A powerful lineup of women from the STEM industry will be speaking at this year’s camp to encourage young women to pursue STEM careers.
 
 
Reno, Nev., August 23, 2019 –With support from Tesla, Sierra Nevada Journeys, is expecting more than 100 young women for an action-packed weekend of hands-on, experiential STEM programming. The second annual Girls in STEM camp will be held this weekend, August 23-25, 2019 at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, California. Additionally, Sierra Nevada Journeys is partnering with Envirolution on this educational experience, and their experts will be leading Friday evening’s engineering challenge for the campers.
 
This weekend camp event is for girls ages 10 to 14 from low-income* communities in northern Nevada and will focus on energy, sustainability, science and technology, engineering and math, as well as leadership development, communication, collaboration and problem solving.
 
“This camp wouldn’t be possible without the 25 volunteers and amazing speakers from STEM fields, and of course, Tesla’s education investment with Sierra Nevada Journeys. We aim to provide opportunities for our local kids, and develop and inspire Nevada’s future STEM workforce with this exciting program,” said Sean Hill, Education Director with Sierra Nevada Journeys. On Saturday evening, local guest speakers include women from: Blockchains, LLC; Wood Rodgers, Inc. a western regional engineering firm; Tesla; and Society of Women Engineers, University of Nevada.
 
Meg VanDeventer, Partner Engagement Lead at Blockchains shared why she is volunteering her time as guest speaker at this year’s Girls in STEM camp. “Fewer than 10 percent of people in the blockchain industry are women; I hope to change that statistic by sharing my experiences with these young women and inspire them on how women are going to rule the future of cryptocurrency.”
 
VanDeventer, a former Peace Corps volunteer, has consulted on a presidential campaign on cyber security and taught students to code through AmeriCorps. “I wanted to find a way to make a difference by using technology to empower others,” said VanDeventer. “Girls in STEM camp is a perfect forum to make a positive impact on northern Nevada female students.”
 
The weekend will be packed with lots of hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and experience on Sierra Nevada Journeys’ famous high ropes challenge course.
 
Funding for this camp comes from Tesla as part of their $37.5 million investment in Nevada’s K-12 STEM and Sustainability Education initiative through the Nevada Department of Education Gift Fund.
 

 

Sacramento – The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the 2nd quarter of 2019. As of August 16, 2019, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $74.2 million in revenue reported on the 2nd quarter 2019 returns due by July 31, 2019, and the cultivation tax generated $22.6 million.
 
Sales tax from cannabis businesses totaled $47.4 million in reported revenue for the same period. Retail sales of medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products are exempt from sales and use taxes when the purchaser provides a valid Medical Marijuana Identification card and valid government-issued identification card. Sales taxes apply to sales of cannabis and other tangible personal property.
 
Total tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry is $144.2 million for 2nd quarter returns due by July 31, 2019. This does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction. Previously reported revenue for 1stquarter 2019 returns was revised to $120.8 million, which included $63.1 million in excise tax, $17.1 million in cultivation tax, and $40.6 million in sales tax. Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns, and other tax return adjustments.
 
In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15 percent excise tax upon purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax.
 
To learn more, visit the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses on the CDTFA website.
 
*                    *                    *                    *                    *
 
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis taxes, as well as a variety of other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs account for over $70 billion annually which in turn supports local essential services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.
 

SACRAMENTO – Attorney General Xavier Becerra today provided a list of guidelines to Californians who choose to donate to charities through online charitable fundraising platforms. Charitable fundraising platforms are third-party internet-based platforms that allow the donor to give to charities listed on the platform. The fundraising platforms include Amazon, Benevity, Charity Navigator, CrowdRise, eBay, Facebook, GoFundMe, Google, GuideStar (Candid), Lyft, Overstock, and PayPal. 

“As online fundraising evolves, it is important for donors to make wise and informed decisions,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The California Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that Californians’ charitable donations are not misapplied. I encourage donors to always do their research before making a donation of any kind.”
Online Donation Guidelines
Attorney General Becerra recommends that, when donating through charitable fundraising platforms, donors should be aware of how the donation process works for indirect methods of charitable giving. Online donations are permanent and non-refundable. Prior to submitting a charitable donation using a charitable fundraising platform, donors should research and confirm the following:

• Who is the intended recipient of your donation? On most charitable fundraising platforms, donors actually make donations not to the charity they select, but instead to the charitable fundraising platform or its partnering platform charity. The expectation is that the contribution will eventually get to the intended charity. If that is unclear, find another way to support the intended charity, such as contacting the charity directly. 

• Will the charity receive the donation? When donations are made to the charitable fundraising platform or its partnering platform charity, custody and control over the donation remains with the platform. The platform may retain the right and discretion not to give the donation to the charity you recommended. 

• How long will it take for the charity to receive the donation? Check to see if the platform has a disbursement policy that clearly explains how long it retains donations before granting them to the charities chosen by donors.

• How much of your donation does the charity receive? Fees may automatically be deducted from your donation, such as credit card processing fees or other transaction fees. Be sure to research and inquire about fees that may not be disclosed. 

For the complete list of guidelines, including guidelines on the duties and best practices of charitable fundraising platforms, you can read our entire Guide for Online Charitable Giving here. For additional resources regarding charitable donations, please visit oag.ca.gov/charities.



​

NEVADA CITY, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service has ordered Fire Restrictions across the Tahoe National Forest effective Wednesday, August 21, 2019. The decision to order fire restrictions came after an analysis of current fuel conditions, weather observations, and forecasts. This analysis revealed the potential to support large fire growth across the Tahoe National Forest.
“These forests and wildlands are part of our community. Keeping the community and public safe while providing for use and enjoyment is one of our priorities,” said Eli Ilano, Forest Supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest.
Tahoe National Forest Fire Restrictions:
 
·           Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, charcoal fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within the oven at Wheeler sheep camp, and within stoves and fire rings provided in the recreation sites listed in Exhibit A of Forest Order No. 17-19-01.
·           Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within a Recreation Site listed in the previously mentioned Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
·           Operating an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails, and except within the Prosser Pits Developed Off-Highway Vehicle Area and boats on a water surface.
·           Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.


Those with a valid 2019 wood cutting permit may operate an internal combustion engine off of National Forest roads and trails only to the extent necessary to cut firewood in compliance with the terms of their permit.


California Campfire Permit holders may use a portable campfire pit, stove, or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel. Please see Forest Order No. 17-19-01 for additional exemptions.


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


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

ALLIANCE FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, INC (AFWD) gave a presentation to the Sierra County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, August 20th in Loyalton.  Business Service Representative, Valerie Bourque stated Sierra County’s unemployment rate for June 2019 stood at 5.1%. Last year it was at 5.4%.  California’s unemployment rate as of June is 4.2%
Between July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 a total of 223 individuals utilized services available through the Sierra Business and Career Network, which included job search, updating resumes, assisting with unemployment filings, and setting up email accounts.
AFWD was able to assist local Sierra County employers with an array of business services, which include providing human resource information, employee training and assistance with job recruitments.
AFWD expended $15,919 in Sierra County during the reporting period of July 1, 2018 to June 30,2019 to support individuals through various client assessments and career exploration processes, and assist them in attending classroom training and internships.
In May 2019, the California Workforce Association (CWA) presented the Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium (NorTEC) and AFWD with the 2019 Charlie Brown Award for significant work contributed to Camp Fire survivors. This was the first time CWA recognized an entire organization and they were humbled to receive this award.
They are happy to continue offering services in Sierra County and continue to partner with local resources and businesses.
Assistant Executive Director, Luis Moreno, told the Board, AFWD is trying to find different ways to expand services in Sierra County as they are having limited success to get businesses and job seekers into the office in Sierraville. He stated they are looking at partnerships and more creative ways to provide entry points to services. He stated it would be great if any organization had a computer lobby they could use for services.  Supervisor Sharon Dryden suggested the library and from the audience the Family Resource Center was suggested. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals asked what the current staffing plan was for the office. Moreno stated they have had a staff shortage due to unforeseen issues, but plan on being open set days.

​A NEW SIGN up Smithneck Creek prohibits  dogs on the trail except for hunting. Odd it’s a wildlife area that allows hunting. There’s been an outcry from residents who, of course, walk their dogs along the trail. We connected with Stacy Anderson Unit Biologist - Wildlife, Plumas and Sierra Counties who wrote, “The restrictions noted on the signage reflect the long-standing regulations set forth in our code and are intended for the benefit of our wildlife resources within the boundaries of the wildlife area only and do not pertain to neighboring USFS property.”
We spoke further with Stacy who explained they have the land for wildlife, the trails aren’t legal and there have been ATVs and even fences extended on their property. She stated dogs are not compatible with wildlife areas. The easiest thing for them to do was to put up the sign to discourage ATV use on the wildlife areas.
One solution she suggested was the County taking over a portion that borders the wildlife area. 
Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals answered our e.mail, stating, “I am setting up a meeting soon with the State Fish and Wildlife staff to discuss this matter-its origin, purpose, and likelihood that they would consider some amendments.  These restrictions are beyond what I would consider reasonable for the State to protect and/or manage its wildlife area particularly when it is nestled within the boundaries of a community like Sierra Brooks.  Most State wildlife management areas are away from communities and among open space areas, national forest system lands, parks, or other Land ownership patterns where the interface between residents and the agency are not so common as we see at Sierra Brooks.  So I am hopeful that the agency will agree with our assessment and support a change in the rules.”  


LOYALTON MOBILE HOME PARK PROPERTY will be offered at auction August 23rd at 2:30 p.m. in Sierra County Courthouse in Downieville. No minimum bid is listed.
Prospective bidders are referred to Sections 701.510 to 701.680 of the Code of Civil Procedure. 
Liens total $2.559 million, according to City of Loyalton.

A PROPERTY OWNER that backs up to Patterson Circle in Loyalton built what neighbor Mike Welbourn calls a 2-foot dam that runs the entire length of his property, is sealed and raises the flood plain. At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Welbourn was told their hands are tied because it falls in city limits. At the City Council, he was told it’s a property dispute between neighbors. Council member Joy Markum saw it as a Fish and Wildlife problem. Council member Brooks Mitchell and Joy agreed to write a letter to the individual who built the dam of the consequences and Brooks will call legal counsel. Mayor Sarah Jackson noted how ranchers on the other end will be upset if they don’t get their diversions.

​PAY RAISES retroactive to July 1st were approved for employees of the City of Loyalton Tuesday night in the absence of the two bookkeepers and despite Council member Joy Markum stating the City is still in debt and making comparisons. In the audience, Phyllis DeMartini questioned establishment of a new pay scale not being used and she stated the need for policy. Council member Brooks Mitchell said they were using union scale guidelines for longevity increases. In discussion about maintenance and the lack of it at the basketball and tennis courts, Mayor Sarah Jackson said maintenance spends 80% of their time, energy and pay comes from the water and sewer. 
The raises amount to an extra $1,300 a month.
Robert DeMartini stated the City “bit off too much,” and suggested selling property and downsizing.
Markum voted no on the raises.

 
                                                          
                                                                                   
                                                                                
 
 
Sacramento, CA, August 21, 2019--California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) is pleased to announce it has awarded over $2 million in federal grant funds to 21 at-risk California communities in 17 counties to conduct wildfire risk reduction projects.
 
Funding for the 2019 CFSC Grants is provided through grants to CFSC’s Clearinghouse by the Cooperative Fire Program of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region and Bureau of Land Management, (BLM) Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and Community Fire Assistance Program.
 
“The selected projects help California communities respond to the growing concern over        catastrophic wildfire and exemplify efforts to create fire adapted communities,” said                                        CFSC Executive Director Tracy Katelman. “CFSC would like to offer a special thank you to the USFS and BLM for their support of CFSC’s mission to help California communities respond to the growing concern over catastrophic wildfire.”
 
Through subgrants from CFSC, these projects provide support to implement fuel reduction projects such as community chipper programs, fuel breaks, and roadside and defensible space projects. These projects will also utilize educational tools to spread the Fire Safe message and engage community members.
 
The 2019 State Fire Assistance (SFA) and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Community Assistance grants will support:
 
 Hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal land
 Community Wildfire Protection Plans and other plans or assessments
 Prevention and mitigation education and outreach opportunities
 
In addition to the federal funds, the projects will utilize over $2.9 million in matching contributions, both in-kind and cash. This generous support demonstrates the value of collaboration and partnerships among agencies and organizations to create Fire Adapted Communities throughout California.
 
The CFSC Board of Directors, Executive Director, grant specialists and staff congratulate Fire Safe Councils, resource conservation districts, fire protection agencies, and other organizations whose projects were selected for 2019 funding.
 
For more information and a list of 2019 grant recipients, please visit www.cafiresafecouncil.org.
 
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The Sierra County Clerk announces the following offices will be voted on at the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election:
 
COUNTY SUPERVISOR 1st DISTRICT
COUNTY SUPERVISOR 3rd DISTRICT
COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4th DISTRICT
 
The period for filing a Petition in-Lieu of filing fee for County Offices is September 12, 2019 through
November 6, 2019.
The filing period for Declarations of Candidacy and Nomination Papers for County Offices is November 11, 2019* through December 6, 2019.
If the incumbent to any of the above offices does not file Nomination Papers, the time frame for filing extends to
December 11, 2019 for other candidates.
 

COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE 
The filing period for Declarations of Candidacy and Nomination Papers for Central Committee Candidates is October 31, 2019 through December 6, 2019.
 

Persons interested in filing for any of the above offices should contact the Sierra County Clerk-Recorder’s Office for candidate qualifications and information:
100 Courthouse Square, Room 11
P.O. Drawer D Downieville, CA 95936 P: 530- 289-3295
F: 530-289-2830
clerk-recorder@sierracounty.ca.gov
www.sierracounty.ca.gov/elections
 
 
(* indicates that the date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday and will move forward to the next business day)
​

SIERRA SCHOOLS FOUNDATION President, Jenna Holland, stated the spring grant cycle granted almost $39,000 to Sierra County schools which included a salmon habitat rafting trip for Downieville school. $15,000 was granted to CTP engineering and design pathway with teacher, Jason Rosecrans. $6,000 was granted to create a film and recording studio in Downieville. A social emotional learning grant was funded for Sierra County schools as well as the Ashland, Oregon Shakespeare Festival field trip.
The annual Swinging for the Schools Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th, which is a big fundraiser that helps to fund these grants.

THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT TO SIERRA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS tentative appointment and Oath of Office was held during the Sierra County Board of Education meeting held August 13th in Downieville. James Berardi had his last board meeting this evening in Nevada County, so wasn’t present to take the Oath of Office. Board Chair Mike Moore stated they received his agreement on the contract Saturday, August 17th. Moore said Berardi used to teach in Sierra County and will officially start on Monday, September 16th. He said Berardi owns property in Goodyears Bar and plans to buy a new home in Sierra Valley. Moore stated it was very difficult deciding on a Superintendent as they had a lot of good candidates. Moore made the motion to appoint James Berardi with a salary of $23,864 per year on the County side, which passed unanimously. The Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District board voted unanimously to appoint Berardi with a salary of $126,136 annually on the District side.

A BUS ROUTE to Beckwourth was looked at by Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District as a request was made by several families who live there. Interim Superintendent and Loyalton High School Principal, Tom Jones stated any extension of bus routes could put bus drivers in jeopardy of getting to school on time. He stated he reached out to the families in Beckwourth and told them they will keep looking at other options. Right now, Beckwourth students can catch the bus in Vinton or on A23.