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State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Recognizes September as Attendance Awareness Month

8/31/2017

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          SACRAMENTO— State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, in recognition of September as Attendance Awareness Month, is encouraging school districts and staff to remind families about the importance of daily attendance and help them overcome challenges that can lead to chronic absenteeism.

          “Interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism should be supportive and not punitive,” said Torlakson. “There are many students who miss school days due to issues beyond their control at the start of the school year like an illness or transportation problems. It is important to identify and link students and families to appropriate school and community resources when students miss the first days of school.”
As part of California’s efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism, recently enacted legislation expanded the role of attendance supervisors to include tracking student attendance, promoting a culture of attendance, and developing interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism.
For the first time, the California Department of Education (CDE) is collecting chronic absenteeism rates in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS). This data is critical in helping school administrators and attendance supervisors identify where chronic absenteeism is concentrated in each school district.
          “Chronic absenteeism has been linked to high dropout rates, poor literacy skills, and behavior issues that could lead students down a path away from school and towards the criminal justice system,” said Torlakson. “This new statewide data will tell us where we need to focus our attendance improvement efforts as a state and as a diverse set of educational communities.”
          The data will allow schools to review their chronic absentee rates and compare them to other schools in California. A student is considered chronically absent when he or she misses 10 percent or more of the days he or she is enrolled. This data will also be included in the California School Dashboard as one of the multiple measures of progress that parents, teachers, administrators, and community members can use to evaluate their schools and districts.
To provide additional support to combat chronic absenteeism, the CDE administers California Learning Communities for School Success grants. The program, established in 2016, awards funds to eligible districts and county offices of education to help with excessive truancy, reduce chronic absenteeism rates, and keep children in school. The grants are awarded annually for three years. More information is available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/schoolsuccess.asp.
For information about sample policies to address high chronic absenteeism rates and California’s school attendance review board process for improving school attendance, visit our CDE Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ai/sb/
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The California Department of Education is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. For more information, please visit the California Department of Education’s Web site or by mobile device. You may also follow Superintendent Torlakson on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
         
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AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY -- SMOKE

8/31/2017

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Thursday, August 31 through Monday, September 4, 2017


Plumas and Sierra Counties


Plumas County Public Health and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District are issuing a joint air quality advisory to notify the public of potentially poor air quality conditions through Monday, Sept. 4, caused by the Ponderosa Fire in Butte County (http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1783).  Other fires around the state are also expected to contribute to deteriorated air quality. 


For the next several days, Plumas County’s Air Quality may deteriorate, depending on wind variability and stagnant overnight conditions.  It is important to remember that this can be hazardous to your health.  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.  Even the general public is encouraged to stay indoors and limit physical activity when they can see and smell smoke. 


If you smell or see smoke around you, the following actions are recommended:
  • Minimize outdoor activities even if you are healthy;
  • Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible; run the air conditioner on the “recirculate” setting if that is an option;
  • People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan;
  • People with heart disease, respiratory or chronic health issues should stay indoors;
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe fatigue.
   Here is an easy way for the general public to assess risk with a visibility assessment:
Categories
Visibility in Miles

Good
11 miles and up

Moderate
6 to 10

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
3 to 5

Unhealthy
1 ½ to 2 ¾

Very Unhealthy
1 to 1 ¼

Hazardous
Less than 1 mile
 
When using the visibility index to determine smoke concentrations, it is important to:
• Face away from the sun.
• Determine the limit of your visibility range by looking for targets at known
distances (miles). The visible range is the point at which even high-contrast
objects (e.g., a dark forested mountain viewed against the sky at noon) totally disappear.
 
 
Smoke conditions can change quickly and vary greatly due to terrain, wind direction and weather.  Smoke may settle into lower areas overnight (such as the Lake Almanor Basin).  Western parts of Plumas County are likely to see the most smoke.  It is important to monitor the smoke and make outdoor plans accordingly. 


The use of filter masks is generally not recommended because the most effective masks can reduce air flow for people who are already having breathing difficulty.


On top of the air quality issue, temperatures throughout Plumas County communities are expected to reach above 90 degrees into the weekend (triple digits in Butte County and Sacramento).  With a quick rise in temperatures, people are at increased risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially those who are more sensitive to heat. Make sure when you are indoors to utilize ways to keep cool like wet towels and fans if you do not have air conditioning. 


Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, move to a cool location, rest and drink fluids. Signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If signs of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance.
Recommended precautions to prevent heat related illnesses include:
  • Drink plenty of liquids; don’t wait until you are thirsty. 
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. 
  • Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and use sunscreen. 
  • Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area. 
  • Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles. 
  • Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children. 
  • Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as stores or libraries to help stay cool.
 For more information on heat related illnesses or health impacts due to smoke, contact Plumas County Public Health at 283-6330.


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Assembly Republicans to Introduce State Constitutional Amendment to Protect Local Taxpayers

8/31/2017

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SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Republicans held a press conference to announce an amendment to the state constitution. The amendment will reaffirm the voters’ intent to require all local tax increases for a special purpose to receive approval from two-thirds of voters.
                                                                                                                                                                             
“This is a fight to defend a law that has protected Californians for decades,” said Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (Yucca Valley).  “We are proud to stand with ordinary people who can’t afford higher taxes.”


The need for the amendment became clear following the California Supreme Court’s ruling this week that could allow special purpose tax increases placed on the ballot by initiative to pass with a simple majority vote. The decision opened a loophole in the existing two-thirds threshold, giving an advantage to special interests that can afford to pay signature collectors to get a tax increase on the ballot.


“This ruling empowers special interest groups who want your money for pet projects to do an end-around on taxpayer protections,” said Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon). “We must protect taxpayers and make sure any proposal to take more money out of the pockets of Californians meets the two-thirds threshold before ever being enacted.”


“We are united in our belief that special-purpose local taxes should require a two-thirds vote regardless of how they are placed on the ballot,” said Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia). “All tax increases by definition grow the size of government, and California should not allow special interests to hijack the approval process.”


“It’s already too expensive to live in California,” said Assemblyman Devon Mathis (R-Visalia). “We’re standing up for the two-thirds requirement to stop special interests from making it even worse.”
                                                                                                                                                                                        
Once the language of the amendment is finalized, Assembly Republicans will push for swift passage through the Legislature, in time for the June 2018 election.


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Hurricane Harvey - We Are The United States of America

8/29/2017

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By Dr. Glenn Mollette


Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast are devastated. Never has an area been so blasted by so much rainfall in such a short amount of time. Houston has received more rainfall than other city across the United States receivea in one entire year. So far over 51 inches of rain has fallen with more rainfall to come. Everyone in America and much of the world with a Television or computer knows about the suffering of Houston. Our prayers go out to them as well as our financial support, our manpower and anything we can do to help the millions of people who are homeless and suffering.


Experts are predicting Hurricane Harvey will cost the economy 25 - 30 billion dollars because of the rain. Most of Houston is closed down due to the storm. The oil and gas industry and thousands of jobs tied to other manufacturing such as the food service giant Sysco are closed.  The Port of Houston, several hospitals and both major airports are closed.


Essentially the fifth largest economy in the United States is at a dead stop.


The infrastructure damage to Houston will be in the billions. Reports have come from all the national media outlets on the significant number of people in Houston who do not have flood insurance. Thousands of homes will either be impossible to salvage or will cost upwards of `12-15 billions of dollars to repair according to reports.


Oil refineries on the Gulf of Mexico make up nearly half of the nation's refining capacity. If these refineries are flooded they will be difficult to repair and there will be extensive gasoline shortages in our country. We are already seeing prices go up at the pump and thus our entire economy will be impacted.


Most of us will know of someone directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey. At this moment my wife's aunt and husband are still in their house in Houston and they are not flooded which is a miracle I think. Several times a day we have text messaged or called to see how they are doing. Once her aunt face timed their neighborhood to prove to us that water had not gotten to them yet.


Most likely the number of dead bodies will not be really known until days and maybe even weeks after Houstonians are into their cleanup.


While the devastation of Houston is like a very scary movie it's nothing like what we would face if one nuclear bomb fell on an American City similar to Houston. The loss of life, housing, industry and infrastructure would be far greater. Houston will be repaired and houses will be rebuilt. Rebuilding after a nuclear bomb would be a different story. Such a horrific act would create suffering across our nation like we have never felt before.


Houston is hurting and Americans are pulling together from non-profits, churches and helping hands from across America.


Once again it will be proven that the heart of America is helping each other. Americans do care about each other and want the best for our towns and our country. Media lately has been highlighting all the tension between a few groups of people and hatred displayed by these groups. The vast majority of Americans may disagree and argue quite a bit. However, while Hurricane Harvey Hurts our country, it will demonstrate once again that the majority of Americans want the very best for each other. We will pull together for Houston and the other neighboring towns. This is one reason why we are still The United States of America and the greatest country of all. 


Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author of twelve books. 
He is read in all fifty states.

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Labor of Love: Gas Prices Jump Ahead of Last Summer Holiday Weekend

8/29/2017

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BAY AREA, Calif. August 29, 2017 - U.S. gas prices will likely rise to their highest prices since 2015 in the wake of Hurricane Harvey pounding the Gulf Coast, and heavy travel demand on the West Coast ahead of Labor Day, according to AAA.

“The near-term combinations of Labor Day, increased demand and the tightened supply levels in the Gulf means U.S. motorists are likely to see gas prices increase 5 to 15 cents in the coming week,” AAA Northern California spokesman Michael Blasky said. “Right now it’s unclear just how long these refineries could be shut down, which will determine how high prices go.”

AAA predicts the largest retail price surge of 2017 over the next 10 days, likely pushing the national price for gasoline to the $2.50 range and keeping California above $3 a gallon. At least eight refineries across Texas were offline as of Tuesday afternoon.

California is unlikely to see the brunt of the nation's price increases because it sources most of its gasoline from refineries within the Golden State and isn’t reliant on Gulf Coast refineries, according to Blasky. Across the state, prices had increased an average of 3 cents since last week.

“California is always susceptible to price spikes, but when it happens it’s normally because of an issue with refineries in our own state,” Blasky said. “California oil won’t likely be redirected to the Gulf Coast or the East Coast because to backfill supply issues.”

Blasky noted that most Californians were already paying more than $3 for gas because of California's strong economy and heavy travel demand, and most refineries have been running at high production levels nearly all summer to offset the demand.

According to AAA surveys, here are the top Labor Day travel trends:

* Should I stay or should I go? The majority of AAA survey respondents (64 percent) plan on traveling over the upcoming holiday weekend.

* Couples retreat! With the school year back in full swing, Labor Day tends to be more popular among parties of two. Lake Tahoe is the most popular driving destination for Northern Californians, and Las Vegas is most popular for air travelers. 

* Burning desire? Burning Man in the Northern Nevada desert will likely cause traffic jams in the region. Plan ahead: Take water, food, maps and emergency equipment to make sure you aren’t stranded.

* The great outdoors is calling. Spending time outdoors tops the list of Labor Day activities (70 percent), followed by dining out (53 percent) and indoor recreation, such as museums and shopping (23 percent).

Tipsy Tow returns for last summer holiday
To help Californians send off summer safely, AAA is offering Labor Day Tipsy Tow service. Service will start at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4, and will run through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5. During the service period, drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and/or restaurant managers can:

Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) between 6 p.m. Sept. 4 and 6 a.m. Sept. 5 and state that they need a “Tipsy Tow.” Provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location.

Tipsy Tow provides a free 10-mile tow and ride home for the driver, their vehicle and one passenger. For mileage beyond this, motorists are charged a standard towing rate. The service does not include roadside assistance.
 
“If you’ll be celebrating the last long weekend of summer by consuming alcohol, make sure you have a safe ride home. If those plans fall through, call AAA for a Tipsy Tow and we’ll get you home safely,” Blasky said.

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Congress May Delay Sleep-Deprived Trucker Regulations: Why YOU Should Care...And What You Should Do

8/29/2017

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California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has signed on to support a bill to delay the requirement for equipping all tractor-trailers with hour-logging software.
This week congress introduced a bill to delay the requirement for equipping all tractor-trailers with hour-logging software. Without it, sleep-deprived truck drivers may put everyone on the roads at risk. It's time to pressure Congress to scrap the bill before more lives are lost.

          HICKORY, NC (August 2017) In 2014, comedian Tracy Morgan was involved in a terrible automobile accident when a tractor-trailer truck plowed into Morgan's limo, killing comedian James McNair and badly injuring Morgan and the other passengers. It soon became clear that the truck driver had not slept in more than 24 hours, and that his exhaustion was the reason for the crash.
          Truckers driving on too little or no sleep have always been a major safety concern for anyone on the road, but this high-profile accident put the issue front and center. For many years, truckers have filled out paper logs to record their hours driving. In some instances, times have been inaccurately reported, allowing sleep-deprived truckers to go undetected. But new ELD (electronic logging device) systems are electronic and can accurately monitor truck driver activity. These devices keep truckers accountable and force them to pull off the road when they reach their federally mandated driving limit.
          However, this week Texas Republican Representative Brian Babin filed a bill to delay the nationwide ELD requirements for truckers for two more years, until December 2019. (Read more about it here.) The previous deadline was December 2017.
          This delay is gravely concerning for all drivers sharing the road with large trucks. Everyone knows that if you're in an accident involving a semi-truck, the odds for survival are stacked against you. For safety's sake, this regulation needs to go into effect sooner rather than later.
          Some truck drivers passionately oppose the idea of using this new software. They cite existing logistical complaints like waiting for hours in lines to load or unload; the daily scramble to find parking spaces; and reaching their driving limit just before the delivery has been made. Many of these drivers also blame the 14-hour rule (how long truckers can work before taking a break) stating that it's impossible to comply.
          "It's true that that truckers deal with difficult driving regulations, but that is a separate issue altogether," says Anthony Brooks, co-owner along with Andrew DeHart of Brooks-DeHart Furniture Xpress, a Hickory, NC based trucking company. "If truckers want to change the number of hours they are allowed to be on the road, then they should focus on that issue. ELog devices simply keep drivers accountable, making the roads a safer place to drive."
          "The bottom line: if Congress manages to delay these new regulations it will keep the roads more dangerous for everyone," adds co-owner Andrew DeHart. "When drivers are held accountable, they will get the rest they need and exhaustion-related accidents will decrease. Additionally, the companies and drivers who have already complied with the new regulations are now getting better insurance rates than those still using paper logs."
          While most people outside of the trucking industry may not be aware of the controversial move from paper logs to more reliable E-devices, this transition is an important safety issue that all automobile drivers—and any citizen concerned about safer driving regulations—should be aware of. Everyone should be concerned about Congress' foot dragging. When truckers are able to bend the rules of operation and get away with it, wrecks happen and people die.
          If you are concerned about worn out truckers driving for days at a time without sleep, take action today. Call your representatives today and tell them not to delay on these regulations. This software has the potential to save a lot of lives.
          Exhausted truckers put themselves and innocent people at risk. ELDs will help save many lives by ensuring that truckers aren't pushed to their limits while operating heavy, dangerous machinery. There is no reason to delay this life-saving mandate. Everyone's safety is on the line, so hopefully Congress will make the right decision.
To contact your representative today, visit this link: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

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LABOR DAY MEANS STEPPED-UP SAFETY PATROLS

8/29/2017

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends on the road.  To make sure it is also a safe one, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be working hard to spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving through education and increased enforcement.
 
All available CHP officers will be on duty during the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), from 6:01 p.m. Friday, September 1, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 4.  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.
 
“Our officers will be out finding dangerous drivers during the holiday period, showing zero tolerance for anyone driving drunk or impaired by drugs,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “Anyone who chooses to drive impaired puts not only themselves and their passengers at risk, but they also endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road.”
 
During the 2016 MEP, 38 people were killed in traffic collisions in California, an increase of almost 19 percent from 2015, according to data collected by the CHP.  In addition, the CHP made more than 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol over Labor Day weekend in 2016.
Impaired driving often peaks during holidays, and Labor Day is considered one of the most dangerous periods, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.  The 2015 Labor Day holiday period saw 460 people killed in collisions nationwide; nearly one-third of the fatal collisions involved drivers who were legally drunk. 
“The Labor Day holiday should be a special time for friends and families at the end of summer, not a time of tragedy,” Acting Commissioner Stanley said.  “Impaired driving, whether as a result of drugs or alcohol, is 100-percent preventable, and there is no excuse for it.” 
 
Anyone who is going to drink is urged to plan a sober ride home in advance.  Anyone who sees an impaired driver is encouraged to call 9-1-1. 
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
# # #
 
 
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California Achieves Major Milestone Toward Sustainable Groundwater Management

8/28/2017

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SACRAMENTO – In a major step toward sustainable groundwater management in California, more than 99 percent of the state’s high- and medium-priority groundwater basins have met a key deadline to form local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) under the state’s landmark Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014.
SGMA required formation of locally controlled GSAs in the state’s 127 high- and medium-priority groundwater basins by June 30, 2017. As of this week, 99 percent of the basins in that category are now covered by a local GSA, a groundwater adjudication, or an alternative sustainability plan.
“This is a signal accomplishment that required the leadership of myriad Californians who care about the future of their communities,” said Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board. “The successful formation of so many GSAs doesn’t by any means mean that this was easy. It was really hard--and it’s a great down payment on the hard work to come as GSAs move into developing their management plans.”
For the remaining basins that did not meet the GSA formation deadline, the State Water Board sent letters to property owners late last week to identify if there are active wells drawing groundwater that must be reported to the state. Portions of basins not covered by a GSA, adjudication, or alternative plan are considered unmanaged areas.  Groundwater extractions made from an unmanaged area must be reported to the state. The locations of unmanaged areas can be viewed on the unmanaged area identification map. 
“Groundwater accounts for a third of the state’s water supply on average and serves as a critically important source in dry years,” said Department of Water Resources Director Grant Davis. “It’s encouraging to see such a strong commitment from land owners and communities to manage this critical water source now and for future generations.”
The next step for GSAs is to create and implement groundwater sustainability plans that describe needed actions and implementation measures to bring their basins into balanced levels of pumping and recharge in the timeframe outlined in SGMA. SGMA allows GSAs to tailor plans to the economic and environmental needs of the regions, and provides tools and authorities for developing projects and regulating groundwater use to meet the GSA’s sustainability goals.
Basins identified as critically overdrafted are required to have sustainability plans in place by Jan. 31, 2020. All other high- and medium-priority basins have until Jan. 31, 2022, to adopt plans.
The plans will be reviewed by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and will be continuously updated to ensure sustainable management of the state’s groundwater by the year 2042.
To assist with the development of groundwater sustainability plans, DWR will provide important information and data, technical and non-technical assistance, best practices, guidance publications and grant funding opportunities that may be crucial to a plan’s success. In addition, DWR staff will present sustainability plan workshops for GSAs around the state. The first is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2017 in the Fresno area. Information on all of DWR’s SGMA resources and activities is available at http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/index.cfm


Background on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2014, SGMA is landmark legislation that empowers local agencies to sustainably manage groundwater resources. In areas where groundwater users and local agencies are unable or unwilling to sustainably manage their groundwater, SGMA authorizes State Water Board intervention. California depends on groundwater for a major portion of its annual water supply, particularly during times of drought. The long-term planning required by SGMA will provide a buffer against drought and climate change, and will contribute to reliable water supplies regardless of weather patterns in the state.
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Our Future is Bright

8/28/2017

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​




 
Our Future is Bright
Office of Senator Ted Gaines


To watch the news is to imagine a politically-obsessed America pulling apart at the seams, with opponents mobbing up and attacking each other at every turn and the two parties and their talking head proxies endlessly screaming at each other about the real meaning of President Trump’s tweets. It’s a phony picture. The essence of this country isn’t government at all and you might never see it on the news. It’s everyday people – hardworking people of every creed and age, living their lives the best they can regardless of what the government is doing – who make this state and nation what they are. It’s those people who make me believe that California’s future is bright.


Recently that belief was driven home to me when I met three very different groups of people in the North State. I came away inspired by their stories.


North State Ranchers have lived off this land for more than a century and have experienced every up and down imaginable, but they’ve persevered. Now, as the dry creek beds and barren mountains of years past have disappeared, they look forward to getting more water and getting their businesses back on their feet.


Illegal marijuana cultivation is stealing rancher water and polluting land with indiscriminate pesticide abuse, making it harder for legitimate ranchers to thrive and breaking their hearts at the same time. These men and women are the original conservationists. It’s not just words with them; they depend on clean water and healthy soils for their livelihoods. It’s why they have such a deep connection to the land and are such careful stewards of their property. I know that a solid ranching economy in the north state will secure these lands for generations.


Despite these new challenges, the ranchers were ready to fight for their futures in California, and just asked me to try to get government out of their way. They were eager to roll their sleeves up and get to work! They weren’t looking for government handouts or help, just freedom, so they could continue the agricultural legacy their ancestors built.


In Placerville, I visited with the Executive Director of the privately-supported and volunteer-driven Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA recruits and trains people from the community to serve as advocates for abused or severely neglected children as they seek justice in our court system.


The CASA advocates usually take one case at a time and build a relationship with the child they are representing. They bond with the child, learn about the child’s special, individual circumstances, and they use that knowledge to report to the judges overseeing these cases, so they can make informed, compassionate decisions about the most helpful services and support for each of these children.


The CASA volunteers, donors, and other supporters together serve as a solid foundation for these kids’ futures, helping during their crises and together forging a more successful life path. One child at a time, CASA is creating healthier, more loving communities for us all.


But my favorite visit, one that brings a smile to my face even now as I think of it, was with 11-year old Preston Sharp, the Flag Planter. Starting in 2015, this young man started placing small flags on the graves of local veterans in Redding to honor their service. Since then, Preston has planted an amazing 28,000 flags on gravesites from Redding to Sacramento, and he’s branching out to Reno and wherever else his commitment takes him. I’m proud to know such a young patriot who shows such great empathy for veterans and their families.


I wanted to recognize Preston, and gave him an award from my office to honor his efforts. He appreciated it!  But in the end, he said he was not acting to get an award from the government, but because he wanted to give veterans the respect they had earned. He is a fine young man with the right priorities.


These three stories seem unrelated but they aren’t. They are all, in their way, stitching together a unified state - one child, one ranch, one flag at a time. Like a million little streams feeding into one mighty river, these Californians and others around the state are achieving on their own, with their individual accomplishments all pouring into a single California, robust and full of hope. Sacramento can’t mandate these acts, only get in the way. 


Politicians come and go, and parties come into and fade out of power all the time. But the California spirit and the talents and desires of the builders, the achievers, the doers, is forever.


Our future is bright.


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.


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Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) program

8/27/2017

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DISCUSSION/DIRECTION with respect to creation of an Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) program was held at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on Tuesday, August 15th.  Supervisor Lee Adams stated this program was proposed to this board 20 years ago and the board declined it. The State gives each county $1 per vehicle. Adams felt this was not a huge hit but would raise some money to help abate abandoned vehicles on public lands. He thought Sierra County could cut and paste another county’s program, so there wouldn’t be a lot of staff time involved. He added adjoining counties all have a similar program. Adams felt the most important hurdle was to ask the City of Loyalton to see if they would be interested. He stated for the program to work, both agencies have to agree and would have to be adopted by a 3/5 vote of both the Board of Supervisors and City Council. He would be more than willing to author a letter to ask City Council to consider this program as well. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein stated this would be for abandoned vehicles on public property, but felt most of the problem was on private property and asked how do they address this. Adams this is only to go after abandoned vehicles on public property, adding they do have code section on private property to go after residents creating blight. Beals told Schlefstein it was a zoning issue if there’s a junk yard on private property. Adams supported trying to clean up private property, but didn’t think the public should be funding it. Supervisor Jim Beard stated he would not support any type of a tax or fee increase. Sergeant Don Peterson of CHP oversees Portola outpost, which includes Loyalton and Sierraville. Peterson handed out vehicle code and said he requested officers out of the Portola office to check Loyalton and Sierraville areas to look for and identify any abandoned vehicles. He said in the last ten days, they have removed three vehicles off highways that have expired registration of 6 months or more. He stated, yesterday alone they issued seven park citations. Peterson stated part of the problem is tow companies that will remove abandoned vehicles at the request of CHP, need some way of getting repaid, so that’s why other counties use the $1 a vehicle abatement program. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals encouraged the Board to approve this program.  He said without a viable program and funding source they are often not able to remove vehicles or if they are removed there’s no way to get reimbursement. He felt this program was critical to the county’s right of way. From the audience Eileen Benson asked if the vehicles will be towed out of the trailer park. Beals stated that is private property and would not be under the program.  Motion was made and approved with Supervisor Beard voting no. 
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​WILLIE CAMBEROS: U.S. CITIZEN

8/26/2017

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​WILLIE CAMBEROS came to the 
United States from Mexico in 1969 and received his Green Card eight years ago.
He passed his written test and provided all the 
necessary information on July 5th.
Willie was sworn in as a United States citizen on 
August 17th. The ceremony was held at 11 a.m. at Lassen Volcanic Park in Mineral, California.
The Loyalton Senior Center’s bus traveled to Lassen Volcanic Park to witness Willie’s swearing in. Unfortunately, directions were not clear and the busload of local citizens missed the ceremony as did his southern California friends and Barbara and Joe Franco who drove from Redding. 
However, Willie, who drove with his sister from Reno, made the ceremony and is now a United States citizen!
Willie resides at the Loyalton Senior Apartments and is a regular at the Senior Center and is known to cook for his neighbors and enjoys the local wildlife including bears and deer. At home, he has one cockatiel.

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ROTARY CLUB OF LOYALTON WELCOMES ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE

8/26/2017

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​WAITING TO WELCOME Viktoria Urickova from Slovakia are her host families and the Loyalton Rotary Club. Viki will be here in Loyalton for over 9 months and will serve as the Rotary Youth Exchange student.

ROTARY CLUB OF LOYALTON held its annual Lamb Barbecue Thursday, August 17th at the Rotary Picnic Grounds up Smithneck Creek. The tasty butterflied leg of lamb was prepared by Chef Travis of the Golden West. 
Former Rotary Club of Loyalton members, Gail “Virus” Ellingwood and Dan “X-Man” Greenway of Smith Valley, Nevada and Marie “Hi Ho” Silver of Hagerman, Idaho were all there to enjoy the evening. 
Serving those yummy specialty beans was Dick DeVore of Sierra Brooks, assisted by his daughter who 
attended from southern California. 
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AT THE RENO AIRPORT after  a 22-hour flight Rotary Youth Exchange Student Viktoria Urickova is shown with Loyalton Club of Loyalton President Stan Hardman. 
President Steamer called her,  “A real trouper,” and stated, “We are lucky to have such an accomplished young woman.”


ROTARY CLUB OF LOYALTON now meets every first and third Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. at Golden West Dining.
It’s a great opportunity to meet Viktoria and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Travis.
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CY AND ZEB SNEED

8/26/2017

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Cy Sneed pitched for the Fresno Grizzlies against Reno Aces on Monday, August 21st for the win: 7 innings, 2 runs, 4 hits, 6 strikeouts! It was especially thrilling for about 50 long-time "Sneed Fans."
Cy was drafted out of Dallas Baptist University in the 3rd round by the Milwaukee Brewers and traded to the Houston Astros Cy Sneed has been starting pitcher there for two years. He and his wife, Hannah, graduated from Dallas Baptist University and are currently living in Kenia, Alaska in the off season.

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Zeb Sneed, Cy’s older brother, was drafted out of northwest Nazarene University  by Kansas City Royals in the 12th round and is currently a starting pitcher for the River City Rascals, an independent team out of O'Fallon, Missouri. He and his wife graduated from Southern Nazarene University and currently live in Bethany, Oklahoma in the off season.

Cy and Zeb’s dad, Bob Sneed, son of Brenda and John Sneed of Chilcoot, graduated from McQueen High School and attended Loyalton for two years, and graduated from Purdue Univ  ersity where he also was 
a starting pitcher for two years then drafted by the 
Mets, but he didn't sign.

AMONG THEIR FANS is Chris Lonergan, formerly of Loyalton, who writes, “Cy and Zeb Sneed, sons of Bob Sneed and grandkids of John and Brenda Sneed of Chilcoot, are doing extremely well in their professional baseball careers. Cy just got promoted to triple A Fresno Grizzlies, the top minor league team for the Houston Astros. Cy pitched last night in Reno and had an outstanding game in ​front of lots of family and friends who came out to see Cy pitch against the Aces. 
“Cy pitched 7 innings and got the win, which was super nice with all the people there to see him.   
“Zeb is one of the top pitchers on the River City Rascals, a professional baseball club in the independant league.     
“To make a pro team and being able to pitch professionally is no easy task, as both brothers have superb work ethic instilled in them at a very young age, and along with their God-given talent, don't be surprised if you see one or both brothers pitching in the major leagues someday!  
“It has been a super exciting ride the last few years with the brothers in their pro careers, and a very special thing to witness.  
“A lot goes into being a pro ball player, and to have a local connection to this road to the big leagues is a very exciting thing to follow and be a part of.  
“Keep up the hard work and stay focused and great things are going to happen.”

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EDITORIAL: When is Enough, Enough?

8/26/2017

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WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?
A letter, dated August 1st was received by City of Loyalton from State of California Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency over current enforcement status of the Loyalton Mobilehome Park.
According to the letter, the Department filed a request to Sierra County District Attorney on April 17th, 2017 to exercise its mandatory duty to file a civil nuisance abatement action against the Park landowner. 
The park owner, Steven Griggs, who had abandoned managerial control of the park was located May 10th and was issued a Notice of Abatement Order that corrections would be verified by the Department on May 23rd, Failure could result in civil or criminal action and failure to abate could result in revocation of the park’s permit to operate and provide an additional ground for establishing a public nuisance in Sierra County’s planned nuisance abatement actions, and an Abatement Order to correct the health and safety violations in the park by May 22nd. 
•  On May 12th the Department and Sierra County officials met “to devise a plan to move forward in a coordinated manner and exercise their respective jurisdictional authority to 1) close the park; 2) relocate lawful residents and 3) remove non-tenants from the Park.
•  Not surprising, on May 23rd the Department determined the owner had not made any correction to the health and safety violations. Griggs requested from the Department an informal conference on June 14th to discuss the alleged violations.
•  And on June 2nd the Department determined the existence of four new health and safety violations that are imminent hazards. A new Notice of Violation was issued to the owner.
•  And again on June 14th was the informal conference with the owner and the Department which provided 10 working days to complete the informal conference determination report and provide a copy to Griggs who was apprised of his right to request an informal hearing within 10 days on the violations in the Park and as to whether he is responsible for the park violations. According to the letter, “The Department intends to revoke the Permit to Operate approximately 30 days after receipt of the owner’s request (or upon no request) for in-
   formal hearing.”

* * * * *

Revocation of the permit to operate will terminate the park’s legal rights as a mobilehome park under MPA and jurisdiction over the land-use would revert to the zoning and land use laws of Sierra County and Loyalton with the Department having no legal jurisdiction or authority over the park.
That 30 days would have been July 14th and it is now August 24th.
The Department had suspended its permit to operate on December 31, 2015 which was said prohibits operation, occupancy, rental, lease, sublease, demand or collection of rent, or hiring out occupancy for any lot yet only allowed residents to reside rent and water and sewer free and for squatters to move in.
With an absent park owner, uncorrected health and safety violations and city and county utility rate structures  for water, sewer and trash allowed for four separate lien auctions in 2016 with no viable bidders.
Now located, the owner must be held responsible. 


* * * * *

THE LETTER admitted, “The Park’s health and safety conditions worsened in the latter part of 2016 and early 2017, the Department and county concerns for health and safety of the lawful residents of the Park increased. The Department became aware that there were now additional imminent hazards inside the Park due to vagrants and trespassers occupying the Park, creating conditions such that it is not safe for the lawful residents or the neighboring community, thus becoming a public nuisance.”
To summarize, the letter states, “The Department has exhausted all avenues to assist in the remediation of the Park’s health and safety violations. The Department now plans to move forward to revoking the Park’s permit to operate and will continue to work with Sierra County.”

* * * * *

REVOCATION would remove all State protection in the park, according to a State representative at a Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on April 19, 2017. Yet, residents have seen no “protection” and it is now going into fall and it is questionable how, when and where lawful residents will be relocated.


* * * * *

THE LETTER is signed by Alexis A. Podesta, Secretary, State of California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. According to Google, Gov. Jerry Brown filled two top-ranking vacancies in the agency that regulates housing and professional licenses with one of his former political aides and with a senior Democratic staff member from the Legislature.
He named Alexis Podesta, 36, a former staff member in his office, to become the secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. Podesta has carried out that job as acting secretary since November 2015, when former Secretary Anna Caballero re-entered elected politics in a successful campaign for an Assembly seat.
Podesta’s position paid at that time $194,105 a year. She worked for Brown from 2011 to 2015 as director of external affairs and director of international affairs. Previously, she worked for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the Walt Disney Company.




 
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​VETRAX SEPTEMBER 2017MILITARY EXCHANGE ONLINE SHOPPING OPENS TO VETERANS

8/26/2017

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  • As of Veterans Day November 11, 2017, all honorably discharged U. S. Veterans will be able to shop the exchange online.  This new privilege will only extend to online shopping however, not shopping in the physical exchange.  Through the website, veterans will be able to purchase any items except for uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products. 
  • The exchange estimates that this could bring in between $226 million and $1.13 billion in annual sales.  An increase in sales also means an increase in funds for the MWR programs (Morale Welfare and Recreation).
  • Veterans will enjoy saving on average 20 percent over commercial stores while those families with base access will be enjoying better MWR programs.  It’s a win-win situation for all.
  • This has been a two year effort to open online shopping up to honorably discharged veterans.  In the fall of 2016 the Defense Department’s Executive Resale Board voted unanimously to open online shopping to veterans and the Deputy Defense Secretary approved it.
  • Shopping will only be available to veterans online and only for the exchange.  There are currently no plans to open shopping at the commissary.
  • You can keep up with announcements as the date for launch of this program approaches and learn how you can establish your identity as an honorably discharged veteran through their website (https://militaryshoppers.com/exchange-online-shopping-veterans/.
The Plumas County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license.    To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office at 283-6271/6275 Mon-Fri from 0800-1600.  We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Plumas County Veterans Service Office webpage by accessing the Plumas County Website under Veterans Services.
 
The VA Van departs at 0700 Tues and Thursdays from the County Annex upper parking lot.  Ensure you call  Kyle Short County Veteran Service Representative at 283-6271 three days prior to your appointment at the VAMC Reno to schedule a reservation on the VA Van.   The Van can transport up to five veterans first come first served.
 
 
 
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SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEK ENDING August 25, 2017

8/25/2017

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            Jason Wardrobe (40) Loyalton.  Disturbing the peace.  Probation 18 months, fine $650.
 
            Robbie Miller (39) Oroville.  Driving with license suspended for alcohol related offense.  Four years probation, 10 days jail, fine $2249.
 
            David Slaughter (56) Sacramento.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Slaughter was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of manslaughter caused by driving with gross negligence, reckless driving causing injury to another, causing serious bodily injury to another, and driving while suspended with priors.  He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.  The evidence at the preliminary hearing showed he caused an accident on highway 89 which took the life of Robert Shaffer.
 
            Patrick Hall (34) Transit.  Sentenced on felon in possession of ammunition. Three years probation, six months jail, and fine of $435.
 
            Kari Donnelly (47) Santa Rosa.  Driving with a blood alcohol level of more than .08.  three years probation, two days jail, fine $1885 and attend alcohol school.
 
            Mark Black (47) Loyalton. Black waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and was ordered to stand trial on felony failure to appear.
 
            Philip Hayden (47) Reno.  After a contested preliminary hearing, he was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of Robbery, armed with a firearm, residential (1st degree) burglary, grand theft of firearms, false imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm, and strike offenses.  He remains in custody in lieu of bail in the amount of $800,000.
 
           
            Valerie Robinson (60) Loyalton.  Robinson violated her probation on charges of preparing false evidence.  She received 240 days jail, and her probation was terminated unsuccessfully.
 
            Eric Armstrong (26) Loyalton.  Felony sentencing on a prohibited person (prior domestic violence conviction) in possession of a firearm.  Five years probation, six months jail, fine $435.
 
            Paula Silvestri (55) Sierraville.  She pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon.  Sentencing is set for October 13.
 
            Tyler Martin (23) Sierraville.  Resisting and delaying an officer.  Thirty days jail, fine $650.
 
            David Young (28) Eugene Oregon.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Young was ordered to stand trial on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition.  He remains in custody in lieu of $150,000 bail. 
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Traffic Impacts Expected from Highway 49 Paving Operations

8/23/2017

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Sierra County project to utilize one-way traffic controls

 
DOWNIEVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling near Downieville on Highway 49 that traffic delays for roadway rehabilitation operations are expected to begin Monday, August 28 and continue through mid-November for a $4.5 million pavement preservation project on 12 miles of deteriorating highway south of Downieville.
 
Motorists should expect approximately 10 to 20-minute delays Monday through Friday for one-way traffic controls utilizing a pilot car during daytime operations between Brandy City Road in Indian Valley and the Downie River Bridge in Downieville. Guardrail replacement and/or repair work will occur during the nighttime hours when intermittent one-way traffic controls will be in place. The project may also require work on occasional weekend days.

The project will grind off a layer of existing pavement and install a pavement overlay. Grinding work is expected to take two weeks with the overlay scheduled to begin mid-September.
 
Motorists are cautioned to reduce speeds on areas of rough roadway and to use caution in and near work zones. Weather or other unexpected delays could postpone the work.
 
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Autonomy Initiative group calls for California to take back federal lands

8/21/2017

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​

Dave Marin
California Freedom Coalition
dave@CalFreeCo.org




San Francisco, CA: California Freedom Coalition, the grassroots non-profit behind the initiative “California Autonomy from Federal Government,” called for the State of California to actively seek ownership of federal lands through a proposed amendment to SB 50, a bill currently before the State Assembly.


SB 50, introduced by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) calls for the State Lands Commission to intervene in any attempt to sell off federal lands. It is part of a larger legislative package known as Preserve California.


“Preserve California is exactly the sort of approach we had in mind when we wrote the language in our initiative calling our state government to ‘buffer Californians against chaos, dysfunction, and uncertainty at the federal level’,” said Dave Marin, Director of Research and Policy of the California Freedom Coalition. The group endorsed SB 49 (De León D-Los Angeles), another bill in the Preserve California package, which would enshrine current federal environmental, public health, and labor standards in state law.


“Our concern with SB 50 is that it writes into state policy that federal lands should remain under federal ownership forever,” said Marin. “We see the fact that 45% of our state is owned and controlled by the federal government as a historical anomaly, not a bedrock principle. What matters is continued public ownership of public open space. The federal government sets such a low baseline that we think state ownership would be preferable in most cases.” Marin cited the 2013 Rim Fire near Groveland, CA as an example of mismanagement of federal land.


“We are a grassroots non-profit with a mission that goes beyond a single initiative,” said Steve Gonzales, president of the California Freedom Coalition. “Our focus is on fair representation for Californians, and, until we can get that through national electoral reform, greater autonomy through our own state government. If necessary, we’re ready to fight for California’s autonomy one policy, one piece of land, at a time.”


About The California Freedom Coalition: The CFC is a not for profit, non-partisan organization that was formed to educate and advocate for the voting rights of California. We are a grassroots organization dedicated to ensuring that California and its nearly 40 million citizens and residents have a truly proportionate voice and vote in electing a national government that reflects their values, intentions and expectations. Please visit our website at calfreeco.org.




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ARREST MADE IN PLUMAS COUNTY FIRES

8/21/2017

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The Plumas County Sheriff's Department has arrested Jeffery Cameron Schmid, age 36, of Quincy, CA in connection with the Minerva fire as well as other area fires. This is an ongoing investigation and further updates will follow. Sheriff Greg Hagwood would like to thank the efforts of the Plumas County Sheriff's Office and our partners at the USFS.




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QUINCY FIRES

8/20/2017

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U.S. Forest Service-Plumas National Forest
4 hrs ·
8:30pm - Whew. Fire managers are making plans for tonight and tomorrow as resources roll back into the community. Medical support, porta-potties, food, water... everything is being put in place. Evacuees, there are structure engines in place near your homes. Tomorrow, expect road closures in and around the fire area for firefighter and community protection.
7:30pm - Over the years, we’ve learned that it’s time to breathe when the radios are quiet. It means resources are in place and firefighters are steadily doing their job. The latest update indicates the Toll Fire remains about 50 acres and the rate of spread has moderated from earlier growth. If you’ve evacuated, rest now and know the firefighters are doing their very best to protect the homes you cherish.
6:50pm - PG&E reports power has been shut off in powerlines. A relief for firefighters. PLease see comments below for more photos of fires. Please know there are two main columns, the Squirrel Fire to the northwest and the Toll Fire to the south east as you are looking north/northwest from downtown Quincy. It has been determined there is no third fire inbetween the two... just a spotfire ahead of the Toll. Air resources have knocked it down.
6:20pm - Oakland Camp successfully evacuated. Plumas County Sheriff has asked motorists to stay away from Chandler, Quincy Junction and Oakland Camp Roads.
5:50pm - Per air attack (eyes in the sky) the Toll Fire is about 35-40 acres and has moderated slightly. Firefighters have hose lays going up right and left flanks. The fire is spotting a bit ahead of the fire front. There is a smaller fire called Cashman in between the Toll and Squirrel fires. The sheriff has notified us that the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds has been opened as an Evacuation Center. Air tankers have been making drops. Smoke is extremely visible in the Indian Valley and American Valley vicinity.
5:45pm - PG&E is shutting down lines in vicinity of fire as is the railroad (rails). Multiple strike teams of engines have been ordered along with additional air tankers. The second fire to the north is called the Squirrel Fire; it’s column is easily discernable to the northwest of the Toll Fire.
5:30pm - Several other smokes have been reported along the Spanish Creek trail. Motorists are urged to avoid the area to allow evacuees and fire resources ingress and egress. Oakland Camp and residents along Oakland Camp Road are being evacuated.
5:10pm - Toll Fire is about 25-30 acres according to air attack, and headed to ridgetop. Evacuations in the Oakland Camp area are continuing. Additional air tankers have been ordered. Smoke from the fire is visible in American and Indian Valleys. A second fire (T25N, R9E, Sec 25) (about 10 acres) has been reported to the northwest (follow railroad tracks) of the Toll Fire. Several other smaller smokes have been reported along the Spanish Creek trail.
Plumas National Forest firefighters are responding to a several acre fire (Toll Fire) in the vicinity of Spanish Creek trailhead in T25N, R11E, Sec 31 near Oakland Camp. Multiple engines, helicopter and an air tanker are heading to the fire. Structure protection engines are en route and some evacuations are occurring.#plumaswildfires #plumasnf




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WEATHER - Sunday - Wednesday

8/20/2017

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From Plumas National Forest
For all you Frenchman Lake fans (eastern Plumas County on the PNF), the boat dock at Frenchman boat ramp is back in the water, thanks to a partnership of our Beckwourth recreation & fire personnel, Plumas County Sheriff’s Boat Patrol & Search & Rescue and our campground hosts from Thousand Trails!


In other news, the hazy conditions across the forest are  due to wildfire smoke up and down the state….. but not from here!!!!


At the time of this writing, we are starting to pick up lightning strikes in the east central/east part of the forest (Mt. Hough-Beckwourth Ranger Districts.
We've had scattered wet thunderstorms over the Sierra and western Nevada the last couple days.  More wet thunderstorms are expected through Wednesday.


Thunderstorms: 
·  Isolated to scattered thunderstorms this evening and again late in the day on Monday. Best coverage will be along the Sierra Crest today and Monday.
·  Storms will be progressively wetter with potential for localized heavy rains and flash flooding over the next few days, especially Tuesday and Wednesday.
·  Thunderstorm coverage increases on Tuesday and Wednesday as low pressure kicks out of the area.  Scattered thunderstorms expected in the Sierra, western Nevada and Northeast California.
Temperatures: 
·  Temperatures will cool down slightly Tuesday-Wednesday, then warming and drying trend into next weekend with no thunderstorms and above normal temperatures with upper 90s in the desert valleys and 80s in the Sierra.
Eclipse: 
·  A few clouds will be pushing in from southern Nevada around late morning and increasing through the afternoon. Looks like mostly sunny skies in the morning for most areas, with the highest chances for clouds will be south of Highway 50 for Mono and Mineral Counties. 
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Your Lawn: Even When You Are Asleep, You Are Using It

8/19/2017

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By Kris Kiser, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

You may think that a backyard barbecue or play area for your kids are the main uses for your lawn. But did you know that even when you are asleep – you are still “using” your lawn? Even if you are not camped out in a tent for a family overnight in the backyard and are inside your home counting sheep, you are still “using” your lawn.
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the international trade association representing the small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturing industry, points out that you are benefitting from your lawn in many ways.
“Many people don’t realize that their turfgrass is hard at work and they are “using” it 24-7. You may not be outside all the time, but you are still benefitting from your lawn – even when you are asleep,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “Your lawn provides a wealth of environment and lifestyle benefits to you, and it enriches the community for everyone.”
Ways in which you are using your lawn:
Cooling down your home and your community. Because of concrete, asphalt and buildings, air temperatures in cities, even after sunset, can be as much as 22°F warmer than nearby areas. This phenomenon is known as the heat island effect. Grasses – like those found in your lawn - dissipate radiant heat through a process called evapotranspiration that cools the air.
In one research study of surface temperatures, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, natural turf had the lowest average temperature of 78˚. Concrete and bare soil had average temperatures in the mid-90’s. Asphalt had an average temperature of 98˚ and artificial turf (a.k.a. plastic grass) came in at a scorching 117˚.
Combating global warming by sequestering carbon. Turfgrass is the largest carbon sink in the country. Grasses remove about 6 tons of carbon dioxide per acre per year from the atmosphere.
Carbon sinks absorb from the atmosphere the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide that is warming up our planet. It is estimated that up to 800 pounds of carbon per acre is sequestered by turfgrass each year; almost a half a ton per acre. This results in 20 million tons of carbon being removed from the atmosphere each year in the U. S.
The dense canopy and fibrous root system in a lawn sequesters carbon so well, that it outweighs the carbon used for maintaining the grass by as much as seven-fold.
You can even help your lawn sequester more carbon by leaving grass clippings on your lawn. Scientists have found that recycling grass clippings on lawns will sequester even more carbon.
Making oxygen and cleaning the air. Your lawn is an oxygen-producing machine. A turf area of fifty square feet will produce enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of a family of four.
Your lawn is hard at work cleaning the air you breathe. Research has shown that turfgrasses remove atmospheric pollutants such as carbon dioxide, ozone, hydrogen fluoride, and perosyzacetyle nitrate from the air. Grass also plays a vital role in capturing dust, smoke particles and other pollutants that harm people.
Controlling water runoff and erosion.  Your lawn functions as a sponge that traps water and prevents the water from “running off” into area sewer drains carrying anything it collects along the way – like motor oil, dirt, or trash. This prevents flooding and soil erosion. Your spongy lawn cleanses the water it collects and breaks down harmful microbes and pollutants, keeping them out of the groundwater supply.
The grass filtration system in your lawn is so effective that rain water filtered through a healthy lawn is often as much as 10 times less acidic than water running off a hard surface like a sidewalk or hardscape.
Serving as a fire break. Living grass is the best, natural fire break. Healthy turfgrass can be a significant deterrent to wild fires. Green grass retards the spread of wildfires because of its low fuel value, and it provides a defendble space around structures where firefighters can work effectively.
Reducing noise pollution. Grass cuts down on excessive sound, a growing problem in urban areas, where hardscape and pavement reverberate sound. Grass slopes alongside lowered expressways reduce noise 8-10 decibels.
To get more information and tips on maintaining your lawn, even under drought conditions, visit www.opei.org/stewardship/
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LIBERTY UTILITIES ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO CONSERVE DURING SOLAR ECLIPSE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 21

8/18/2017

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Lake Tahoe, CA August 18, 2017. Liberty Utilities is encouraging its customers to conserve energy during the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21 and to practice smart energy use throughout the year.
“While we certainly want to encourage our customers to conserve during Monday’s historic solar eclipse, we also urge them to take steps to reduce their energy use every day,” said Travis Johnson, Liberty Utilities’ VP of Operations. “By doing so, customers can reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time.”
While the eclipse will last for less than three minutes on Monday morning, the State of California is asking residents to conserve from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The State’s “Do Your Thing for the Sun” campaign is designed to reduce energy demand on the electrical grid when solar energy sources will be affected during the eclipse.
Liberty Utilities offers these no-cost energy conservation tips:
  •   Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your computer.
  •   Charge your electric vehicle and other electronic devices in the late evening, preferably
    after 10 p.m.
  •   In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80° when home, and 5-10° warmer at night or
    when you’re not home.
  •   In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to keep heat out.
  •   Use your electric dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer after 10 p.m. when demand is
    lowest. Cook as late in the evening as possible.
  •   Barbeque outdoors when practical. Reducing the heat coming into your home from any
    source, such as cooking, will reduce the load on your air conditioning.
  •   Set your water heater to 120°.
  •   Vacuum your refrigerator coils, underneath and in the back. They need air space to
    work.
    Additional energy conservation tips along with information on the utility’s energy efficiency programs, can be found at www.libertyutilities.com; click on the Smart Energy Use link at the top of the homepage.
Solar Eclipse Impact. Liberty Utilities’ 50 MW Luning Solar Center became operational earlier this year and supplies 25% of customers’ energy needs. The remaining power is purchased from NV Energy through a purchased power agreement which eliminates any coal- sourced power and relies mostly on natural gas and renewable energy. Since Liberty Utilities is a winter-peaking utility, officials do not expect difficulties in meeting customers’ energy needs during the solar eclipse.
“We don’t anticipate any problems providing service during Monday’s solar eclipse,” Johnson added. “But we also appreciate our customers’ awareness and practice of smart energy use during this time.”
About Liberty Utilities
Liberty Utilities Co. owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utilities in 13 states, delivering responsive and reliable essential services to approximately 800,000 customers across the United States. With a local approach to management, service and support, we deliver efficient, dependable services to meet the needs of our customers. Liberty Utilities provides a superior customer experience through walk-in customer centers, locally focused conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, an enjoyable customer experience, and an unwavering dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Texas. For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com. 

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CAL FIRE Announces Forest Health Grants to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

8/15/2017

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Sacramento – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) today announced that the department will award over $21 million in grants to local groups across California that will help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.
 
Three of the six grants announced today fall under CAL FIRE’s Forest Legacy Program. These grants enable the purchase of conservation easements on properties in Mendocino, San Bernardino and Siskiyou counties, protecting the land from being used in ways that would increase greenhouse gas emissions – such as urban or agricultural development – and harnessing the ability of trees to “sink” or sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Landowners will retain ownership of their land and will not be restricted from using it for activities such as timber harvest, hunting, fishing and hiking. These grants will protect more than 28,285 acres of forests from development.
 
The grants use proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program to combat climate change. Through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, CAL FIRE and other state agencies are investing in projects that directly reduce greenhouse gases while providing a wide range of additional benefits in California communities.
 
“Investments in forest health are even more critical now because of climate change,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “California continues to invest millions of dollars into protecting working forest lands and improving our state’s urban forests which will help increase carbon sequestration and has the added benefit of helping protect our state’s vital watersheds.”
 
CAL FIRE’s voluntary Forest Legacy Program ensures that state forests will provide wildlife habitat and watershed protection as well as jobs, strong rural economies, grazing, recreation, wood, scenic beauty and research opportunities. To date, CAL FIRE’s Forest Legacy Program has conserved nearly 111,379 acres of working forest lands in California.
 
The remaining three grants, also funded by cap-and-trade proceeds, represent CAL FIRE’s landscape-scale forest health initiatives. These initiatives include efforts to combat the state’s unprecedented bark beetle epidemic, watershed protection, and the increased use of tools such as prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction to create resiliency in California’s forests.
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August 15th, 2017

8/15/2017

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Shoulder Work to Close Freeway Ramps in Truckee
Caltrans maintenance crews will repair erosion damage
 
TRUCKEE – Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling through the Truckee area that the on ramp from southbound Highway 89 to eastbound Interstate 80, as well as the off ramp from Interstate 80 to Central Truckee, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 15 and Wednesday, August 16 for maintenance work.

Caltrans maintenance crews will be repairing areas of the ramp’s shoulders that sustained damage during the past winter’s storms. Preventing further erosion of the ramp’s pavement and shoulders will help mitigate further damage anticipated from future winter storms.


Caltrans reminds motorists to use caution in and near work zones. Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work. Caltrans will issue traffic updates on this and other work occurring in District 3 on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict 3.
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