We need to show new voters how to exercise their most
important right and their most profound responsibility


WASHINGTON, DC, Sep 30 - There was some distressing news from Gallup earlier this week.  Voters will be staying home in droves this year, according to the polling organization. 


Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American, says that it is not a good thing.  "You'd think that with all of the hoopla surrounding the 2016 Presidential Elections, voters would be particularly energized this year.   But Gallup says that its survey shows only 69% of the electorate say they will definitely exercise their right to vote come November.  In fact, an astounding 72% of respondents in its poll say they really haven't given much thought to the election."


Weber warns that by not casting their ballots those non-voters are, in effect, opting for the candidates proposed by the "other party."  He says it also diminishes our respect for good government, undermines our representative democracy and makes us weaker as a nation.  In addition, he adds, elections are meant to unify the country by allowing all eligible voters to have their say in who shall lead them and by not voting we create a deeper divide.


"This year, more Americans want a change in the direction our country has taken in recent years.  They want to take back their ability to control their lives as our forebears did in the good old days when the Constitution was considered an inviolable document that made our democracy the envy of the world.  Voter apathy is a threat to all of that."


It has been reported that young Millennials and their immediate predecessors who were called Generation X constitute the largest voting bloc in the U.S., having taken over the spotlight from Baby Boomers.  But the Gallup poll indicates that only 47% of younger voters say they will definitely get out and vote in 2016, down from 58% in 2012.


Thus, Weber says, older Americans can still lead the way by example and he is calling on the members of his influential senior advocacy organization to do all they can to invigorate the nation this November. 


"AMAC was founded by a membership determined to make a difference, activists who believe that all is not yet lost.  We need to get out the vote.  We need to urge our voting age family members and friends to prove that the graying of America, where 10,000 of us turn 65 years of age each day, is a good thing.  Perhaps it will also show new voters how to exercise their most important right and their most profound responsibility.  One thing's for sure, it will also show the world that the U.S. is not in decline; that we are on the rise again." 


ABOUT AMAC
The Association of Mature American Citizens [http://www.amac.us] is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members.  We act and speak on their behalf, protecting their interests and offering a practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today.  Live long and make a difference by joining us today at http://amac.us/join-amac.


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A CANDIDATES’ FORUM for Loyalton City Council was held on Monday, September 26th at the Loyalton Social Hall. The moderator for the evening was Attorney Tom Archer of Sierraville and after allowing each of the candidates to give an opening statement he asked them to describe themselves with one word or a short phrase. Krystin Gallegos who graduated from Loyalton High School in 2005, studied political science at Loyola University and worked with Senator Diane Feinstein described herself as ambitious. Genelle Wagnitz who has lived here 13 years with her two daughters said she was honest. Incumbent Brooks Mitchell who was born and raised in Loyalton, said he was concerned and willing to work hard. Nancy Rogers moved here five years ago to be closer to family. She described herself as caring. Jason Van Daam graduated from Loyalton High in 1991 and said he was outspoken. Carla Lopez is a 1993 Loyalton graduate and described herself as loyal. Sheri Graham was the only candidate absent from the forum.
Archer questioned the candidates on City transparency, budget, CalPERS, bringing in new businesses, trailer park, and how to improve community spirit.
Carla didn’t feel the City had been transparent and felt the council has been divided. Regarding the City budget, Carla felt it should go “old school” to see where everything was going and thought with the right panel it could be done. Carla didn’t   know all about CalPERS but said it was definitely important and stated those people need their retirement. Under questions about how to bring more businesses to Loyalton, Carla said businesses in Loyalton are struggling to make it and felt until the City can bring in revenue to survive, she didn’t see any new businesses coming.
Carla would like to see the trailer park become part of the City and would like to see it cleaned up. She thought more rules applied would help people become accountable. She said the trailer park doesn’t’ give Loyalton a good feeling when coming into town from that side. To bring about more community spirit, Carla felt the community was wonderful in time of tragedies, but need to come together in other ways. She said there needed to be more activities for kids.
Jason said transparency is “pretty big”, and felt there was a big need. He said there should be more community involvement, with no special meetings at noon. He stated there were too many secrets. Under question about the budget, Jason felt the City needed a new system so they can control proper procedure. He said it wouldn’t get grants if the City can’t spend money the way it is supposed to. Regarding CalPERS, Jason said they need to take care of their employees and their retirement. He felt there were a lot of meetings that nobody knows about and didn’t want the City to go into bankruptcy. Jason likened the trailer park to having the “wild west in our community.” He lives right next to the trailer park, and said the criminal element was not good and people aren’t paying rent, adding it was one of the worst things he has seen. Jason hopes for a quick sale and to have real management. To improve community spirit, Jason thought they should do something for Loyalton to bring something to Loyalton, adding they need to work on the bicyclists, calling them “healthy people with healthy minds.”
Nancy was not familiar with the Brown Act, and thought the City wasn’t working as a unit, only working as individuals and would like to see that change. Regarding the budget, Nancy felt the City was taking money from other places and didn’t see it being replaced. She gave an example where the City was taking from the general fund to support the museum. Nancy felt donations should go toward the museum instead of taking from the general fund. From the audience, curator Jackie Mitchell, said she doesn’t make any money on the museum and hasn’t spent any from the general fund, adding money is sent to the City for the museum from donors. Nancy agreed with the rest of the candidates regarding CalPERS that they need to protect the people and their retirement. She said the City needed to find a way to get the retirement employees have worked their lives for. To bring in more businesses, Nancy said she and her brother bought Timberline Auto Parts and felt they were receiving a lot more business than before and getting customers from all over. She said she supports the businesses here. Regarding the trailer park, Nancy would like to see the State step in and make many of the trailers livable, and felt they needed to bring some type of management in there. To improve community spirit, Nancy said the City has a very lovely stage that doesn’t get used. She has a lot of expertise with concert set up and thought that would be a good start.
Brooks thought a monthly newsletter would help improve transparency, adding the City doesn’t have very good attendance at meetings and would like to improve on this if re-elected. Regarding the budget, Brooks said they need to be spend thrifty. He said there were about six different general fund monies to cover, which includes the fire department, museum, park, and graveyard. He stated the City doesn’t have the revenue source with the population drop. Brooks said Loyalton is a small city with not a whole lot of expertise and stated volunteers were the best thing going for the City. During the CalPERS discussion, Brooks said most meetings have been done in closed session and stated the City is in the process with CalPERS to come up with a payment plan. He stated there were lawyer negotiations going on, to try to negotiate the settlement, adding they were not trying to hide anything. Archer told the audience it was not uncommon for closed sessions with potential litigation. Brooks stressed that the City protects its employees 100%, adding they are not going to hang anybody out without retirement. To bring new businesses here, Brooks said East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce is working with different parts of the community and a new bed and breakfast business was just purchased. He said there were other potential businesses but hard to do with out the economic base here. Brooks stated improvements to the museum have tripled the traffic. He said the City would like the trailer park problem solved. Brooks stated it owes over $200,000 and hasn’t received payment in over a year. He said they tried to shut the water off, but with elderly and young children there, he felt their hands were tied. He was hoping the State would help, adding everyone who lives in Loyalton knows that park is not worth $260,000. Brooks said they were giving $5,000 a month away in water. To improve community spirit, Brooks thinks the Eastern Chamber does a good job as does Rotary, and the school, adding different functions come together to move in the right direction. He concluded that it takes money to make money and the City is very low on money.
Genelle agreed with everyone regarding transparency and felt updating the system, would give the City more accountability with the budget. She didn’t know all the issues going on with CalPERS, but felt it was important they get it settled. Regarding bringing businesses here, she has seen the repercussions from the bicycles and they spend a lot of money in Loyalton. Genelle felt they needed to give a little to get something back and wanted events. She said Loyalton used to have street dances and Timberfest and stressed the need to bring people from the outside in. Genelle called the trailer park a “nightmare.” She said it used to be a nice place,  and now it was awful. Genelle stated a lot of people couldn’t afford a lot of rent and would like to see low income housing which she said went by income and is State run. Genelle didn’t have an answer to community spirit as she doesn’t feel very welcome sometimes, so couldn’t imagine how someone outside the community would feel. She did add the need to put energy in to the youth.
Krystin felt they should reach out to the younger community members with Facebook to help make the City more transparent. She called CalPERS “very complicated and unfortunate.” Krystin said a court date was set and best thing they could do is to work together. Regarding bringing in more business, Krystin said they must support local businesses first and maybe talk to some businesses in Truckee to see if they want to branch out this way. She said the trailer park is very dear to her heart as her grandparents and mom live there and she was raised there. Krystin stated they should do whatever they could to find a solution, adding there are businesses that buy trailer parks to refurbish. To improve community spirit Krystin said to talk to the kids and reach out to people to see what their ideas are.
From the audience, City Councilmember Pat Whitley told the candidates that there weren’t a lot of places to build and asked how they would find a way to increase the tax base, so the City has more funding. Brooks said they would have to get to a mutual agreement with the County, adding the County didn’t want to lose the revenue either. Janelle suggested having a ranch bring in a pumpkin patch. Nancy didn’t know much about it but felt the co-gen area would be good to have. Krystin sees a lot of empty lots and old houses that could be bought with new people coming in. Jason said they needed the mill property and taxes from the apartments. He stated the County was robbing them and have been doing it for a long time. Carla said to get a hold of the land that isn’t being utilized and use that.
Don Russell, from the audience, asked the panel how they would educate themselves to be ready to govern. Carla would go to the city and look up records. Jason said by going to the meetings and asking a lot of questions and learning the proper procedure. Nancy would have to go back to see how all these problems started. Janelle would educate herself and Krystin said attend meetings, and research at the library and internet. Archer asked Brooks if the City of Loyalton supports its new council persons to go to governance classes. Brooks said the City is more than willing for new council members to go to those classes.
Don Russsell also asked how the candidates would be personally accountable. Krystin believes everyone needs to be honest and have integrity. She said there was no problem with admitting to being wrong, but if you make a mistake, own up to it. Genelle said you should be accountable for everything you do in your life. Brooks stated the city council votes as a whole not to pick out one person to say you did something wrong. Nancy said to stand up and be honest. Jason stated to get more people involved and watching. Carla will hold herself accountable to do her very best and will stick to what she believes.


Audience member Phyllis DeMartini asked if the candidates were all willing to devote the time that is more than $49.50 a month worth. She said it is a volunteer job and takes a lot of time. Phyllis asked if they were going to have to have the time to devote, adding it is a lot of work, and hoped they all realize the commitment. They all responded that they did.
In conclusion of the evening, Mayor Mark Marin gave all the candidates a warm welcome by stating they would step into office with a hell of a lot more problems than they could all imagine.

When Californians cast their ballots for the November
8 election, they will decide the fate of 228 local tax
measures representing a cumulative tax increase of
more than $3 billion per year, along with 193 bonds that would
dramatically increase annual property taxes.
These local measures are in addition to the 17 statewide measures
that represent another $5.3 billion to $10.6 billion in potential
annual tax increases, according to the state’s fiscal estimates.
The 180 school bonds (totaling $24.63 billion) and 13 bonds for
other uses (totaling $7.27 billion), if approved and issued, will have
to be repaid – with significant interest – through higher annual
property taxes.
Voters in 50 of California’s 58 counties will see at least one local
tax or bond measure on the November ballot.
While local governments traditionally put more tax and bond
measures on the ballot during presidential election years, the
November 2016 election could be a historic record. The total of
86 sales tax measures on the ballot in this election is dramatically
higher than the 46 decided in both the primary and general
elections of 2012.
In addition to supporting local governments, local taxes have a
significant impact on the cost of living, and influence taxpayers’
decisions about where to live, shop, start a business or expand an
existing business.
The California Taxpayers Association has been monitoring local
taxes since its establishment 90 years ago, as part of its mission to
keep taxpayers informed.
ABOUT THIS ELECTION
Proposed Annual Tax Increase: OVER $3 BILLION
NOVEMBER 2016 LOCAL TAX AND BOND MEASURES
A report by the California Taxpayers Association
Number of Tax & Bond Measures Appearing on the Ballot: 421 IN 50 COUNTIES

• “Winds Thursday-Saturday -- We continue to expect an increase in south/southwest winds starting Thursday with valley gusts 25-30 mph, 30-40 mph Friday, and west/northwest 25-30 mph Saturday. These winds are not super strong but will still create areas of critical fire weather conditions each day with Friday having the highest risk. With vegetation still really dry be prepared for new fire starts to spread rapidly. Also the usual wind prone highways will see impacts, plus turbulence and wind shear for flying. I've noticed that sometimes these marginally windy days can have strong turbulence due to sudden directional and speed shifts.
• Weekend Cold -- We'll see a solid push of cold air into the region starting this weekend lasting into early next week with the coldest readings likely Monday. Some of our simulations show highs only in the 50s for W Nevada with potential for widespread valley freezes Tuesday morning. Be prepared to protect sensitive vegetation and irrigation systems if the cold forecast holds, especially if you're in a rural and typically cold valley location (e.g. Minden, Spanish Springs). People outdoors this weekend into Monday/Tuesday will want to plan for colder conditions, especially with an increased risk of mountain snow. And with that......
• Increasing Mountain Snow Potential Sunday-Monday -- Our most recent simulations are showing a weak atmospheric river "filament" coming into N California Sunday late afternoon into early Monday morning, which would set the stage for a period of mountain light snow in the Tahoe, N Sierra, and NE California regions and rain showers in the valleys even into W Nevada. Some simulations are further south with the impacts -- Mammoth? Our forecast confidence overall is low-medium so don't bank on these scenarios yet! However since this would be the first snow of the season for passes and maybe down to Lake Tahoe elevations and hitting in the evening/overnight Sunday-Monday, there could be enhanced travel impacts for the Sierra pass roads including I-80 and Hwy 50 and points north. Specific snow amounts you ask? Good luck with that this far out, but right now it would probably be on the light side of the Sierra storm spectrum. Quick hitting too, maybe 3-6 hours of light snow. We'll keep you updated on this potential -- forecast changes are likely in the coming days but I wanted to provide this heads up.

 
Right now we're expecting a gradual warm up the balance of next week as high pressure slowly oozes back into the region. “
 ​

 
 
Redding – Hammond, Indiana Police Department SWAT team members along with other law enforcement officers in East Chicago, Indiana arrested Freddie Alexander Smoke III, 39, of East Chicago, Indiana this morning without incident.


On July 11, 2014 at approximately 10 p.m. CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested Freddie Alexander Smoke III for allegedly starting the Bully Fire which burned 12,661 acres near the community of Ono in Shasta County. Officers believe that Smoke was operating a large rental truck to deliver soil amendments to an illegal marijuana cultivation site in the area of Roaring Creek Road and Sargent Road.


A civilian fatality, later identified by the Shasta County Coroner’s Office as Jesus Arellano Garcia, age 35 of Michoacán, Mexico, was discovered within the fire’s perimeter on July 16, 2014. The Shasta County District Attorney’s office filed additional felony charges against Smoke on July 22, 2014. These additional charges included involuntary manslaughter and a felony arrest warrant was issued with a $1,000,000 bail. Smoke had been released from the Shasta County Jail shortly following his arrest, after posting bail, and failed to appear in court to face these additional charges.


As part of CAL FIRE’s fire prevention efforts, officers work diligently to investigate the origin and cause of all types of fires.  CAL FIRE is committed to holding those responsible who threaten the safety of the public. CAL FIRE law enforcement officers, with multiple cooperating agencies, have been actively pursuing leads regarding Smoke’s whereabouts. The investigation and arrest was aided by the United States Postal Inspectors, United States Marshals Service, East Chicago Police Department Narcotics Division, Shasta County Sherriff’s Office, and Shasta County Marijuana Eradication Team (MET).




“I’m proud of CAL FIRE’s law enforcement officers and all of the agencies involved, they have done an outstanding job”, said Chief Mike Hebrard, CAL FIRE Unit Chief and Shasta County Fire Warden. “A lot of time and energy has been invested into this investigation by many entities and we look forward to continuing to work with the District Attorney’s Office on this ongoing criminal case.”


Freddie Alexander Smoke III awaits extradition to Shasta County. Additional information regarding this ongoing criminal matter will be handled by the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office.

 
QUINCY, California – September 27, 2016 - 3:00pm – The 375 Tobin Fire continues to hold on Tobin Ridge on the upper slopes of the north face of the Feather River Canyon above CA HWY 70 near Tobin. Fire spread is primarily lateral or along the sides or flanks of the fire.
Hwy 70 is currently open as are area campgrounds and businesses. Drivers should be alert for increased fire vehicle traffic in the area.
There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the area; drone use is prohibited.
The fire was detected yesterday, September 26, at 9:30am. Air resources, including air tankers and helicopters, hit the fire hard yesterday to support ground resources, hotshot crews, engines, and dozers. Air attack resumed early this morning.
Today, active fire behavior is occurring with short-range spotting and uphill runs in heavy dead and down fuels from the previous 2000 Storrie and 2008 Canyon Complex Fires.
Legal location of fire start is Township 24, Range 6E, Section 17. The fire is located in the Feather River Canyon north of Hwy 70 to Tobin Ridge, east of Rock Creek and west of Jackass Creek.
A Type 2 Incident Management Team is in the process of transitioning with existing fire resources and will take command of the fire at 6:00 tomorrow morning. Fire teams supplement local fire resources during emergencies.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
For more information visit the website, http://inciweb.nwcg.gov, “Tobin Fire.”

On Sept. 24 at approximately 1555 hour, CHP dispatch in Truckee received a call of a traffic collision with a motorcycle down.on I-80 westbound, west of Overland Trail. Upon arrival of medical personnel and law enforcement it was determined that a motorcycle rider was riding his 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle on I-80 westbound, west of Overland Trail. When for reasons still under investigation, another group of motorcycle riders opened fire upon the rider striking him multiple times. The suspects fled the scene of the shooting on their motorcycles continuing on I-80 westbound.
Any persons wishing information regarding this incident, or any witnesses to the incident itself, are encouraged to call CHP Truckee at (530) 582-7500.

 
Terry Meyers (46) Graeagle.  Driving while suspended.  Thirty-six months probations, fine $1469.
 
William Berky (74) Vallejo.  Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above. He was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to do 48 hour jail, fined $2445, and he must complete alcohol school.
 
David Stanesic (33) Reno. Illegal campfire.  Fine $562.
 
Lucas Maberry (41) Reno.  Illegal campfire.  Fine $562.
 
Joshua Dewey (26) Portola.  Vandalism by breaking a window.  Eighteen months probation, fine $562.
 
Kristrie DeBerg (43) Loyalton.  Violation of probation for possession of contraband in re-hab.  Sixty days jail, probation re-instated.
 
Valerie Robertson (59) Loyalton.  Sentencing after admitting a violation of probation for using methamphetamine and not contacting probation.  Forty days jail, probation re-instated.
 
Tanya Steward (48) Sierra City. Sentencing on conviction for resisting an officer with force, and battery on a peace officer.  Five years probation, 157 days jail, and a fine $1435.
 
Casey McFarland (42) Downieville.  Violation of probation for use of alcohol.  Thirty days jail, and thirty days in residential re-hab.
 
 
Gabriel Sanchez-Radillo (36) Red Bluff and Efrain Valencia (34) Yakima WA.  Both pled guilty to possession of marijuana for sale and possession and transport of a hazardous waste. This matter arose from two illegal marijuana grows east of Loyalton.
 
Luis Chabarin-Ramos (22) Stockton and Jose Palomera-Lopez (21) Corning.  Both pled guilty to possession for sale of marijuana and illegal stream diversion.  These charges arose out of an illegal marijuana grow south of Sierraville.
 
Heather Dudek (32) Grass Valley.  Violation of probation for failure to pay fine for possession of a meth pipe, and failure to appear.  Sentenced to ten days in jail.
 

A report issued today by a U.S. Senate committee documents how federal agencies overreach their authority to regulate farmland, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation, which said the report underlines the need for congressional action to reform the agencies’ practices.


The report from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee describes numerous incidents in which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency have tried to expand their authority to regulate what crops farmers grow and how they grow them, based on the agencies’ interpretation of the Clean Water Act.


“A disturbing number of the cases described in the Senate report came from California,” CFBF President Paul Wenger said. “Farmers and ranchers here have seen firsthand that the abuses outlined in this report aren’t theoretical—they’re real.”


Landowners’ concerns stem from a rule the agencies finalized last year, known as the “waters of the United States” or WOTUS rule, which would bring more waterways under jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. Although a federal court has temporarily halted enforcement of the WOTUS rule, landowners and their representatives say the Corps continues to enforce the act so narrowly that, as a practical matter, its actions mirror the intent of the new rule.


“We’re grateful the Senate committee has highlighted the impact on farmers and ranchers caused by overzealous interpretation of the Clean Water Act,” Wenger said. “Farmers and ranchers want to do the right thing and protect the environment as they farm. But they shouldn’t be tied up in knots by regulators for simply plowing their ground or considering a new crop on their land, and they shouldn’t have their land declared off limits if they must leave it idle due to drought or other conditions beyond their control.”


Wenger called on California’s two senators to join efforts to clarify Clean Water Act enforcement and reform agency practices.


“Congress has the ability to restore balance to Clean Water Act enforcement,” he said. “We urge our California members to help farmers grow food and protect the environment, free from fear of overreaching regulation.”


The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 53,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.