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.
 
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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.