QUINCY, Calif. – All Plumas National Forest offices will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 2. Despite the office closures, the Forest remains open and ready to be enjoyed by visitors with plenty of places to camp, picnic, and play. 
Tips to help ensure you and your family have an enjoyable holiday include:
 

• Forest offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3. Fire stations are staffed seven days a week; always call 911 to report a fire.
• In the event of an emergency, telephone landlines are the most reliable means of calling 911. The increased number of cell phone calls during holidays often strains rural telecommunication systems, sometimes creating problems making a call. There are also many areas within the forest that do not have cell phone reception. Be situationally aware and have a back-up plan for emergencies.
• Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure your coals are cool to the touch before you leave it. Fire restrictions are in place for the PNF; see https://bit.ly/346xGSJ.
• Secure trailer chains; don’t let them drag on the pavement and cause sparks.
• Expect heavier vehicle traffic in and around the area. Drive defensively and slow down if the road is dusty. Watch for (but don’t feed) the animals!
• Please leave fireworks at home as they are illegal to possess or use on any National Forest lands.

 
Have a safe and happy vacation on the beautiful Plumas National Forest!
For information about the Plumas National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas.              

Come and join the festivities at the second annual Family Fun Fest with the Calpine Marketplace at the Calpine Park on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  The event will feature a carnival atmosphere with family friendly activities to include a bounce house, games and prizes, Harry Potter themed crafts and face painting, magic show, story book creations, and even hatchet throwing.  Combining efforts with the Calpine Marketplace means that there will be something for everyone…music, artisans and food!
 
The Family Fun Fest’s motto is “Celebrating Our Community with Fun for All”.     Our family serving organizations, and the whole community -  businesses, schools, churches, and individuals -  are working together to provide resources, education and services for the health and well-being of everyone.   We hope that folks will come out to have some good old- fashioned fun in the beautiful community of Calpine. 
 
Locals should be on the lookout for a postcard in your PO Box from the Tobacco Prevention Program.  Please don’t mistake it for junk mail!  One side will have a tobacco reduction message and the other side the Family Fun Fest announcement.  There are directions there that say – bring this postcard to the Family Fun Fest and look for the race car flags where you can redeem it for a free lunch coupon for you and your family.  Generous donations from our MediCAL managed care organizations, Anthem Blue Cross and California Health and Wellness, will make it possible to provide 200 free “lunches for locals”.  These are available on a first come, first serve basis, to those who show up with postcard in hand to redeem for lunch coupons to get a free hotdog or veggie dog, chips and drink from the Marketplace Snack Shack.    
 
The Loyalton Senior Van has offered to provide a free shuttle from Loyalton to Calpine and back.  If you need a lift to the Family Fun Fest you will need to reserve your spot by calling 993-4770.  Space is limited.  
 
A big thank you to the contributors who are making this fun event possible: The Calpine Improvement Association, the Family Resource Center, First 5 Sierra, Tobacco Reduction, the Loyalton Senior Center, Public Health, Sierra Childcare Council, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, Los Dos Hermanos, Social Services, Sierra Nevada Children’s Services, Behavioral Health, Sierra Safe, the Wellness Center, Oral Health, Environmental Health, Anthem Blue Cross, and California Health and Wellness.  In addition to the above noted organizations lots of individuals have donated to the cause with cash, supplies and their time…  Thank you to EVERYONE!
 
 
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Plan Ahead and Don’t Let Too Many Vehicles, Construction Projects, or Extreme Weather Spoil Your Time Off

REDDING—As thousands of private citizens are ready to celebrate Labor Day Weekend by taking a road trip to visit friends and family or to enjoy the outdoors, Caltrans District 2 reminds the traveling public to plan ahead for a stress free and safe drive throughout Northern California.

Here are some challenges ahead as well as our recommendations:

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

“We have dozens of construction projects going on major State Routes such as Interstate 5, SR36, SR70, or SR299 just to name a few,” says Construction Manager Shari Re. “Although most construction activities will be off this weekend, a couple of major projects will have work going and traffic control operations will still be in place.”

This Labor Day Weekend, Caltrans and its contractors plan to stop working from Friday, August 30th at 3:00 PM through Monday, September 2nd. Work will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7 AM.

In some cases, work will begin the evening of Monday, September 2nd at 8PM for scheduled night work.

Two exceptions:

I-5, Dunsmuir Grade Project in Siskiyou County: Crews will be working intermittently this weekend, with only one lane open northbound for a short length in the northern part of the project which may cause delays from 30 to 45 minutes or longer during peak hours; most of northbound is currently two lanes open, and one lane open southbound for this project.

SR299, Emergency Project between Helena and Big Bar in Trinity County:Crews will be working on Saturday, August 31st, with anticipated delays up to 20 minutes during daytime hours. Crews won’t be working on Sunday and Monday (9/1-9/2), one-way traffic control will be in effect with minimal delays.
 
TRAFFIC DELAYS AND SPEED LIMITS

Both, construction work and high vehicle-volume contribute to traffic delays, particularly during peak hours. This Labor Day Weekend, peak hours are deemed Friday, August 30th and Monday, September 2nd from 11 AM to 6PM. At all times, motorists are asked to slow down and drive safely.
“We kindly ask the public to remain patient if they encounter traffic delays. More importantly, we remind motorists to respect the 55mph speed limit throughout construction zones, still in place over the Holiday, whether construction activities are taking place or not.” says Traffic Manager Joe Baltazar.

CONSTRUCTION SOUTH OF ASHLAND, OREGON

Interstate 5 travelers this Labor Day Weekend can expect longer than normal delays during peak holiday travel periods due to road construction south of Ashland.

I-5 is narrowed to a single lane in each direction for two miles between mile post 9 and 11, as part of a three-year repair project between the California border and Ashland. During peak travel times, delays through the corridor have been more than 20 minutes. That’s expected to increase by 25 percent, according to ODOT traffic analysts. For more information please contact Oregon DOT PIO Gary Leaming (541) 774-6388.

OTHER CHALLENGES

Hot Weather — Weather authorities have advised of high temperatures in our area this time of the year. It is strongly recommended to have plenty of water and snacks with you, specially if you are traveling with children and/or pets. Cars must be checked before hitting the road to avoid overheating and other problems. Please check their website for specific information.

Fire Danger –Forest Service authorities are urging recreationists to be vigilant this long weekend due to hot temperatures, dry wildlands, and winds. Fire Restrictions are in place. Please check their website for specific information.
 
California Highway Patrol Officers will be on site and along District 2 monitoring speed limit and ensuring travelers slow down for a safe Holiday for all.

Please be respectful to our flaggers and traffic coordinators working this Holiday.
 

Each day people take a virtual trip through the internet to do their banking, make hotel reservations, shop for a new car, or engage in a myriad of other activities important to them.
 
It’s so routine that it’s easy to forget that you need to be just as careful about protecting yourself on those virtual journeys as you would on an actual one.
“Hackers are creative about dreaming up new ideas for stealing your identity, so it’s important that you stay vigilant even if you already have taken action to guard yourself and your data,” says Chris Hoose (www.choosenetworks.com), an IT consultant who works with small businesses.
 
Hoose says a few steps you can take to protect your identity include:
 
Use a password manager. One problem with passwords is that people often use simple ones that are easy to remember, but also easy to hack. A password manager  provides an encrypted database where you can store unique, long, complex passwords for each of your online accounts, and access them when you need them. “With a password manager, you can have better passwords that are harder to hack, and you don’t have to memorize them,” Hoose says.
 
Do your online activities with a VPN. Worried that your online browsing will lead identity thieves right back to you? One solution, Hoose says, is a virtual private network (VPN), which lends you a temporary IP address and hides your true IP address from every website or email you connect with. “It also prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location,” he says. “You just need to remember to connect to it when you want to use it.” A VPN usually costs about $40 to $50 a year, he says.
 
Be wary on social media. Most people check in on social media routinely to catch up on family news, connect with college buddies, or perhaps to share photos of a new puppy. Unfortunately, cyber thieves lurk in the background. “They know that social media platforms are an excellent source for personal information and information about your contacts, which makes identity theft that much easier for them,” Hoose says. To stay safe on social media, he suggests you check to see if you have already been compromised; avoid password reuse; update your security settings regularly; and limit your connections because the more you have, the more potential for a fraudulent or compromised account to send you a malicious link.
 
Keep tabs on your credit report. One way to make sure no one has taken on debt in your name, and damaged your credit in the process, is to request a full credit report from any of the three major agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You can get a free copy from any of them through the site www.annualcreditreport.com. Also, it might be time to get off the mailing list for all those credit offers you receive that say you are pre-approved. “Those offers are a gold mine for identity thieves,” Hoose says. You can opt out of pre-approved credit offers by visiting www.OptOutPrescreen.com.
 
Be sure to install anti-virus/malware software. Your first and best line of defense against identity theft on your computer remains anti-virus software and anti-malware software, Hoose says. When choosing one, he suggests making use of the trial period most companies offer. “That way you can try them out and decide which one works best for you,” he says.
 
“The more people try to foil identity thieves, the more sophisticated those thieves seem to get in their methods,” Hoose says. “But by being watchful and attentive, you can stay safe and enjoy your time online.”
 
About Chris Hoose
Chris Hoose (www.choosenetworks.com) is the president of Choose Networks, an IT consulting firm for small businesses. Hoose started the company in 2001 to give large-scale solutions and support to businesses that can’t afford their own in-house IT department. He earned a Master of Information Systems Management from Friends University.
 

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest on the highways, which makes impaired driving even more dangerous.  To help keep the roadways safe, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is joining forces with five other Western states with the slogan “No safe place for impaired drivers” to crack down on drunk and drugged driving for the coming holiday weekend.
 
In partnership with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the state patrols of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington will work as a Western States Traffic Safety Coalition to place special emphasis on the enforcement of drug-impaired driving.  The states will jointly stress that driving under the influence (DUI) means drugs as well as alcohol in their educational efforts.
 
“Whatever causes impairment makes you an unsafe driver,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “High visibility enforcement in these six states will help create a general deterrence and promote safer driving.”
 
In California, roads will be patrolled by all available CHP officers for the Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), from 6:01 p.m. Friday, August 30, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 2.  During the 2018 Labor Day weekend MEP, 36 people were killed on California roads and 1,084 were arrested for DUI. 
 
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis, the CHP has increased training efforts to detect impaired drivers.  All CHP officers and sergeants have received additional impaired driving enforcement training.  California also has the highest number of drug recognition expert (DRE) trained personnel in the nation.  For the Labor Day MEP, DREs will be on duty throughout the state.
 
Many people think of Labor Day as the last weekend of summer and plan special trips.  The CHP reminds all drivers:  Do not drive if you are going to drink or use any other impairing substance.  Always wear your seat belt.  Avoid distractions behind the wheel.  Be patient, especially when it comes to road congestion or construction. 
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
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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.



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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.

 

 
Over $350,000 worth of USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts were awarded to private landowners in Plumas and Sierra Counties in 2019 for fuel reduction / Forest Health projects.  Dan Martynn, District Conservationist for the Quincy Local Partnership Office, encourages any forest landowners who are interested in protecting their property and the community they live in from the threat of wildfire to contact his office and find out how they can sign up to receive similar funding.
EQIP is a voluntary program that reimburses landowners to hire a contractor or do work themselves on their own property according to an agreed to Plan developed between the NRCS and the applicant.  EQIP is a competitive program and projects compete for funding throughout the northern Sierra region.  Landowners who have never participated in USDA Programs before will need to work with the local NRCS office to establish Farm records before they can participate in EQIP.  The time line for projects to go through the Plan development and ranking process for selection generally takes 3 to 6 months.
To find out more about the USDA NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) you can visit their website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/ca/home/ or call Dan Martynn at 530-283-7511.  His office is located at the Plumas NF Supervisors Office in Quincy.
 

Murderers Benefit from Soft-on-Crime Policies, Victims are an Afterthought
 
California Democrats have a soft spot for dangerous criminals. From lowering the penalty for raping an unconscious person to supporting a program that allows violent mentally ill offenders to hang on to their guns, radicals in the Legislature are putting Californians at risk.
 
This time, though, they seem to have crossed a line.
 
By prohibiting prosecutors from charging 14- and 15-year-olds as adults, no matter how heinous their crimes, Democrats have angered prosecutors, offended journalists, and worst of all, caused even more pain for victims’ families.
 
In a recent edition of the Sacramento Bee, columnist Marcos Bretón told the story of Keymontae Lindsey, who unloaded a handgun into a car full of his high school peers, killing J.J. Clavo. Lindsey was 15 at the time of the shooting, so he’ll be released from prison at age 23.
 
Another sad scene came from Contra Costa County, where a prosecutor was so disturbed by the justice system’s treatment of 20-year-old murder victim Allie Sweitzer’s family, he felt compelled to apologize that they are being denied justice. Sweitzer’s killer, Vincent Lising-Campos received just a seven-year sentence because of his age.
 
Bretón summed it up best: “Regardless of the age of the killer, a sentence of a few years is a slap in the face to the people left devastated by their actions. [The Democrats behind this new policy] obviously didn’t care about that.”
 
We need sensible leadership to protect our communities and fight for families victimized by violent criminals.

 
SACRAMENTO - Today, Assemblymembers Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) and Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) issued the following statements in response to the failure of ACA 1, which would have weakened Prop. 13’s taxpayer protections by lowering the voter approval threshold for local tax increases from two-thirds to 55%:
 
“ACA 1 reinforces the false idea that every problem can be solved with more government spending,” said Kiley. “Today’s vote was a win for California taxpayers and families.”
 
“This was a victory for taxpayers struggling to afford life in California, but the fight isn’t over,” said Lackey. “The middle class is being driven out of our state because of the high cost of living. I’ll continue to oppose legislation like ACA 1 that will make the affordability crisis even worse.”
                                     

​CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL:
On August 8, 2019 at approximately 1422 hours, Jose Avelar Rivas, 40, of Portola was driving a 2007 Toyota northbound on Beckwourth Calpine Road (County Road A23) approaching Calpine Road.  Passengers included Rolando Orellan, 38 of Las Vegas, NV and Kenia Bautista, 43 of Portola and two juveniles of Portola, ages 13 and 4. The vehicle drifted onto the northbound shoulder at which point Rivas attempted to steer back onto the roadway. He overcorrected and lost control as the vehicle veered into the southbound lane and then swerved back across the northbound lane and onto the northbound shoulder. The vehicle collided with a fence and overturned, eventually coming to rest on its roof.
It does not appear that any occupants were utilizing proper restraints and multiple occupants were ejected during the collision. Two occupants were transported to Renown Medical Center by air ambulance and an additional two occupants were transported to Renown Medical Center by ground ambulance. The young female juvenile was medically evaluated at the scene and released to a family member who had responded to the scene.
Rivas as subsequently determined to be driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and arrested at the scene, but was released to medical personnel at Renown for medical care due to his known and suspected injuries.

CTC Allocates Funds to 47 SB 1 Projects to Replace or Improve 880 Lane Miles, 30 Bridges, 83 Culverts and More Than 470 Traffic Management System Devices
 
SACRAMENTO – The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $1.1 billion for a total of 133 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) projects throughout California, including almost $994 million for 47 fix-it-first projects funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
 
“This summer, motorists are seeing our crews hard at work repairing and improving our highway’s infrastructure,” said Acting Caltrans Director Bob Franzoia. “Since SB 1 was passed, Caltrans has made progress on strengthening our transportation system and this new allocation of nearly $1 billion of SB 1 funds will be used to continue to address the backlog of repairs and upgrades.”
 
The SB 1 funded projects will replace or improve 880 lane miles, 30 bridges, 474 congestion reducing devices, and repair 83 culverts to prevent flooding on highways.
 
Area projects allocated funds include:
 

• Replace Adin Maintenance Station Project in Lassen County: $16.5 million project will replace existing maintenance station along State Route 299 near the town of Adin in Lassen County with a new station to provide a modern and effective maintenance operations. The project was allocated almost $16.5 million.

 

• Road Safety & Worker Safety Improvements Project Along State Routes 3 and 299 in the Counties of Trinity and Shasta: $4.7 million project will enhance highway worker safety and improve safety for motorists by constructing Maintenance Vehicle Pullouts (MVPs), extend chain-on areas, install changeable message signs and pave areas along State Routes 3 and 299 at various locations in Trinity County, and SR-299 in Shasta County. The project was allocated almost $3.5 million.

 

• Road Safety Improvements Project Along State Route 70 in Plumas County: $3.1 million project will upgrade rock fence to reduce maintenance and highway worker exposure along State Route 70 at various locations from west of Butterfly Valley Road to west of Two Rivers Road in the town of Quincy, and SR-89 at various locations near the town of Greenville in Plumas County. The project was allocated $23,000.

 

• Traffic Safety Project on Interstate 5 in Siskiyou County: $7.1 million project will enhance traffic safety by improving the roadside clear recovery zone at various locations on Interstate 5 from the Siskiyou/ Shasta County line to the California/ Oregon State line. The project was allocated $200,000.

 
The CTC approved an allocation of $10.5 million in SB 1 funds for the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, which is dedicated to projects that will improve truck corridors, border access, the freight rail systems, the capacity and efficiency of ports, and highways to better handle and move freight.

More than $33.1 million of SB 1 funding was also allocated to the Local Partnership Program (LPP) to help match investments that local communities have made in their region through voter-approved transportation tax measures.
 
In addition, the CTC approved an allocation of almost $5.4 million in SB 1 funds for 16 locally administered Active Transportation Program (ATP) projects, which range from improving sidewalks and bicycle lanes to creating safer routes to school for children who ride their bicycles or walk to school.
 
SHOPP is the state highway system’s "fix-it-first" program that funds safety improvements, emergency repairs, highway preservation and operational highway upgrades. A significant portion of the funding for this program comes from SB 1.
 
Since SB 1 was signed into law April 2017, Caltrans has repaired or replaced 115 bridges and paved nearly 1,500 lane miles of the state highway system.
 
SB 1 invests approximately $5.4 billion per year to fix roads, freeways and bridges in communities across California as well as strategically investing in transit. These funds are split equally between state and local projects and will allow Caltrans to fix more than 17,000 lane miles of pavement, 500 bridges and 55,000 culverts on the state highway system by 2027.
 
More information and updates on these and other projects can be found on Caltrans’ social media channels: http://www.dot.ca.gov/paffairs/social-media.html.
 
Caltrans is committed to conducting its business in a fully transparent manner and detailing its progress to the public. For complete details on SB 1, visit http://www.rebuildingca.ca.gov/.
 
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QUINCY, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges the public to take extra safety precautions as water flows will be higher through the weekend of August 24-25 for whitewater recreation in the Rock Creek Reach of the North Fork Feather River in Plumas County.
 
This portion of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are only appropriate for skilled paddlers, and not appropriate for tubing.
 
The Rock Creek Reach is the 8.3-mile portion of the North Fork of the Feather River in the Plumas National Forest between PG&E’s Rock Creek dam and the Rock Creek powerhouse near Storrie.
 
Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 24 PG&E flows will be increased to 1,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) until 3 p.m. Flows will then be gradually reduced to 900 cfs and held through Sunday, August 25 at 2 p.m. Afterward, flows will gradually decrease to the season normal of approximately 450 cfs.
 
The recreational flows are conducted in cooperation with the American Whitewater organization and the Rock Creek–Cresta Ecological Resource Committee and are usually held four weekends a year in summer. The remaining higher flows scheduled this year include the weekend of September 28-29.
 
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
 

• Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

 

• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.

 

• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides, sub-surface obstacles, fast moving water, and transitions to full tunnels and pipes. For more water safety tips visit:  www.pge.com/hydrosafety

 
 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and pge.com/news.
 
 
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SUSANVILLE, Calif., August 13, 2019 – The Lassen National Forest welcomes incoming Forest Supervisor Deb Bumpus, who reported for duty on August 5. Prior to coming to the Lassen, Deb served as Deputy Forest Supervisor of the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona.  
She began her Forest Service career on the Plumas National Forest as a Zone Wildlife Biologist. She has also held the following positions: Threatened and Endangered Species Biologist, Sawtooth National Recreation Area; National Fire Plan Consultation Team Lead, Regions 1,4,6; Assistant Regional Program Manager for Threatened and Endangered Species, Region 4; Ecosystem Staff Officer, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest; and District Ranger, Beckwourth Ranger District, Plumas National Forest.
“We look forward to having Deb Bumpus lead the Lassen National Forest in collaboration with our partners, stakeholders and the local communities,” said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the Pacific Southwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service.  “Improving forest conditions are top priorities for the Lassen National Forest and the entire USDA Forest Service.  Deb’s commitment to these priorities will enrich the work on the Lassen National Forest and the benefits this work provide to the public and local communities.” 
Deb also served as Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Plumas National Forest, Acting Forest Supervisor for the Gila National Forest, and Acting Executive Officer for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative in Northern Arizona. “I am truly excited about returning to the northern Sierras, an area I have spent much time. I am looking forward to engaging with our partners and working together to achieve the results we all want across the forest landscape,” said Deb Bumpus, Forest Supervisor, Lassen N.F. 
Deb was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attended Tennessee Tech University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management. She received her master’s degree in Forest Recreation Management from Utah State University. Deb was captain of her college’s nationally-ranked women’s basketball team and served as a college basketball and tennis coach. In her spare time, Deb enjoys fishing, golfing, hiking, and volunteering opportunities.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.