit must obey fire restrictions and cut firewood in compliance with the terms of their permit.


Questions about fire restrictions, designated recreation sites, motor vehicle use and firewood cutting on the Tahoe National Forest may be directed to local Tahoe National Forest Service offices including:  Supervisor’s Office, (530) 265-4531; American River Ranger District (Foresthill), (530) 367-2224; Sierraville Ranger District, (530) 994-3401; Truckee Ranger District, (530) 587-3558; and Yuba River Ranger District (Camptonville), (530) 288-3231.


If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by dialing 911.


The Tahoe National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map is available for free at any Tahoe National Forest office and at:  www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe.


Information regarding private land fire restrictions, regulated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, is available at:  http://www.fire.ca.gov/.


For more Tahoe National Forest information, go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.


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​LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met August 16th with all members present. Condolences were given Mayor Mark Marin over the death of his father, Joe. Mark stated Joe had been on the Loyalton Fire Department 61 years and as fire chief, over 40 years. Services were held August 20th.
Tony Finder, volunteer City waterer, introduced his sister, Anita who was visiting from San Diego, a retired mail carrier.
Sierra County Sheriff Tim Standley gave a warning on how large scale marijuana grows affect everybody and were found not too far from a popular recreational area.
Assistant Fire Chief Robert DeMartini gave condolences to Mark and stated he’d enjoyed serving under Joe Marin. Robert told of very high fire danger and lightning that day with more expected on Wednesday. Councilman Brooks Mitchell asked about lots with weeds, specifically behind the hospital and Pat added Sierra Pacific Industries’ property where motorcycles ride. Mayor Marin will call Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals about the SPI property. Robert warned “to be very careful and cut early, early mornings with water available.”
On Financial Committee Report, Brooks stated there had been “no budget, no meeting, no financial report” and “no idea where we’re going.” And the mayor added, “Just had more money missing.” Bookkeeper Kim Lombardi explained a deficit in the gas fund and several adjustments made and reviewed by CPA Craig Collins which will show up in the street report for next year. Mark hoped to meet one day the following week. Payment of bills totaling $27,573.87 was approved.
Update on the Audit was by Councilman John Cussins who said Craig Collins had told him he couldn’t say he’d received all the information. Kim told of receipts “very small.”  Brooks asked Mark to push the issue and Mark will call Collins.
On the wastewater plant litigation update, Brooks said they were still in negotiations and a trial date had now been set for June 13, 2017.
Under recreation, Pat stated she’d been told of people going in and out of the swimming pool building and in the audience, Jason Van Dam told of a broken window. Brooks said it would be taken care of.
Under action items, the Council approved granting RCAC full access to financial records for the audit.
The Council approved to move forward regarding the sale of Social Service property to Sierra County Social Services.
The Council approved the MOU with City of Portola for building inspections. Brooks mentioned the City’s Planner, John Benoit, may be retiring soon and the City may want to do the same with Portola’s Planning Department.
An additional credit card was approved for Loyalton Fire Department for Strike Team purposes when they are in two different locations. They did not approve an additional credit card for Jake Marsh of City Maintenance. It was suggested he use Kathy LeBlanc’s but Tracy Smith explained that’s a huge liability. Pat and Brooks stated the City “had been burned” (with credit cards) and it left a “bad taste.”
John discussed the back fill devices at Loyalton Mobile Estates had not been tested for years. He estimated $50 a piece for the two; one fire water side and one drinking side.  It was agreed to get it done.
About Loyalton Mobile Estates going back up for auction, Mark told of an e.mail he’d received from a gentleman who wanted to pay $50,000 and the City forego its back water bill. Mark stated it’s “out of the question.” Brooks suggested they settle for 75% of the bill. From the audience, Eileen Benson wanted $100,000 with “heavy contingencies to fix it up.” Kim suggested it doesn’t have to be cash; “negotiate.”  Mark will contact the gentleman and have him attend a meeting.
Kim did have good news of receiving $3,000 from a 1995 lien for $23,000 on a bankruptcy and another nominal sum possible. 

 
Some rules are needed but there are just too many that are 'downright inane'
WASHINGTON, DC, Aug 19 - "They call it The Ten Thousand Commandments Report because if you don't comply with the regulations created by Capitol bureaucrats - not our elected lawmakers - you'll have hell to pay.  It's a publication of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which says that the cost of complying in the country has steadily increased in recent years and now stands at a whopping $15,000 for each and every household.  That's nearly $2 trillion in burdensome costs at a time when the nation is in hot water economically," reports Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.


Weber notes that there are some regulations that make sense and deserve to be created and enforced, but there are those regulations that make little or no sense and are downright inane.


"Do we need a regulation prohibiting churches from selling tombstones so as not to upset commercial monument makers or the one that requires you to purchase insurance that includes birth control coverage?  And then there is the one that expands the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to include even puddles on a farm.  These are just a few examples of the kinds of frivolous directives that so-called government  watchdogs create every year," Weber explains.


The CEI says that the compliance cost of regulations this year will come to a total of $1.9 trillion.  That's more than the IRS collects on personal and corporate income taxes, according to CEI vice president Clyde Wayne Crews Jr.


Crews points out that while Congress enacted just 114 laws last year, federal agencies issued 3,410 rules.  So far this year, with nearly four and half months left till the New Year, the administration's various agencies have issued or are preparing to issue 3,297 regulations with more to come.


"The cost of regulations and the impact these rules have on our daily lives gets little notice.  Perhaps it is because the rules are imposed without benefit of debate.  It is about time, therefore, that we encourage those who we elected to be our eyes and ears inside the beltway to do what they were sent there to do-to protect our interests, Weber concludes. 


He says that the issue of government regulatory authority run-amok is not a political issue.  It's an American issue that requires bi-partisan attention because we simply can't afford the nearly $2 trillion dollar price tag, Weber. 


"Some believe that the Executive Branch uses its regulatory authority to bypass Congress because it's easier to make rulings instead of enacting laws, especially when the opposition outnumbers the president's party in both the Senate and the House .  But whether they are right or wrong, the fact is that under this administration we've earned the moniker, Regulation Nation."


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

​

Lower Lake – CAL FIRE law enforcement officers, in cooperation with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County District Attorney’s office, arrested a Clearlake man on suspicion of 17 counts of arson in connection with numerous fires in Lake County over the past year.  Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, was booked into the Lake County Jail for arson on Monday, August 15, 2016.  While suspected of arson in many fires in Lake County, Pashilk is also implicated in the Clayton Fire, which has burned over 4,000 acres and destroyed more than 175 structures.  The arson charges Pashilk faces in the Clayton Fire will also carry enhancements due to the destruction of homes and businesses.  State and Local law enforcement officers work diligently in arson cases to aggressively investigate and prosecute those suspected of intentionally starting fires.
 “The residents of Lake County have experienced senseless loss and endured significant hardship over the past year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director.  “Mr. Pashilk committed a horrific crime and we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Lake County during this difficult time." 


As fire danger remains extreme across California, arson is a major threat to life, property and natural resources. Residents should be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start. If you witness someone suspicious make note of the time, his or her physical description, as well as any vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person. Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.

A RESOLUTION approving the sale of Loyalton Mobile Home Park subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, August 2 in Downieville. 
Sierra County Auditor/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Van Maddox recommended $265,700 as the minimum price, stating he’d had lots of phone calls, but no one actually bid. He stated this is property and worth something and if they sold this for little or nothing the schools, solid waste, general fund would eat a lot of property taxes. Maddox added it’s up to the Board to set the amount. He said there was an article that stated “we start it on a Friday and end it on a Monday.” He said there was no science behind it and these companies know very well when people bid. Maddox continued that there was a specific historical reason they do it on those days because they get the best interest on those days. He added that they are advised to doing it over the weekend as it usually gets the best price. Maddox recommended the $265,700, adding it will go back out to bid in early December. Board Chair Lee Adams questioned the amount and thought that was the minimum bid they had before. Maddox said yes, it was. Adams further questioned why they would want to go with that amount again if it didn’t work before? Maddox said it’s an operating mobile home park and if someone doesn’t have the money to fix it in the first place he doubts it will sell. Supervisor Paul Roen said he understood the State needing the County to try one more time to sell it and then the State will take some action. Maddox asked the Board, if they came down on price would they be giving it away to someone who has the resources or giving it away to someone who doesn’t. He added then they could end up with the same problem and have to start trying to sell it again. Maddox said the State made it clear they wanted to see this property up for sale one more time and then they would be willing to take away the permit altogether. 
Supervisor Scott Schlefstein asked about the $146,807.56 that has to go back into taxes and assessments recovery. Maddox explained that Sierra County is a Teeter county where all entities get paid whether they collect on time or not. He said the Teeter concept was that property in California always goes up, but in the last decade property is not selling for what its worth. Maddox stated the problem is how do you make up that difference. Schlefstein asked if the $412,507 owed was in the three parcels and land value. Maddox said that is the taxes and penalties owed. Schlefstein thought with that amount owed, the $265,000 was the right number and made the motion to accept the resolution as presented.  
Roen felt it was a reasonable number. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals wanted the Board and public to be aware that $192,000 of the $412,000 was a loss to the County solid waste budget, adding that is in part why the solid waste fee went up. The motion passed unanimously. 

A MARIJUANA RESOLUTION calling an election for, and authorizing the submission to the voters of, an ordinance amending restrictions on marijuana cultivation, and consolidating the election with the November 8, 2016 Statewide General Election was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Downieville on August 2. 
Board Chair Lee Adams said this item has been before a committee and the Board had both a draft resolution and draft ordinance before them. He asked the Board if they had any questions or comments. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein felt the ordinance needed to identify and define living areas and what that means. Schlefstein thought they needed to be careful on what they require inside a person’s house. Adams said they could strike it and leave it up to the homeowner on where to grow inside their home. 
County Counsel David Prentice stated when they try to describe where to put it in a house it can’t be enforced. He thought striking it would be better than to try and define it.  It was agreed upon to strike from the ordinance. 
Supervisor Peter Huebner wanted to make sure residents with small parcels could grow outside. Adams said that residents with less than 
two acres can have up to three plants outside with setback restrictions. 
Adams wanted to define what multi-family means and what it doesn’t mean. Prentice said there was State law that defines multi-family residences. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals said the term “mother-in-law unit” isn’t used anymore; A RESOLUTION approving the sale of Loyalton Mobile Home Park subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, August 2 in Downieville. 
Sierra County Auditor/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Van Maddox recommended $265,700 as the minimum price, stating he’d had lots of phone calls, but no one actually bid. He stated this is property and worth something and if they sold this for little or nothing the schools, solid waste, general fund would eat a lot of property taxes. Maddox added it’s up to the Board to set the amount. He said there was an article that stated “we start it on a Friday and end it on a Monday.” He said there was no science behind it and these companies know very well when people bid. Maddox continued that there was a specific historical reason they do it on those days because they get the best interest on those days. He added that they are advised to doing it over the weekend as it usually gets the best price. Maddox recommended the $265,700, adding it will go back out to bid in early December. Board Chair Lee Adams questioned the amount and thought that was the minimum bid they had before. Maddox said yes, it was. Adams further questioned why they would want to go with that amount again if it didn’t work before? Maddox said it’s an operating mobile home park and if someone doesn’t have the money to fix it in the first place he doubts it will sell. Supervisor Paul Roen said he understood the State needing the County to try one more time to sell it and then the State will take some action. Maddox asked the Board, if they came down on price would they be giving it away to someone who has the resources or giving it away to someone who doesn’t. He added then they could end up with the same problem and have to start trying to sell it again. Maddox said the State made it clear they wanted to see this property up for sale one more time and then they would be willing to take away the permit altogether. 
Supervisor Scott Schlefstein asked about the $146,807.56 that has to go back into taxes and assessments recovery. Maddox explained that Sierra County is a Teeter county where all entities get paid whether they collect on time or not. He said the Teeter concept was that property in California always goes up, but in the last decade property is not selling for what its worth. Maddox stated the problem is how do you make up that difference. Schlefstein asked if the $412,507 owed was in the three parcels and land value. Maddox said that is the taxes and penalties owed. Schlefstein thought with that amount owed, the $265,000 was the right number and made the motion to accept the resolution as presented.  
Roen felt it was a reasonable number. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals wanted the Board and public to be aware that $192,000 of the $412,000 was a loss to the County solid waste budget, adding that is in part why the solid waste fee went up. The motion passed unanimously. 

A MARIJUANA RESOLUTION calling an election for, and authorizing the submission to the voters of, an ordinance amending restrictions on marijuana cultivation, and consolidating the election with the November 8, 2016 Statewide General Election was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Downieville on August 2. 
Board Chair Lee Adams said this item has been before a committee and the Board had both a draft resolution and draft ordinance before them. He asked the Board if they had any questions or comments. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein felt the ordinance needed to identify and define living areas and what that means. Schlefstein thought they needed to be careful on what they require inside a person’s house. Adams said they could strike it and leave it up to the homeowner on where to grow inside their home. 
County Counsel David Prentice stated when they try to describe where to put it in a house it can’t be enforced. He thought striking it would be better than to try and define it.  It was agreed upon to strike from the ordinance. 
Supervisor Peter Huebner wanted to make sure residents with small parcels could grow outside. Adams said that residents with less than 
two acres can have up to three plants outside with setback restrictions. 
Adams wanted to define what multi-family means and what it doesn’t mean. Prentice said there was State law that defines multi-family residences. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals said the term “mother-in-law unit” isn’t used anymore; it’s called a second unit. He told the Board there could be complete strangers and asked them to keep it in mind it still doesn’t alter the right to a parcel. 
Supervisor Paul Roen said there were two scripts per parcel.  
Adams also felt the Resolution’s first Whereas needed to mention the current ordinance hadn’t been rejected, it was subject to referendum and the Board decided to make changes and send it out to the voters, adding it wasn’t rejected it was challenged. 
There were concerns about the height of the fence in the front yard and is presently set at six feet high. Adams said it was not to exceed four feet in the front yard with no growing in the front yard. 
Prentice stated he could see some people not having any space but in the front yard. Adams said they could ask for a variance. In the audience, Pam from Pike had a couple concerns, one of which was the summary going on the ballot, adding she would like to see it more specific. County Clerk Recorder Heather Foster said they can only put 75 words or less on the ballot, but it will be more extensive in the voter information pamphlet. She said it will also include the website where it could be seen in its entirety. Pam questioned the fines and asked if they were the same fines that were included in the last ordinance. Prentice said no, adding the normal fines enacted are part of the county code and have the potential of changing by board action as time goes on. Pam felt greenhouses were unclear as in one part of the ordinance it was defined as outdoor and in another part it was defined as an accessory structure. Adams said the Board’s intent for a greenhouse in a traditional setting is considered outdoors because the potential for light and to be seen outside. She further questioned the very different requirements for what greenhouses can be made of.  Pam was told if it’s attached to a building or where it is completely covered where no one can see inside it is considered an accessory structure. Pam concluded by telling the Board she’d like the 4th amendment language to require the inspection notice language so if there’s any legal action there is a paper trail. 
Sarah, a Sierra County resident in the audience, urged the Board not to put this draft ordinance to the voters, stating a lot of flaws with it and if citizens voted on this any amendments could not be changed unless it’s taken up for another vote by the public. Sarah stated there was growing support of its use, adding tactics used in the past to control cannabis cultivation have not worked and felt a rapidly changing attitude toward cannabis. She gave each Board member an ordinance she said was in line with State law and felt it was in line with Sierra County values, urging the Board to look it over.  
Adams told her his vote was not intending to shame the substance. He said how much is ​enough and how much is too much, adding the Board was just trying to find a balance and felt Sierra County was still the more liberal county in the neighborhood. 
Roen made the motion to approve the draft resolution and put it forward to the voters. Motion approved unanimously in Beard’s absence. 

Times are changing.  
Bassetts Station Is For Sale:
By Jean Myles
A historic "way station" in Sierra County, Bassetts Station is for sale.  Now owned by Mike Williams, Bassetts began in the early 1860's when Wm. G. Hancock welcomed travelers over the Yuba Gap into his home at Howard Creek.  According to James J. Sinnott's History of Sierra County and Goodyear's Bar, the first "station" was known as Hancock House.  Sometime around 1865, the Howard Creek property became the property of Howard Tegerman, who kept Hancock House going.  In the 1870's, Jacob and Mary Helen Hagerty Bassett purchased the Howard Ranch.  The established station on the Yuba Gap Road, became "Bassetts Station."  (Note that the Yuba Gap Road officially opened in 1871.)  Jacob Bassett worked in the Sierra Buttes Mine at Upper Sardine Lake, and Mrs. Bassett tended the inn.  The original inn included a sawmill and a blacksmith shop, plus barns for horses and oxen.    
According to Sinnott's History and other sources, ensuing owners were the Bassett's children and Sam Lusk.  In 1901, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Louden purchased the property, calling it "a fine business stand."  The Bassett's son, John, purchased the property from the Loudens, and ran it until he sold to a Mr. and Mrs. Reed in 1905.  The Reeds ran the station until 1910, when they moved to Downieville for Mr. Reed's health.  Wm. Gott, Mrs. Reed's brother, managed the property until 1914, when his sister, now Mrs. Edward Hinzie, returned to manage the station in 1914.  Mr. and Mrs. Hinzie owned Bassetts until well into the 1930's.   
The Hinzies installed the first gasoline pump, the only one between Sierra City and Sattley, and maintained a store and a restaurant as well as providing rooms for travelers.  Arthur and Emma Doss purchased the property from Mr. Hinzie at Mattie's death, and ran it for several years.  In the 1940's, Harold and Edna Greene became new owners, and in 1960, the Greens subdivided the property into what became Bassetts Station, Green Acres and the Howard Ranch.  Rod and Irene Smith owned or managed Bassetts for a short time in the 1950’s, when Leland and Nina Winters are recorded as the owners.  The Winters owned Bassetts when it burned in 1961.  They moved the station to its current location at the
junction of Highway 49 and Gold Lake Road.  Winters   built a private residence over the new restaurant and store, and added the motel rooms by Howard Creek for travelers.
Wayne and Jackie Kelley purchased Bassetts in the early 1960's (not certain of this date), and ran it for five years before selling to Gene and Jean Adams.  In 1986, Lee and Joyce Daugherty became owners and proprietors.  During Daugherty's ownership, Bassetts became a popular stop for vacationers to the Lakes Basin Recreation Area.  The Daughertys catered to area residents by staying open all year long.  They upgraded the gas pump, installed a pay phone on the sheltered porch, and enlarged the store into a convenience store for travelers and locals alike.  Breakfast at Bassetts became very popular.  When the Daughterys retired to Oregon in 2002, Susan Sherman purchased Bassetts.  Whether she intended to run it or not is not clear, because she sold Bassetts to Mike and Carol Williams in 2004.  The Williams' opening weekend was the July 4th weekend, 2004. 
A "way station" such as Bassetts needs an owner who, as the late Scotty Blair of Virginia City, Nevada, said, "is a joint man" - a person who relates to people and their needs, not only for travelers but also 
for the local residents.  As Scotty used to say,
"the local peo-ple are your best customers."  Both Lee 
Daugherty and Mike Williams have been very successful "joint men."  Mike is also a skilled guitarist, often entertaining customers and staff with his extensive repertoire.  Both of these long-time owners have provided services to travelers and summer people, and became involved in their community.  Being able to successfully run a place such as Bassetts is a rare gift.  
Both Lee Daugherty and Mike Williams also provided jobs for local people, often teens who have grown up at Bassetts, learning lifetime skills.  Until just recently, Bassetts remained open year-round.  The motel is open year-round, and emergency services are available 24/7.   However Mike closes the restaurant and store during the winter months.
The current staff includes "Ed" Amende, who has been a general staff member at Bassetts for over 17 years.  Ed has served many roles under the past three owners of Bassetts, and orders supplies as well as serving behind the store counter.
Main chef Sarah Hoverkamp has been behind 
the kitchen pass-through for 8 years, preparing excellent short-order meals, as does the second chef, Nick Voorhees, who has been on staff for 4 years.  Waitresses Amber Brooks has brightened the restaurant with her ready smile and wit for 7 years.  Waitress Krystan Humphrey, on board for 2 years, and Becky Brooks, off duty for the moment, also brighten customer’s visits with smiles, efficient service, ready conversation and directions to local areas of interest.  Dana Clark, the store clerk, is new this year, but fits right into the crew.  Levi Walke and Mallory Wilson, the "multi-taskers," are both working their second years.  Hopefully, new owners will see the wisdom of retaining the staff, who are known to the local and summer customers, and who efficiently answer questions for directions and deal with any problems they may meet.  As with many establishments like this, the staff has become a mixed family.  They work together and care for each other.  
Mike has added many features to Bassetts, including walk-in freezers and refrigerators, and the historic notes and photographs on the walls.  The ice cream counter was a plus, attracting children and adults alike, and they make real milk shakes!  The Daughertys installed the generators that keep the facility running during the frequent mountain power outages.  
Mike is also a multi-tasker, able to service and maintain equipment, cook a mean hamburger, wait tables and run the store and gas pump.  He keeps the approach to the facility clear of snow in the winter, and the hummingbird feeders filled throughout the summer.   Area "birders," are often to be found taking photographs of the several varieties of hummingbirds that may be seen at the feeders.    
During the 2006 fire, Bassetts was the central staging point for the firefighters, well lit during the duration of the fire.  Highway 49 became a parking lot for the fire vehicles.  Water trucks traveled from the fire to the bridge over the Yuba where huge tanks were kept filled with water.  
Area resorts were evacuated during the fire.  Some brought the food they had on hand to Bassetts; the local volunteer firefighters families, the staff at Big Springs  and people from Sierra City set tables up in Bassetts parking lot, and kept the Bassetts kitchen
busy.   Firefighters were well fed during the time that it took to get the fire under control.  Boxes of fruit and home baked cookies appeared on the porch for the firefighters, and Bassetts provided showers and respite time for the tired firefighters.  Many of the firefighters were heard to comment on the amazing community spirit that they found at the Bassetts Fire.    
Mike and Carol Williams will be missed.  They have become an integral part of the local community, and the lives of the "summer people" as as well. 
NOTE:  Most of this information was gathered as I wrote a history of the USFS Recreation Residence Tract at Haskell Creek.  There is a copy in the History Museum in Downieville, and one at the museum at the Kentucky Mine.  Some was taken from oral histories, and some from James B. Sinnott's histories of Sierra City.  Sinnott mentions Bassetts several times in his histories, and includes photos of the original Bassetts.  The histories are fascinating, but very difficult to use as reference, because they have no index.  Also note that Bassetts has always been written without an apostrophe.    
- J. Myles, August 1, 2016

 

Stampede Dam is located on the Little Truckee River, approximately 10 miles northeast of Truckee, California. 
Background: Reclamation is raising the dam and dike structures by 11.5 feet to address dam safety concerns related to large flood events. In addition, two small dikes will be constructed near the south end of the reservoir to fill low-lying areas of the reservoir rim. The spillway crest structure will be reconstructed to limit outflows during large floods to the current spillway discharge capacity.
The construction contract for this work was awarded in May 2016 to NW Construction Incorporated (NW) for $21.8 million. Construction activities will begin in 2016 and extend through September 2018.
Current Status:  NW will mobilize to Stampede Dam in August 2016 to begin preliminary construction activities. Preliminary construction activities to be completed in the 2016 include:  improvement and surfacing of the Dog Valley Road detour route (from Hobart Mills to the Stampede Boat Ramp turnoff); timber clearing; construction of two small dikes; and some miscellaneous work to prepare for the 2017 construction season.  There will be no road closures in 2016, however some traffic control may be in place for safety purposes.
2017 Outlook:  Beginning in April 2017, the eastern section of Dog Valley Road which crosses the dam and dike will be closed to allow for construction.  Access to the reservoir will be available using the detour route.  A hyperlink to the temporary detour route which shows the closed section of Dog Valley Road is found below.
The Boat Ramp and Logger Campground will remain open during construction and the Emigrant Group Campground will be closed from April 2017 to October 2017.
​

Joseph Silvio Marin, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Loyalton, California on Thursday, August 4, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. Joe was born in Sacramento, California to Giuseppe and Ella Marin. He spent his early years in Calpine and Loyalton, California before moving to Reno where he attended and graduated from Reno High School, Class of ’51. Joe served 3 years in the US Army where he was stationed 19 months in Germany and spent time in Alaska testing cold weather gear. On July 31, 1954 Joe married the love of his life, Dana Chandler of Loyalton, California and worked in the lumber industry until his retirement in 1999. He was a volunteer fireman for the City of Loyalton for more than 40 years serving as Chief for many of those years. Joe was elected to two terms as Sierra County Supervisor and was an active member of the 20-30 Club.  Joe was proud to be a first generation Italian American.  He was an accomplished accordion player and spent several years playing in a dance band.  He loved sharing his music, stories of his heritage and of course the dishes learned from his beloved Nonna. Joe became his best self when he became “Papa Joe” to 11 grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by sons, Mark, Chris and Glenn, daughter Laurie Belli all of Loyalton and daughter Monica Marin of Gilcrist, Oregon, 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
In-lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Loyalton Fire Department. Services will be help at the Sierra Brooks Lodge in Loyalton, on Saturday August 20 at 3pm. 

Where do I start? Scheduling is easy.  Every veteran has earned the right to have actively serving Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, or Coast Guardsmen present at their funeral.  Family members should call the appropriate number below, or ask if their funeral director will do so on their behalf.  Be prepared to give details about the veteran you are scheduling the Honors for as well as where and when the Honors will take place.  You will be asked to send proof of eligible military service. 
Documentation requirements: DD-214 for active duty or reserve components, or Form NGB 22 for National Guard Soldiers or Certificate of Honorable Discharge.
Note:  documentation may be requested from the National Archives.  Their website is: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/.  There may be restrictions on who is able to request specific documents; however, anyone may request a document stating “Honorable Service.”  This document will be sufficient proof for Military Funeral Honors. 
Veterans Service Organizations.
The Honor Guard recognizes the valuable role that members of  the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars play in honoring our veterans and may partner with them to provide each veteran their richly deserved Honors.
Department of Defense Instruction
Military units are required to provide, at a minimum, a two person uniformed detail to present the core elements of the Funeral Honors ceremony.  The core elements of the Funeral Honors ceremony, which will be conducted, are: 1) Playing of Taps 2) Flag folding 3) Flag presentation.
ARMY VETERANS – Northern California (888)634-7496
MARINE VETERANS – (866) 826-3628
NAVY VETERANS – (800) 326-9631
AIR FORCE VETERANS (800) 586-8402
COAST GUARD VETERANS – Northern California (510)437-3712
ENHANCED HONORS  includes a firing party and the firing parties are arranged through the local American Legion Post 568 in Greenville at (530)941-6860 or the local VFW Post 3758 in Portola at (530)832-4300. 
MILITARY HONOR GUARD REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS TO RESPOND.  ENHANCED HONORS THROUGH OUR LOCAL AMERICAN LEGION AND VFW YOU WILL HAVE TO CALL TO FIND OUT AS THE SHOOTERS ARE VOLUNTEERS AND THEY MAY REQUIRE MORE NOTICE.  See the phone numbers above under Enhanced Honors.
THERE IS NO COST FOR MILITARY HONORS.
​

 

By Harold Pease, Ph. D
 
In the vetting procedure of finding a president of the United States both major political parties normally stoop to new lows to find a scoop that paralyzes their opponent.  Donald Trump is said to have over 24 agents assigned to him to do just this.  Presumably every wrong, or even the appearance of wrong, is usable fodder to destroy.   No one normally escapes this scrutiny but one, Hillary Rodham Clinton. 
 
Yes, recent scandals, as for example, Benghazi, the violation of the Federal Records Act with respect to preserving national security secrets, the Clinton Foundation Scandal, still under FBI investigation, and the DNC email scandal to derail Bernie Sanders, are known.  Most major presses have faulted her on honesty some few even using the phase “compulsive liar” to describe past behavior but few give new voters any detail on old unresolved scandals as we do in this column. 
 
Basically, the Clinton strategy has been to outlast the scandal until the public grows tired of it and devoted follower’s demand that we move on.  With an adoring press, as the Clinton’s have had for forty years, this is possible and party faithful conclude that nothing must have been there in the first place.  It is nothing like Richard Nixon’s Watergate where the press was relentless until the corruption exposed was driven from the White House.  Some of the 22 scandals attributed to Hillary by WND TV are equal to, or worse than, Watergate.  Still, as with Whitewater, everyone else involved traditionally goes to prison and the Clinton’s move upward in power.
 
We now identify four more of the major Hillary Clinton scandals for those not old enough to have experienced them personally.  This could explain why the older generation is not so willing to have this couple back in the White House.
 
Cattle Futures and Hillary’s 9,987 percent profit.
In Hillary’s first commodity trade, in 1978, a $1,000 investment in 10 cattle futures, which normally cost $12,000, netted her in 10 months $100,000; some $6,300 the first day.  She attributed this “profit miracle” to her having read the Wall Street Journal but it was instead through the help of James B. Blair, counsel to Tyson Foods Inc., and Robert L. Bone of AK Financial Services, who allowed the unusual, and apparently, unlawful trades.  Bone was suspended for three years and fined the “largest fine at the time in exchanges history,” but Hillary walked.  Insider trading most certainly was involved.  Martha Stewart, convicted of something similar years later, served time.
 
Travelgate: A lucrative job for my friends.
Soon after moving into the White House what became known as Travelgate emerged.  Hillary, seeking a financially lucrative place for her friends Harry and Susan Thomases, had Billy Dale, head of the White House Travel Office, fired on trumpt-up income tax fraud charges.  This not enough, she had six others (the whole department, all career employees not subject to replacement without cause) fired as well replacing them with her Arkansas political cronies.  Hillary used the FBI and IRS and the Attorney Generals Office under Janet Reno to harass Billy Dale for several years.  Dale was subsequently found innocent of all charges.  Hillary was found to have made false statements to investigators (perjury) but still walked free.  Her real crime was in trying to send an innocent man to prison.
 
Filegate: Collecting 900 files on potential political adversaries.
In 1993 and 1994 Craig Livingstone, Director of White House Personnel Security gathered, presumably at the request of his Arkansas friend Hillary Clinton, FBI background files on some 900 potential political enemies most Republican.  Hillary is alleged to have viewed some of the files but there is no evidence that these were used on anyone.  That they were gathered with the intent to use is serious enough.  Hillary called this a, “completely honest bureaucratic snafu,” when this was brought to light by the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee.  The Committee also showed that President Clinton “had illegally released Privacy Act protected information from White House files to smear Kathleen Willey, a woman who was a material witness in the impeachment proceedings, as she was also sexually harassed … while working for him in the White House” (Larry Klayman, Proof Hillary isn’t fit to be president, Renew American, Jan. 26, 2013)
 
The Lincoln Bedroom: What is a sleepover worth to you?
The Clinton’s learned that they could rent the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House for hefty campaign contributions and acquired $5.4 million in 1995 and 1996 alone doing just this.  The average contribution for the 800-900 persons who eventually did this was $100,000 each.  The biggest donors included Dirk Ziff at $411,000, Steven Spielberg at $336,000, William Rollnick at $235,000 and Lew Wasserman at $225,000 (Lincoln Bedroom Guests Gave $5.4 Million, Allpolitics , CNN Time, Feb. 26, 1997).  Although the funds went to Bill in particular, there is no way that Hillary was not highly involved in this activity.  That the use of government property or assets for political purposes was illegal was circumvented because no specific amounts were discussed and no money exchanged at the site.
 
Someone once said the past is the best predictor of the future.
 
 
Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years at Taft College. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.





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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Air Operations Program of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently became one of 10 accredited air operations programs in the United States.
The Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission (PSAAC) awarded the accreditation at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Expo held in Savannah, Ga., July 18-23. The CHP is the largest state agency to complete the PSAAC accreditation process.
“I am extremely proud of the men and women in our Air Operations Program and the service they provide on a daily basis,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Receiving PSAAC accreditation validates our commitment to excellence and demonstrates the CHP’s desire to continually look for opportunities for self-improvement.”
The award concludes a three-year pursuit for recognition of implementing industry standards intended to promote best practices throughout the airborne law enforcement community. By voluntarily complying with PSAAC standards, the CHP is recognized for its safe, effective, and efficient aviation operations.
The CHP Air Operations Program began in the late 1960s and consists of 15 airplanes and 15 helicopters. The air fleet assists CHP field operations and allied agencies across the state for emergency response, homeland security missions, patrol of rural roadways, speed enforcement, special events, and transportation. More than 170 CHP pilots and flight officers in eight air units throughout the state provide service to the public and allied agencies. In 2015, Air Operations flew 8,633 search missions, 396 rescue missions and saved 14 lives.
The accreditation process includes five phases: enrollment, self-assessment, unit assessment, commission review, and maintaining compliance and re-accreditation. A team of PSAAC assessors visited the CHP in October 2015 and examined all aspects of the CHP Air Operations Program, including administrative, operational, safety, training, and maintenance standards. Because accreditation is an ongoing process, the Department must continually prove compliance with PSAAC standards and submit to periodic on-site assessments. 

​

​On July 26, 2016 Kevin Harnorald, 24 of Reno was driving his 2016 Jeep northbound on US 395 north of the State Line in the #1 at a stated speed of 70 mph when a deer ran the west road edge in an easterly direction into the path of his Jeep. The front of the Jeep collided with the deer. Harnorald steered to the east shoulder . The Jeep sustained moderate damage and was not drivable after the collision.
 
A FATAL COLLISION occurred on August 1, 2016 at 6:04 p.m. on U.S. 395 S/O Red Rock Road when the driver of a 2003 Honda was traveling northbound. Darlene Walsh,62 of Susanville was driving her  2014 Jeep northbound directly behind the Honda at a stated speed of 65 mph. Dennis Lund, 39, of Yoncana, OR was driving a 2013 Peterbilt big rig towing a flatbed trailer, carrying a load of utility poles, southbound on USD 395 at approximately 55 mph. For unknown reasons the Honda veered to the left across the double yellow lines into the southbound traffic lane. The Honda collided with the front of the Peterbilt. The Honda flipped over and collided with the front of Walsh’s Jeep.  The Honda and the Jeep came to rest on their wheels on the east shoulder of US 395. The Peterbilt continued in a southerly direction and collided with the guard rail on the west road edge. The Peterbilt then continued in a southerly direction and came to rest on the west shoulder. The driver of the Honda suffered fatal injuries. Walsh suffered minor lacerations and denied medical treatment at the scene. Lund was uninjured from the collision.