Blog Archives - Sierra Booster

California Adopts New Fire Plan

8/30/2018

Strategic Fire Plan Provides Roadmap To Combat Wildfires

Sacramento – As destructive wildfires continue to burn throughout California, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) took action last week in adoption of the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan. The Strategic Fire Plan for California is the State’s road map for reducing the risk and impacts from wildland fires.

“We continue to experience large and damaging wildfires across our State and must work to break the cycle,” said J. Keith Gilless, Chair of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. “This plan addresses the need for continued efforts to prevent wildfire, while considering recent climate considerations like drought and tree mortality.”

The plan update was developed over the past 21-months in a collaborative effort between the Board, CAL FIRE, stakeholders, and public input. “Significant effort went into the development of this plan, and now we have updated policy to guide us through current and future fire seasons.” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director.

The Strategic Fire Plan places an emphasis on what needs to be done long before a fire starts, while also looking to reduce firefighting costs, property losses, increasing firefighter safety, and contributing to forest health. The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan has seven goals that include: analyzing the fire risk, supporting land use planning, community preparedness planning, public education, integrating landowner fuels management, identifying fire suppression resources, increasing fire prevention efforts, and post wildfire recovery.

Since the last iteration of the Strategic Fire Plan in 2010, it appears that the impacts of climate change has resulted in increased severity of wildfires, longer fire seasons, increased extreme weather conditions, historic drought, and led to our State’s worst tree mortality epidemic in history. The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan addresses these issues and highlights the need for heightened levels of fire prevention and protection of natural resources.

“The 2010 Fire Plan served us well in navigating one of California’s worst droughts,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, CAL FIRE assistant deputy director and co-chair of the Fire Plan Steering Committee. “This new plan will continue to provide us a framework to reduce California’s growing wildfire risk.”

The State’s Strategic Fire Plan is updated every 8-10 years. Annually, CAL FIRE provides an update to the Board to report on the progress in plan implementation and on successes, as well as challenges. Each CAL FIRE Unit and Contract County develop local fire plans based on the guidance provided in the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan.

The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan is available on the Board’s website at: http://www.bof.fire.ca.gov/.

CANNABIS MANUFACTURING IN LOYALTON?

8/29/2018

JEFF NAUGHTON of Evexia Science is shown above with Council member Joy Markum and Mayor Mark Marin on August 28th during Public Comment. Members of the public are shown in the doorway.

CANNABIS MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION was subject of a Public Hearing Monday, August 27th at Loyalton City Hall. City Council member Joy Markum called it a presentation on a new business that would like to come in the community and she gave two guidelines: no fist fights and no bullying.
Richard Mackler, advisor and consultant introduced Jeff Naughton and Augustine, interpreter for CA Superior Courts six years, owners of a cannabis medical dispensary business, Evexia Science in Truckee. Richard told of previous successes, and the plan to move out of Truckee which won’t permit retail sales and come do manufacturing and distribution in Loyalton. He planned to give a slide presentation but for a constant barrage of questions.
Among questions were why they didn’t go to Nevada City and why they were denied in Truckee, tax revenue if it’s illegal federally, their environmental plan, law enforcement, business hours, manufacturing concerns, from where retail and distribution are sourced.
Augustine, who has no degree but experience in business, talked of mainly manufacturing and compared it to a bakery but was booed by the audience, urged not to use the comparison.
Richard told of being the only collective in California to do primary research and would love to do a soda factory here, doing initially tablets which is their main product.
He told of Truckee not allowing store fronts or manufacturing. His goal is being a “collaborative partner with Loyalton.” Plans would be to purchase 710 and 712 Main Street vacant lots, contingent on the license, and construct a 4,500 sq. ft. metal building. He hadn’t looked at local construction companies and was reminded by City bookkeeper Tracy Smith that Truckee construction companies have a “huge base of employees” in Loyalton. Under question of distinction of money of tax revenue, Richard stated they put proceeds in a bank, had talked to the town attorney and there was no distinction on where the money’s from.
Richard told of the City being eligible for State grants, they’d have retail sales predominately tablets and edibles with auto and pickup truck distribution.
Questioned on manufacturing concerns, Richard told of using one chemical, alcohol, food coloring and flavors.
With Dennis Marsh stating commercial grows were illegal in Sierra County, Richard said they’d be dealing with maybe 300-pounds of raw material per month.
Sarah Grew of Pike told about adult and medical use of cannabis, caring about wellness and was met with sarcasm with audience members stating, “Illegal drug money is so wrong.” Markum reminded the crowd, “Don’t point fingers.”
Richard told of a sally door for security and controlled entry. He talked of the impact on law enforcement with “not a lot of officers.” He called security their responsibility and material stored in safes. Dennis Marsh corrected him of more police presence and security can’t fall on them but residents and County government. Dennis felt insulted it sounded like town folk are “back water hicks.”
Several in the audience spoke out against the permit until they spoke with the sheriff’s department and a concern for the “well being of town,” the affects of the whole valley and the subject being tabled, wanting the opinion of the sheriff.
Richard told of the State process to track and trace every sale of medical or adult cannabis with independent testing labs. Audience members questioned the sally door and why the building had to be downtown.
Dennis Marsh told the underlying concern was the lack of promotion of the meeting and how it could be an action item the next night at the council meeting and they’d like to see a series of meetings.
Richard said reality was weather, the ability to break ground and pour.
After questioning on State licensing and rules and being read how taxes aren’t seeing the benefit, Richard stated they weren’t taking testimonies but rather to address questions.
Derrick Koch is Boy Scout advisor, EMT, firefighter and told of kids’ individual research, gave percentages and advised, “Don’t do it.”
Victoria Fisher, wife of Sheriff-elect Sgt. Mike Fisher, addressed Richard to do due diligence and contact the sheriff. She called the county “in limbo” and in January they’d make sure the coverage is on both sides of the county. Sgt. Fisher was in Alleghany.
Nurse Donna Dorsey had misgivings, told side affects and risks and stated it “doesn’t sound like medical.” She told of a “clear message” if the community approves this; to our child we approve of marijuana. She called it a “moral issue.”
That was met with an audience member stating, “Flip side is to do something economically.”

August 28th City Council meeting’s Public Comment had Dennis Marsh tell of California’s cannabis enforcement position of 600-feet from any schools. He measured from the proposed lot to the elementary school gym which is 317-feet. He strongly suggested action on cannabis retail processing and distribution not be allowed, calling it “obviously blatant disregard for State law.”
From the audience, Cali Griffin, Future Farmers of America advisor and ag teacher at Loyalton High School, advised the Council “FFA knows the correct rules,” and to make motions correctly and accused them of not following the agenda.
Jeff Naughton called it “simply proposing California legal business under Prop. 64. He stated he’d given the wrong address and it was 706 Main, 600-feet away from School Street. He further argued it doesn’t meet definition of school. He told of bringing jobs which only brought booing from the crowd and had Mayor Mark Marin pound the gavel and introduce Attorney Steve Gross.
Gross explained Prop. 64 allows the city to regulate cannabis activity if it so desires and regulates the State license. The City has no ordinance to regulate cannabis activity. If it wants to regulate it , it needs to adopt an ordinance quickly and to hold a public hearing. The city license has to comply with the city business ordinance. He recommended the Council should accept or deny the application for a business license to be conducted on this property with this zoning and adopt an ordinance. Mark stated to do it this week at a special meeting and opened a public hearing.
Sgt. Mike Fisher, Sheriff-elect questioned Jeff on manufacturing of oils and extraction. Jeff told of a safe micro license, “like a bakery,” and do extractions. “It’s nothing like a local bakery,” the Sgt. replied.
Senior Probation Deputy Chuck Henson stated, “Loyalton should be proud,” stating it’s very small and strong and the town always comes together.
Mayor Mark Marin’s “personal opinion,” was this should go to a vote of the people.
Supervisor Jim Beard questioned why Evexia Science left Truckee and read a letter from Jenna Gatto, AICP Planning Manager of Town of Truckee where she wrote, “Mr. Naughton has illegally operated a delivery service and cannabis extract manufacturing business in Truckee for a number of years.” She added, “I did just confirm that his manufacturing business (EvexiaScience LLC) is registered to a residential property located in Truckee.”
Nina Tucker called it a “moot point” with no zoning and called Loyalton a “magical place.”
The Mayor told Jeff he’d felt deceived over acquiring mill property and a long term plan when the crowd questioned it the previous night and was told no, there was nothing at the co-gen. Jeff went over an elaborate plan to bring the co-gen property into the city and has $8 million “lined up” to develop a soda pop manufacturing-infused business and bring other companies with a $6.5 million payroll and bringing $100,000 into town with a manufacturing tax.
Greg Andal had done studies on crime rates on robbings and shooting deaths.
City Bookkeeper Tracy Smith objected that the attorney already recommended to deny it. She called the crowd, “Some ill behaved,” and should be ashamed. She questioned “why keep putting this man (Naughton) through this?”
The mayor took offense; “You’re not going to talk to me like that.”
Samantha Redman addressed the Council, “A lot of us are o.k. with this coming in,” and she stated growth would be good.
Jessica Norman told of Sierra Nevada Children’s Services across the street from the proposed location having families, trainings and easy access. She is also Youth Leader at Assembly of God Church Hall with 30-75 kids and its proximity was a concern. She stated that city block services more kids than any place in the entire county.
Janet McHenry didn’t want bad business decisions overall for the city and opened the curtain to reveal the school gym.
Jeff didn’t want the city to “hang up manufacturing activities.” He called it “making like candy.” He talked of the issue of zoning and the “one person zoning department.”
Gross advised the council “wrap it up.”
Joy made a motion to deny the permit/business license with Mark seconding it and Nancy voting no, Joy and Mark voting yes and Tracy questioning Nancy. Joy reworded the motion to deny the application for a permit as presented, seconded by Mark and was passed.

National Adult Immunization Week Highlights the Need for Vaccination

8/28/2018

Even healthy older adults are at increased risk for serious lung disease.

Sacramento, CA (August 28, 2018) – This week, August 26 – 31, marks National Adult Immunization Week and the American Lung Association reminds adults that there are recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for vaccination against potentially serious lung diseases.
More than just a bad cold, influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia are potentially serious infections that are among those vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.

Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the most common type of bacterial pneumonia, is often spread through coughing. The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia can come quickly and may include high fever, excessive sweating and shaking chills, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee recommends that all adults 65 years or older receive pneumococcal vaccination.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious virus that is usually spread through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms can impact the entire body and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, a dry cough, sore throat and nasal congestion. Health officials recommend that everyone six months of age and older receive an influenza vaccination every year.

“Age alone increases the risk of serious lung infections for more than 47 million Americans over the age of 65, because the body’s immune system naturally weakens with age,” said Dr. Albert Rizzo, Senior Medical Advisor at the American Lung Association. “An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 adults in the United States die from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases or their complications each year.”
Older adults and those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic health conditions – like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – are especially vulnerable to infectious disease. In fact, for adults 65 and older, the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, as compared to healthy adults 65 and older, is greater for those with a chronic lung disease.
“It’s always better to help prevent a disease than to treat it after it occurs,” said Dr. Rizzo. “Vaccines are vital to helping to protect lung health, especially when it comes to influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, which can potentially have a devastating impact on the lives of those whose lungs are already compromised by asthma, COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions.”
Take an online quiz to assess your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia at Lung.org/pneumococcal, developed in partnership with Pfizer. And for more information about the flu, visit Lung.org/influenza or call the America Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA.
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About the American Lung Association in California
The American Lung Association in California is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education and advocacy. The Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer, to improve the air we breathe, to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association in California or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-685-4872) or visit www.lung.org/california

If you would rather not receive future communications from Ame

California State Parks Encourages Visitors to End Summer Safely this Labor Day Weekend

8/27/2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Labor Day weekend unofficially marks the end of the summer, but for many outdoor enthusiasts, it is another opportunity to enjoy a long weekend in the outdoors. Whether visitors plan on enjoying the outdoors in boats, bikes, horses, off-highway vehicles or surfing, camping, exploring the lakes or mountains, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, it is important to plan and learn about the parks they are visiting.

Below you will find helpful tips to stay safe during this Labor Day weekend:

Wear a Life Jacket:
- Water-related accidents can happen suddenly and rapidly. Make sure you and your loved ones wear properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Wearing them is the number one way to increase your chances of survival during an accident.
- Several public and private entities make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis. View Locations
Protect Your Loved Ones:
- Supervise children at all times by appointing a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Do not assume that someone is watching your children.
- Know your limits. Swimming in a lake, ocean or river is different than swimming in a pool.
- If someone is in distress, seek help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1 if one is not available.
Avoid Alcohol: Operating your boat or an off-highway vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more is against the law. Impaired boaters will be stopped and can be arrested even with lower BAC if the conditions are not safe. Your boat can be impounded.
Ocean Rip Currents: If you get caught in one, stay calm and do not fight the current. Swim or float parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the shore.
Trails: Whether you are hiking, horseback riding or operating an off-highway vehicle, stay on designated trails. You are not only protecting natural resources, but you are also ensuring that you do not get lost.
Prepare an Itinerary: No matter what type of recreation activity you will be participating in, leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member/friend with information such as name/age of all participants, travel destination and expected return date. This will ensure law enforcement personnel have a better understanding of your location in the event of a rescue.

Additional safety tips and information on laws can be found online at www.parks.ca.gov/safetytips.

With over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, and 4,500 miles of trails, California State Parks contains the largest and most diverse recreational, natural, and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency in the nation with 280 state parks. More than 67 million people annually visit California’s state park system. Invent your adventure online at www.parks.ca.gov.

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SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEK ENDING August 28, 2018

8/27/2018

Eric Tennant (45) Loyalton. Violation of parole after five years prison for arson. He failed to register as an arsonist. 135 days jail.

Michael Brown (29) Truckee. Felony driving under the influence causing injury. Five years probation, 30 days jail, fine $2787, attend alcohol clases.

Sherrie Wolverton (49) Butte County. Violation of probation for failure to report and testing positive for methamphetamine. 28 days jail, probation reinstated.

Travis Marsh (26) Loyalton. Sentencing on conviction of misdemeanor battery on co-habitant. Three years probation, 10 hours community service, fine $1088, must complete one year counselling.

Jonas Clark (48) Sacramento. Animal cruelty by leaving two dogs tied in back of pickup on hot day. One year probation, fine $1040.

Shaun Fowler (49) Sierraville. Preparing false evidence (synthetic urine to avoid drug test). Sentencing is Sept 11.

Richard Price (29) Loyalton. After a contested preliminary hearing, was ordered to stand trial on charges of contacting a minor for sexual purposes and possession of methamphetamine.

Jacob Drummond (38) Sattley. Two counts of violating domestic violence restraining order. Two years probation, fine $1179.

Michael Chapman (42) Sierra City. Annoying phone calls, drunk in public. Two years probation, fines $540, and he is ordered not to call Peter Huebner any more.

Shawna Aving (28) Pike. Felony driving under the influence causing injury, with a prior conviction. Sentencing is on Sep 14.

Genelle Wagnitz (45) Loyalton. Driving with a blood alcohol of .08 or more. Three years probation, two days jail, fine $1885, attend alcohol school.

Justin Ames (41) Grass Valley. Criminal trespass. Two years probation, fine $650, and stay away from the Ruby Mine.

Joe Motley (48) Missouri. Fail to register as a sex offender upon his entry into California. Sentencing is Sept 14.

BEAR ATTACKS AND KILLS DOE IN LOYALTON

8/26/2018

A bear attacked and killed a doe between 7 - 10 a.m. Sunday, August 26th behind Karen and Bruce Ball's home off Beckwith Avenue in Loyalton. There are large populations of deer and bear throughout town but most the bears are seen at night. The Balls said the doe was lame and had two fawns. - Photo by Bruce Ball

LaMalfa Attends Field Hearing on Oversight of California High-Speed Rail

8/26/2018

(Richvale, CA) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after attending a Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads Oversight Field Hearing on California High-Speed Rail – with a focus on the 2018 Business Plan and potential $100 billion cost.

LaMalfa said: “When California voters approved Proposition 1A, the project was set to cost a total of $33 billion, funded by equal parts federal, state, and private investment. After countless delays, skyrocketing costs, and decreasing functionality, this project has lost all feasibility and is doomed for failure. Now with a projected price tag near $100 billion and more uncertainty than ever, I think it’s time California move on from this failed idea and focus on infrastructure projects which could actually benefit our state. California has far more pressing needs, such as water infrastructure and storage, which would provide immediate value to nearly everyone in the state and could be completed at a fraction of the cost. This high-speed rail project will never deliver on the promises made to Californians, and it’s past time to cut our losses.”

Truckee Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter is returning

8/26/2018

Hey kids! See Sierra Valley area from the air!
The Truckee Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter is returning to the Beckwourth Nervino Airport this year to hold a Young Eagles rally, offering free airplane rides for youngsters 8 through 17 years old. The rally will be held on September 9, starting at 8 a.m.
The free rides are part of the EAA’s Young Eagles program, in which volunteer pilots introduce kids to aviation by giving them airplane rides.
The EAA started the Young Eagles program in 1992 with the goal of flying one million kids by December 17, 2003, the centennial of the Wright brothers' flights. They easily surpassed that goal and to date over two million kids in more than 90 countries have joined the ranks of Young Eagles. The Truckee chapter has flown over 4.000 Young Eagles in that time.
"Free airplane rides are just part of the Young Eagles experience," said Tom Meadows, Young Eagles Coordinator. "We hope to kindle a dream that will take them into the aviation community."
Following the flight, each young person receives a certificate making them an official Young Eagle. Their name will then be entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, WI. The Logbook is also accessible at youngeagles.org. In addition to the certificate, the new Young Eagle will be given their own logbook with an access code for a free EAA Student membership and free access to the online Flight Training course offered by Sporty’s Pilot Shop, as well as several other programs.
Come fly with us!
Find more information at: eaa1073.org
Find us on Facebook at: Truckee EAA Chapter

Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail to be held September 29

8/26/2018

The third year of the Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail will be rolling into town on September 29. The collaborative event brings visitors from near and far to tour Sierra Valley ranches, farms, historic buildings and a nature preserve to enjoy learning about the Valley’s heritage and present-day agricultural producers, its artists and its abundance of natural assets.
The Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail features a rare opportunity to explore privately owned 100+-year old barns on working farms and ranches to learn about the history and current management from the agricultural producers operating them – some from families who have lived on the same land for many generations. Those traveling the trail will see farm animals of all kinds – cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, yaks and more – including some that can be petted and some that take hand-held treats.
In addition to the agricultural component, there will be art on display throughout the valley. Dozens of talented artists from the region will be showing, demonstrating and selling their wares at every event site. Local artists work in a wide range of media, including fiber, photography, paint, ink, graphite, wood, glass, ceramic, metal, stone and more. The event also highlights the Sierra Valley Barn Quilt Trail, offering maps for visitors to views and learn about the colorful quilt squares mounted on barns and buildings throughout the area.

Additional exhibitors will their enthusiasm and knowledge for nature, history and more. Feather River Land Trust’s Sierra Valley Preserve site will feature a natural resource theme, including Land Trust staff, Plumas Audubon, wildlife-focused art, a short interpretive trail, and a birding platform looking out onto the Valley’s wetlands. Sierra County Historical Society members and the Milton Gottardi Museum in Loyalton will bring history to life with costumes and a model train running through a miniature replica of a pre-World War II-era City of Loyalton.
The Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail also features activities. Many of the artists will be demonstrating their craft. An event passport with beautiful photos from Sierra Valley will be available for purchase, with the opportunity to collect stamps from every artist and site along the Trail. A prize drawing fundraiser for the event, featuring many works of art from participating artists, will be held at the end of the day.
The Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail offers a window into the past, when the Valley was home to many family-run dairies, supplying milk, cream and butter to the Comstock Lode miners in Virginia City and beyond. Visitors are invited to walk in the steps of long-ago Valley residents, where they shopped, went to school and worked.
The Plumas-Sierra Cattlemen’s Association and Plumas-Sierra Cattlewomen will be serving a delicious meal to end the day. Trail-weary pioneers are encouraged to stop by the Sierra Valley Grange Hall in Vinton from
4 – 6 p.m. for the prize drawing, as well as no-host refreshments and dinner. This will be a fun opportunity to catch up with friends, compare passport stamps, swap stories and refuel for the drive home. The Cattle-folk know their way around a grill and a kitchen, so this is not a stop to be missed.
Additional information can be found on Facebook and on the event website: www.sierravalleyartagtrail.org. The event website will be updated with online sales and reservation opportunities and more information as it becomes available: www.sierravalleyartagtrail.org.
The Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail is an event of the Sierra County Arts Council, State-Local Partner with the California Arts Council.

SENATOR GAINES PLANS TO STIFFEN PENALTIES FOR WILDFIRE AND DISASTER LOOTING

8/26/2018

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) today announced he is planning to stiffen the penalties for anyone caught looting in a disaster area during a state of emergency, such as the California wildfires.

“Unfortunately we’ve seen an increase over the past few years in the number of suspects arrested for looting evacuated homes during the California wildfires,” said Senator Gaines. “To steal precious belongings from fire victims during an already frightening and stressful time is absolutely reprehensible. We need to make sure anyone even thinking about looting knows that jail time will be their reward.”

Gaines’ proposed addition to the legislature’s wildfire Conference Committee legislation will make it a mandatory felony for committing burglary or grand theft during and within an affected county in a state of emergency, local emergency or evacuation order, resulting from an earthquake, fire, flood, riot, or other disaster. Current law involving looting is a “wobbler,” meaning that either a misdemeanor or a felony can be charged depending on the circumstances. The bill will make looting during an emergency or disaster an automatic felony and also increases the required community service time.

Most recently, about a half-dozen looting cases have been reported in the wake of each of the Santa Rosa and Shasta County wildfires, with people entering evacuated neighborhoods and breaking through the doors of homes still standing, stealing personal property such as jewelry, electronics and credit cards.

“We want to make it crystal clear that robbery – especially during a time of crisis – will result in serious consequences. My hope is that by increasing the penalty, we will decrease the amount of cases and deter these criminals.”

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.