By Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
I was about four or five years old when I remember my mother locking the front door. She said something to my dad about people "out and about" on the road we lived on in the country. Our community was very safe but occasionally we heard about somebody wandering around that sounded creepy. She and dad determined it was time to lock the doors of our house.
 
Today, many Americans lock their doors even in the daytime. No one wants to be surprised by someone suddenly appearing in the house. If someone comes by our residence they can call ahead and make an appointment or politely knock as respecting, humane people do.
 
People who desire to enter America must come respectfully and legally. We don't owe people from other countries entrance into America. People do not have a God granted right to enter our country to be housed, educated and fed. I realize that the work of churches and non-profits is helping and healing the hurts of humanity but America is not a church. We used to be a Christian nation but about half of America no longer wants that label.
 
People from any country must come with passports, visas and fill out all the required documentation when entering our country. Be prepared to answer questions. It's a different world and we need to know as much about them as possible.
 
Almost every day or week brings more and more people to our country who want to immediately have everything that Americans have. That's not possible. People from Syria and other war torn, ravaged lands can not come here and expect to immediately have everything that Americans have worked thirty years or more to achieve. America is not responsible for granting to the rest of the world the American dream status as soon as they parade into our nation. Our forefathers came legally and worked hard to achieve the American dream.  It took time.
 
Most of us are happy to welcome people from the world if they knock on our doors, identify who they are and fill out the required documentation. We don't want people who hate, resent and want to hurt us. We have to be honest and know that a lot of the world hated America long before President Donald Trump. Securing our borders, asking questions of those who want to enter in order to be safer is the right thing to do.
 
Thousands have been flooding our country.  It's only smart to lock the doors. It's tough on some people. It will be much tougher if we make a mistake that leads to someone entering our country and inflicting carnage on our people. Obviously, we have people already living here who are capable of carrying out something horrendous. Someone can be born and raised here and still hurt people. However, taking some precautions to try to head off any more potential problems is prudent.
 
May God give our President wisdom and may we as Americans please try to calm down and work together during these difficult times. Furthermore, never enter my house without me opening the door and inviting you. 


Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author of eleven books. 
He is read in all fifty states.  Visit   www.glennmollette.com 
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette
​

By Senator Ted Gaines
Word count: 404
 
This year’s legislative session ended in September but you’ll feel the damage to your pocketbooks for years to come.
 
I will give my Democrat colleagues credit for consistency, at least, because every year they come up with new and creative ways to spend taxpayer money, but I question whether it materially improves our citizens’ lives.
 
This year, Governor Brown signed legislation that will add an additional $680 million annually in general fund spending. Remember, this is not growth in existing spending; it’s brand new spending that stacked on top of the already heavy taxpayer burden.
 
But as bad as that sounds, it actually gets much worse. That already big number excludes the premier budget-busting bill that will cost taxpayers billions every year while at the same time making them less safe and breaking down social order, Senate Bill 10.
 
SB 10 eliminates cash bail in California and replaces it with a court-operated pre-trial risk assessment program, meaning that the government will be eliminating the huge, privately funded and taxpaying bail bond industry with a massive increase in government employees and bureaucracy. Estimates based on similar bail reform in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. suggest that California’s new, additional taxpayer cost resulting from this change could be a staggering $7.8 billion a year.
 
Adding insult to injury, eliminating cash bail will lead to fewer people showing up for their trials and more criminals out on the streets, creating new victims and further eroding the quality of life in the Golden State. Increased costs plus decreased safety is not much of a deal for the taxpayer but it’s becoming the California way.
 
In the past five years, California general fund spending surged roughly 44 percent, from $96 billion to $139 billion. Meanwhile, the state’s population grew by roughly 5 percent. Spending grew about 9-times faster than population growth! Remember that sobering statistic the next time anyone praises Governor Brown for his fiscal discipline. It’s an unearned reputation entirely unsupported by facts.
 
California government creeps into every aspect of our lives, from what pronouns we can legally use, what therapies we can try, what bags we can get at the grocery store, to what straws we can have, but apparently, it’s still not big enough or intrusive enough to satisfy my liberal colleagues.
 
Spending is taxes. After this legislative session, California taxpayers can look forward to putting more and more of their paychecks towards an ever-expanding state.
 
Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District, which includes all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou counties.
​

DWR Advises Californians to be Flood Ready
 
 
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today urged Californians to be proactive and prepare for flooding before the winter storm season begins November 1. Landscapes charred by recent wildfires are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flows this winter.


Federal, state, and local officials gathered in Santa Barbara, where a deadly post-fire debris flow destroyed property and caused multiple deaths in January 2018. Throughout Flood Preparedness Week, DWR and its partners are sharing the latest information on the state’s flood management efforts and reminding Californians that climate change impacts, recent wildfires, and extreme weather events make it more important than ever for Californians to be flood ready.


“This year many communities are at greater risk of flooding because of wildfire damage,” warned Michael Sabbaghian, Chief of the California Department of Water Resources Flood Maintenance Office. “Wildfires burned more than 2,100 square miles in California this year, leaving behind charred hillsides that pose significant risk for flash flooding, mudflows, and debris flows as seen in Santa Barbara earlier this year.”


Floods after fire present greater risk to communities and homes downslope of burn areas because the ground cannot absorb the water. Instead, rain hits slick, charred hillsides and picks up ash, topsoil, and debris as it moves downhill. Flash flooding, mudflows, and debris flows happen quickly, so it is critical people and communities living downslope of a burn area are prepared. For more information on mud and debris flows visit https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/What-We-Do/Flood-Preparedness/Files/2018-Flood-After-Fire-brochure.pdf.


More than 7 million California residents are at risk of flooding and many don’t realize it. Flooding can occur throughout the state, from rural communities to urban areas, at the base of hills and along the coast. In fact, every California county experienced a flood-related emergency in the past 20 years.
 
Californians are reminded to Be Flood Ready by following these steps:

• Be aware of your risk – Know whether your home is downslope of a burn area. Pay attention to weather forecasts. Listen to local authorities.
• Be prepared – Prepare an evacuation plan. Always have an emergency evacuation kit ready and be prepared to evacuate early. Have a plan for your pets, too. Tips are available at: www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan
• Take action – Don’t wait to evacuate if flooding or a mud flow appears imminent. Don’t walk or drive through flood waters. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover damage due to flooding so consider purchasing flood insurance: fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/How-Buy-Flood-Insurance.

Van Maddox, Sierra County Auditor/Treasurer/Tax Collector announces that regular secured tax bills were mailed October 25, 2018 to all property owners at the addresses shown on the tax roll. If you own property in Sierra County and do not receive a tax bill by November 15, 2018, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 376, Downieville, CA, 95936, or call (530) 289-3286. You can also visit our website at www.sierracounty.ca.gov, click on Online payments to view and print a copy of the bill. This is especially important to new owners and people who have recently moved because failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the taxpayer of the responsibility to make timely payments.
The first installment of 2018-19 taxes is now due and will become delinquent if not paid by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 and a 10% penalty will be added. The second installment will be due on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. If taxes are not paid by 5:00 p.m. on or before April 10, 2019, a 10% penalty, plus $10.00 cost will be added. Both installments may be paid when the first installment is due.
Supplemental bills are an additional tax liability due to a reassessment of your property value by the Assessor’s Office and may be due at any time. If you have received a supplemental tax bill, please check the delinquent dates on the bill to be sure the taxes are paid timely.
Payments may be sent to the Sierra County Tax Collector, P.O. Box 376, Downieville, CA  95936 and must be postmarked by the delinquent date to avoid late penalties. You may make electronic payments through the Internet on the Payments page of the Sierra County Government website at www.sierracounty.ca.gov. Payments may also be made in person at the Tax Collector’s Office, Suite 14, Courthouse, Downieville, CA between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Holidays the office is closed.

-Draft Environmental Impact Statement – opportunity to comment-
 
QUINCY, CA – The Forest Service is seeking comments on the Plumas National Forest Over-snow Vehicle (OSV) Use Designation Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This DEIS discloses the comparative analysis of options being considered in designating snow areas and trails, and snow trails where grooming would occur, for public OSV use on the Plumas National Forest.
The DEIS will be available online, following the notice of availability (NOA) in the Federal Register (Oct. 26, 2018), at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47124.
Comments will be accepted for 45 days following the publication of the NOA of the DEIS in the Federal Register. Submitting project specific written comments at this time allows us the opportunity to consider your comments before completing the final EIS and draft record of decision which are expected in April 2019. Comments will be accepted during several public open house events being planned for late November.
This project is subject to the pre-decisional administrative review process pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Only individuals or entities (as defined by 36 CFR 218.2) who submit timely, project specific written comments during a public comment period will be eligible to file an objection. Comments should be written within the scope of the proposed actions, have a direct relationship to the proposed actions, and must include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider (36 CFR 218.2). 
Electronic comments must be submitted through the web-based Comment and Analysis Response Application (CARA) located at the project specific website provided above. Attachments to comments must be submitted in one of the following three formats only: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx), rich text format (.rtf), or Adobe portable document format (.pdf). Comments submitted to email addresses other than CARA, in other formats than those listed above, or emails containing viruses will be rejected.
Comments may be mailed, delivered, or faxed to the Plumas National Forest, Attn: Katherine Carpenter, 159 Lawrence Street, Quincy, CA 95971 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., FAX (530) 283-7746).
For additional information regarding this project, contact Katherine Carpenter, Forest Environmental Coordinator at the Plumas National Forest address above or at (530) 283-7742; or kacarpenter@fs.fed.us.


###

SUSANVILLE, Calif. -- Lassen National Forest Christmas tree permits will be on sale from November 1 through December 21, 2018.


Permits cost $10 and may be used to cut one tree on Lassen National Forest between November 1 and December 25. Each household may purchase up to two permits.  Along with the permit, buyers will also receive a map showing cutting areas, requirements, and helpful tips.  


Although tree cutting is permitted through December 25, officials recommend cutting early in the season before higher elevations become snowbound. Trees can stay fresh for several weeks when properly cared for. 


Permits may be purchased at all Lassen National Forest visitor centers and work stations and via mail. Order forms are available at www.fs.usda.gov/lassen  (see “Passes & Permits” section). Mailed requests should be directed to the nearest Forest Service office listed below and must be received on or before December 7. To expedite requests, submitters should write “Christmas Tree Permit” on the envelope. 

More drivers are involved in animal-vehicle collisions between October through December than any other time of the yearWALNUT CREEK, Calif. Oct. 23, 2018. During deer season, which generally runs from October through December, there is a dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population.

While any animal on the road can be dangerous, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year, resulting in 150 human deaths and tens of thousands of injuries. In California, the number of animal collision claims increased by 29 percent from 2016-2017.

“We want drivers to be prepared should they encounter an animal on the road, especially during deer season,” said Michael Blasky, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “Knowing what signs to look for and what actions to take will help consumers avoid or reduce the damage caused by an animal collision.”

To help consumers drive smarter and prevent or reduce damage of an animal collision, AAA recommends:

• Keep your eyes on the road and scan ahead of you: Continuously scan from left to right for signs of deer or other animals as they can come from any direction. While animal-collisions usually occur when an animal darts in front of a car, they can also run into the side of a vehicle and scanning ahead of you will help you spot them from afar.
  
• Be especially attentive during commute hours: Deer and many other animals are most active during commuting hours – roughly between 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m. Since animals are most likely to travel during this period, it’s important to be extra cautious when driving to and from work.
  
• Use high beam headlights at night if there’s no oncoming traffic: When driving at night, the extra light may help you spot animals sooner and give you more time to slow down, move over or honk your horn to scare the animal away.  A long blast on your horn can also frighten large animals away from your vehicle.
  
• Watch for other deer: Deer typically travel in herds and rarely travel alone. If you see one, chances are there are others nearby and you should proceed with caution in case other deer are present.
  
• Brake firmly and remain in your lane if impact is imminent: Serious accidents can occur when drivers swerve to avoid animals causing them to hit oncoming vehicles or crash into fixed objects on the side of the road. If an animal is in your path stay in your lane so you don’t confuse the animal into not knowing which way to run.
  
• Always wear a seatbelt: Most injuries in animal-vehicle collisions occur when passengers are not wearing their seatbelt. Always ensure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt at all times.

• Do not approach wounded animals: If an animal is wounded and frightened it can be unpredictable and may cause you or others injury. Call the police or animal control organization if the animal is in the middle of the road and blocking traffic so they can take care of the situation accordingly.

As the deer population grows and as urbanization continues to spread into formerly rural environments, animal-collisions can be expected to increase. AAA recommends consumers consider purchasing comprehensive coverage to cover animal collisions, if they don’t already have it as part of their auto insurance policy. For more information visit AAA.com.

About AAA Northern California
We have a proud, 117 history of serving over 4 million Californians. We are more than our legendary fleet of tow trucks, auto, home, life insurance and travel services. Our mission is to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, offering smarter solutions that improve traffic safety and helping the public adapt to a fast-changing mobility landscape. Learn more at AAA.com. ###



   
   

Photos courtesy Dickson Realty

The Sky is the Limit for CA Lawmakers Raising our Taxes!

You think that they have run out of ways to tax you?  Think again.
Despite record revenues, the State of California is asking us to approve $14 billion in bonds (Propositions 1, 3, and 4).  This is after the State, County and City have hit us up for over $15 billion over the last two years.  

Over the last four years, we have also approved bonds that will allow the State to issue over $20 billion of debt. These bonds will have an average carrying cost of $1.2 billion a year for the next thirty years.  

In 2020, the State is expected to place on the ballot two propositions that will raise our taxes by an estimated $20 billion.  

These include the “split roll” which would amend Proposition 13.  This will allow County assessors            to value commercial properties at market value as opposed to the current system of relying on the            purchase price.  This would raise an estimated $10 billion a year for local governments. 

The Legislature led by the profligate Senator Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) isproposing to apply the sales tax to services provided by accountants, lawyers, and other professionals.  The anticipated haul is $10 billion a year.  

Sacramento is also discussing two bonds offerings for $5 billion, $2 billion for the University of California and $3 billion to finance the deferred maintenance on the State’s neglected parks.  The annual carrying cost is estimated to average $325 million over the next thirty years. 
 
Of course, this is in addition to the revenues derived from the Cap-and-Trade program, a significant portion of which is devoted to the not so fast Bullet Train boondoggle.  According to Legislative Analyst Office, Cap-and-Trade will add 24 to 73 cents to the cost of a gallon of gas.  This will cost drivers about $2.5 to $7.5 billion.  Call it $5 billion.  Over the last two years, our share of the new taxes is $2.4 billion.  This works out to be $600 a person or $2,400 for a family of four.  This is the equivalent of bumping the sales tax to 13% or an increase in our property taxes of 45%. 

Need I say more?

Our legislators are drunk with power and have no self-discipline to control their spending – of OUR tax dollars. 

When will we say ENOUGH?

Now!  The time had come for 51.  What can you do to bring this insanity to a halt?  Joins us on behalf of liberty and freedom and the right to be self-governing citizens of a state that honors our constitution.

We can, and we will, separate and form a new state.  Stand with us.  Join us as we move forward, step by step to freedom once again, to what our founders intended and what we need to hand off to our posterity.

Join us now.
 
You have the chance to make a difference.  Will you be the difference?  Will you be the one who will put us over the finish line?  We cannot do this without you.  So join with us.  Make it happen! 

​IN SHEEP ATTACKS at the Loyalton Future Farmers of America (FFA) barn at the high school on September 27th and October 1st, six sheep have now died. Four are being treated for injuries by the veterinary. Their prized ram has yet to stand.
Based on information obtained, the owners were identified and two dogs seized according to Loyalton Municipal Code. The owners requested a hearing before the Board of Supervisors and Sierra County Counsel was contacted to get the process started.
According to Sgt. Mike Fisher with the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, there was a 1993 City of Loyalton and County Health Officer animals services contract which had been cancelled.
More research led to a 2009 MOU between the City of Loyalton and Sierra County Sheriff’s’ Office for general law enforcement including traffic but "to the extent that the Sheriff's Office provides animal control services within the unincorporated area of the County this MOU shall not include the Sheriff's Office providing those services with the City. If animal control services are to be provided by the Sheriff’s Office, those services shall be addressed in a separate agreement between the county and the City." No such MOU has been found, according to Fisher.
With no legal authority to hold the dogs, they were released to the owner on Friday. Fisher stated he is working with the County Health Officer, Elizabeth Morgan to see if they can voluntarily comply with conditions set forth for vicious dogs.
On Saturday the dogs reported as having attacked a cat and “running around the hospital parking lot.” They were caught by the owner who was issued a citation for dogs at large. In addition, for the sheep attacks, the owners have a criminal complaint filed, along with citations for dogs at large, dogs trespassing and harassing livestock and unlicensed dogs in town.
In talking to Dan Olsen, Support Services Manager of Truckee Animal Services, where the two dogs had 


been housed following the October 1st attack, it’s the responsibility of the owners to keep the dogs strictly contained. He stated a lot of times, the herd instinct kicks in and the dogs don’t attack to kill. They could be safe in a different environment. He called the dogs “good citizens” in Truckee’s animal services environment but were segregated in each kennel. “They were fine with us,” he stated but repeated it comes down to the responsibility level of the owners.
During the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday, FFA Advisor, Cali Griffin and several FFA students described the horrific attack and lost revenue due to the loss of the five breeding ewes and how this will effect them for several years. They talked about the destroyed fences, which will have to be rebuilt and, since finding out the dogs were returned, have had to put the injured sheep in a trailer at night. Cali stated it’s been very traumatic for the students who are giving repeated vaccinations, attending to the injured, cleaning blood and maggots off the grounds and facilities, and hauling off the dead. Supervisor Lee Adams said he’s known of this type of incident happening every few years and encouraged them to secure the site. He also stated that state law allows dogs to be shot on site even if they are worrying livestock.
Cali and FFA member, Joseph Richards attended the City Council meeting Tuesday night, stating, “Every day is tragic,” and of “a lot of loss.” Joseph described the scene. Questions from the audience included  having the dogs be put down and there was concern over children walking to school. Sgt. Fisher called it a “serious issue” and that everywhere in Loyalton is at large. He explained the 2009 MOU prevents law enforcement from seizing and housing the dogs. 
Mayor Mark Marin stated he’d call City Counsel the next day to contact County Council and create an MOU.

Written by Dr. Ron Martinelli………
 
An excellent, but sad article on the demise of California 


I sit in the LAX terminal after concluding business in downtown Los Angeles for the past two days, I cannot help but reflect upon my journey from once a California native to a new resident of the Great State of Texas and why.  You see, in my personal and professional opinion, the once great State of California has in essence become a third world country


Third World Country – “The concept of the “third world” has evolved to describe countries that suffer from low economic development, high levels of poverty and little to no ability to utilize natural or economic resources.”  French demographer Alfred Sauvey, 1952


While the reasons for California’s ever-spiraling downwards status from 1st World economic prominence and prosperity to near 3rd World malaise are many;  I will assert that when you combine uber-liberal politicians, with rich elitist Hollywood Celebrities, dotcom CEO billionaires, disengaged millennials and illegal aliens; you in effect create the circumstances where your city or state becomes a 3rd World environment.


The process of California’s demise from the “Golden State” to 3rd World status has been slow but steady; supported and enabled by the aforementioned actors.  While much of the legislated changes for the worse have been designed and voted in by politicians in Sacramento; municipal politicians and a complicit uninformed, naive and entitled voting public must also share blame.  After all, when 51% of those on some type of government subsidy out-vote the 49% of the money earning and tax paying citizenry, any state is doomed to failure.  With California now a “Sanctuary State” and their libtard Democratic state legislature pushing for voting rights for illegal aliens, the state will never recover.  My thoughts exactly.  Calif. Is finished.


My observations during my short visit to Los Angeles underscored many of the problems Californians are facing as they follow like lemmings their Governor Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown, their Democratic legislators and urban mayors like Eric Garretti off the economic cliff.


Literally nothing substantive is good about L.A. An ever-growing homeless subculture populates the downtown area.  The intoxicated, drug influenced, mentally impaired and criminals are everywhere.  They literally surround Civic Center, federal buildings and courts – the so-called foundations and protectors of the Rule of Law and society.  How ironic to be surrounded by the failures these very systems, liberal politicians and judges have created.  Isn’t karma interesting to watch in real time?


The homeless, numbering in the thousands, sleep in the shadows of immense, gleaming edifices owned by multi-billion dollar international conglomerates and dotcom corporations. Business executives in Brioni suits and workers quickly pass by the unwashed masses, while holding their noses to screen out the stench of urine and feces.  The obvious health and safety hazards to the public are too many to count.


Interconnecting Los Angeles city roadways and state highways designed to transport the commuting, tax paying public to their job sites are a debacle.  The ribbons of roadways are a mess of potholed, weed infested, trash laden, graffiti vandalized passages filled with vehicles lined up bumper-to-bumper going nowhere fast.  These are your tax dollars at work.  While California voters grumble and groan, in the end they just seem to accept their fate as one of the prices to pay for living the California dream.


You see, the working public has no time to get out and protest the outrageous and constant increases in taxes on gas, municipal services, vehicle registrations, rapid transit and a bullet train going to nowhere.  Only the unemployed, government subsidized masses have time to demonstrate in the streets to ensure that their subsidies continue.  Since the liberal politicians in Sacramento know this dynamic and their power base all too well, the taxation without representation continues.


I was staying at a hotel near LAX and my mileage commute to downtown L.A. was a mere twelve miles.  However, it took me every bit of one hour and twenty minutes to arrive at my destination. I then paid $20 for the privilege of parking my car in a public lot.  Of course, this was after I paid $30 a day to park my rental car at my hotel.  Nice.  I’m seriously considering Uber next time.


Since I frequently travel throughout California on business, I will tell you that Los Angeles is a mirror image of all of the other large urban cities in the state.  I have observed similar and even worse depressed and dysfunctional urban environments in the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, San Diego and a number of other cities.


California is rapidly becoming a two-tiered society of the very rich and the very poor, similar to the 2nd and 3rd World countries I regularly visit.  The middle class, small business owners and the retired are either being pushed out of state and/or escaping in droves to such tax free, business friendly and less crime ridden states such as Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Lame duck Gov. Moonbeam and the state’s liberal Democratic legislature know this.  They just don’t care because their power base is now assured. Just ask any of their castrated, powerless Republican colleagues


There will never again be a Republican administration in California.  The days of Ronald Reagan have long passed.  The candidates lining up for the governor’s race in 2018 are Open Borders and Sanctuary State advocates Anthony Villaraigosa and Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom. Governor Brown and his Democratic legislature are pulling out all the stops creating legislation that will allow illegal aliens in the state to vote in state and local elections.  Republicans, conservatives and moderates don’t stand a chance.


Here are just some of things Californian’s have done in recent years to turn their state into a 3rd World mess.  Passed Proposition 47 which has since freed tens of thousands of felons from state prisons and county jails back into communities. Prop. 47 also eviscerated the parole enforcement agency and created a system where police on the streets can’t even enforce outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants anymore.  Police no longer arrest people for being under the influence of dangerous drugs.  What would be the point; it’s just a misdemeanor.  They have reduced the crime of auto theft to a citable misdemeanor. Steal a car; get caught and get a ticket.  Commit non-violent crimes, get arrested and you are out the same day with a promise to appear in court that will not ever be enforced.  No warrant enforcement, remember?  Amazing!


California’s new “Sanctuary State” status supports and enables its Open Borders mentality. Police in a number of cities such as San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles are ordered not to assist ICE with border enforcement. Remember the Kate Steinle murder case where her five-time convicted criminal and deported illegal alien was acquitted?  Well, that’s the political mentality that created that circumstance. This is also an excellent example that liberal politicians in California are willing to sacrifice the innocent to demonstrate that they support violent illegal alien criminals.


What happens in California’s larger cities filters down to its medium and small sized cities as well. I recently wrote about the city of Salinas, CA that experienced an incredible 150% increase in its homicide rate from 2014 – 2015. Salinas rated as one of the nation’s 30 most violent cities.  Fifty percent of all of their murders were gang and drug related, with the predominate gang members being illegal aliens.  I can only wonder how Silicon Valley dot-commers’ who are paying over half a million bucks for a home and commute over four hours a day to San Jose like living in that violent environment?


Which brings me back to why my successful business owner wife and I escaped to Texas.  The state loves us.  No commute problems, no state taxes and we live in an area where there is little to no crime.  Our area just outside of San Antonio some of the best school districts in the U.S.; high employment, great people and lots of fun things to do.


My wife and I live a great life on a ranch with a river in our backyard where we can fish, swim, kayak and BBQ with family and neighbors anytime we want.  The price?  Less than you would pay for a one bedroom studio condo in any of the cities in California I’ve mentioned.  New home buyers only need three percent down to purchase a home and veterans make no down payments.  If you are a younger middle-classer, a small business owner or retired, you’d be nuts to remain in California.


With California over a trillion dollars in debt and 30% of their budget going to subsidizing illegal aliens at the expense of hard-working, taxpayers who have little to no voice on how their state is run, the state and the majority of their citizens are doomed.  That’s what a two-tiered society eventually creates . One heck of a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY!


The truth is blatantly obvious... and yet the left STILL turns a blind eye..   I say let this Titanic sink….


People need to wake up, and it’s too bad you won’t be forwarding this to your left-leaning, closed-minded, egalitarian friends for fear of their reprisals!

     
 
Caltrans Proposing Safety Improvements for Borland/Lincoln Intersection
 
AUBURN – Caltrans is hosting a community open house at City Hall in Auburn next week to seek public feedback on a proposed roundabout project for State Highway 49 at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Borland Avenue.
 
The event will be held Tuesday, October 16 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Rose Room of City Hall, 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn. Community members can view project displays and review materials, including the draft environmental document, which is currently circulating. Caltrans staff members will be available to answer questions and receive written comments from the public.
 
The draft environmental document also is available online at:http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/departments/envinternet/placer49roundabout/draftisnd.pdf
 
The $5.3 million project proposes to convert the intersection into a roundabout to increase motorist safety and reduce collisions. Caltrans proposes realigning the curve approach to the Borland Avenue/Lincoln Way intersection and increasing the radius (line of sight) for motorists approaching from the south. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2021.
 
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties.

Drainage Improvements Scheduled Between Truckee and Squaw Valley
 
TRUCKEE – Caltrans is alerting motorists to anticipate delays on a section of State Route 89 for the next several weeks as culverts along the highway are removed and replaced.
 
Work started today on Highway 89 between Truckee and Squaw Valley to replace the drainage pipes. Granite Construciton is the contractor. The work will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting, under one-way reversing traffic control with flaggers. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes.
 
The work involves removing and replacing six culverts and making improvements to three others.
 
Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work. Caltrans advises motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert.” The department will issue construction updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/  or download the QuickMap app on iTunes or Google Play.
 

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William Crayton (57) Orangvale.  Driving while suspended with a prior conviction.  Three years probation, 5 days jail, fine $2214.
 
William Mosley (40) Sacramento.  Driving while suspended.  Eighteen months probation, 2 days jail, fine $1434.
 
Brian Forslund (42) Quincy.  Reckless driving, alcohol related. Three years probation, two days jail, fine $1519.
 
Steven Sellers (28) Loyalton.  Reckless driving, alcohol related.  Three years probation, two days jail, fine $1519.
 
Jill Molaris (51) Downieville.  Possession of a concealed weapon in a vehicle. Six months probation, three days jail, fine $360.
 
Fred Freeking Jr. (69) Coyoteville. Driving while suspended.  Eighteen months probation, fine $1469.
 
Paul Smeltzer (68) North San Juan.  Reckless driving, drug related.  Thirty months probation, one day jail, fine $1519.
 
Darrell Davis (31) Loyalton.  Petty theft.  Eight months probation, fine $685, and pay restitution of $460.
 
Richard Price (29) Loyalton.  Sentencing after plea to communicating with a minor for sexual purposes.  Four years probation, 36 days jail, fine $735, register as sex offender, and attend and successfully complete drug court.
 
 
 
Glenn Knapp (55) Alleghany.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Knapp was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of battery on con-habitant.  In a separate matter, Knapp was found in violation of probation for misdemeanor charges for battery on co-habitant for not completing mandatory court-ordered counselling. He received six months in jail, and his probation was terminated unsuccessfully.   

 
Tahoe National Forest Truckee and Sierraville firefighters are utilizing their specialized skills to run chainsaws and use hand tools to remove vegetation down to mineral soil to construct containment line.  However, they are not engaged in wildfire suppression. Though resources remain available to respond to incidents, firefighters are contributing to important forest health and fuels management. Forest Service fire crews are constructing containment line around prescribed fire unit boundaries. Removing hazard trees, raking all material off the lines and performing checks of the burn unit conditions, weather and air quality are also all part of the extensive preparation and planning that is done before the implementation of fall/winter prescribed fire operations. The Tahoe National Forest with its fire crews will be implementing prescribed fire operations only as specific conditions outlined in a comprehensive burn plan permit in order to safely achieve the prescribed fire objectives and minimize smoke impacts.
 
Meredith Anello

On the Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Ranger District, 150 acres of prescribed burning was safely and successfully accomplished near Little Truckee Summit. Before, during, and after prescribed fire operations, fire personnel such as the Burn Boss, Firing Boss, Fire and Fuels Managers monitor the prescribed burn area conditions and the fire effects. Post-fire activities are determined in advance of the prescribed fire operation and outlined in the burn plan specific to the area. Fire personnel will continue to closely patrol the prescribed fire area based on weather, fuels, and smoke considerations.  Safety is the number one concern for Fire and Fuels managers and all prescribed fires are conducted under close monitoring and observation of effects to the burn area, natural resources, personnel and public. This summer’s wildfires are a reminder of the importance of fuels reduction and that smoke produced during a prescribed fire is much less intense and of shorter duration than that of a wildfire.  “Fire is a natural part of the Sierra ecosystem. The Tahoe National Forest prescribed fire program introduces fire into the landscape and re-creates ecological benefits that are essential to our efforts in restoring a more natural and resilient ecosystem and to minimize the severity of wildfires,” said Ruby Burks, Sierraville District Fuels Specialist.
 
Meredith Anello

 
Tahoe National Forest, Calif. – The Truckee and Sierraville Ranger Districts on the Tahoe National Forest will conduct prescribed fires this fall/winter to reduce build-up of hazardous fuels and to continue restoring forest ecosystems. This year’s fire season is again a good reminder of the importance of prescribed fire, especially in our fire prone environment. 
Fall and winter bring precipitation and cooler temperatures which are ideal for prescribed fire operations. Planned projects include low-to-moderate intensity understory burns of vegetation on the forest floor and burning piles of stacked woody material.
The goals of these projects are to reduce the severity and intensity of future wildfires. These project areas provide a safer environment for firefighters to engage a wildfire and provide added protection for communities in the wildland urban interface (WUI). Another goal is to re-establish natural ecosystems using fire. Reintroducing fire through prescribed fire helps to promote a diverse and more resilient forest, as well as improve habitat and forage for wildlife. The Forest Service is also working to reduce fuels by thinning dense stands of trees and brush using mechanical thinning, mastication, and hand removal of vegetation throughout the Tahoe National Forest.
All prescribed fire projects are conducted in accordance with a specific, approved prescribed fire burn plan.  Burn plans describe the specific conditions under which prescribed fires will be conducted to safely meet objectives. These include weather, fuel moisture, number of personnel, and opportunities to minimize smoke impacts.  This information is used to decide if, when and where to burn. “We do our best to give as much advance notice as possible before burning, however, some operations may be conducted on short notice when the “the burn window” opens, meaning conditions become conducive to implement a burn,” stated Robert Hilfer, Acting Truckee Ranger District Fuels Specialist.
The Truckee Ranger District is planning to implement around 500 acres of understory burning and 280 acres of pile burning this season. All prescribed fires will be north of Truckee, and west of Hwy. 89 North. These projects are all located in the Saghen Hills from Prosser Hill to Sagehen Summit.
The Sierraville Ranger District plans to implement around 500 acres of understory burns and 500 acres of pile burning across the district. Underburn projects are available in the areas of Little Truckee Summit along Hwy. 89 North and Sierra County Road 451 (Cottonwood Road), northeast of Independence Lake area along the Forest Service 07-10 Road, and near the Lewis Mill Guard Station along Sierra County Road 860 (Smithneck Road).  Pile burning projects are planned near the communities of Sierraville, Calpine, and Loyalton Pines, as well as in the general Little Truckee Summit/ Independence Lake area, and various other areas throughout the District.
Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after ignition. Smoke settles in low lying areas at night and into the morning and usually lifts out during normal daytime warming. Fire crews conduct small test fires before lighting a larger area to verify how effectively fuels will be consumed to ensure the burn and smoke management objectives can be met. All prescribed fires are monitored closely for burning and smoke dispersal conditions and, if necessary, action is taken to mitigate concerns as they arise. Fire personnel will continue to closely patrol the prescribed fire based on weather, fuels, and smoke considerations. Forest Service fuels management personnel work closely with the California Air Resources Board and the local air quality management districts to minimize smoke impacts to communities.
“We are sensitive to the impact smoke has on people, especially those with respiratory conditions and allergies and we make every effort to conduct prescribed fire operations during weather patterns that carry smoke away from communities,” said Hilfer.  “This summer’s wildfires are a reminder of the importance of fuels reduction and that smoke produced during a prescribed fire is much less intense and of shorter duration than that of a wildfire.  Fire is a natural part of the Sierra ecosystem. Our prescribed fire program introduces fire into the landscape and re-creates ecological benefits that are essential to our efforts in restoring a more natural and resilient ecosystem and to minimize the severity of wildfires. A moderate amount of smoke now could prevent a lot of smoke later, as well as reduce risks to the public, firefighters, and natural resources.”
For more information, or to receive prescribed fire notifications via e-mail, call or email the following contacts: Truckee Ranger District- Robert Hilfer, Acting District Fuels Specialist, at (530) 587-3558 #251 or rhilfer@fs.fed.us; Sierraville Ranger District- Ruby Burks, District Fuels Specialist, at (530) 994-3401 #6621 or rubyburks@fs.fed.us.
For more information on prescribed fire on the Tahoe National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe or to participate in the conversation at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.
If you would like to learn more about prescribed fire vs. wildfire, please visit www.smokeybear.com/prescribed-fires.asp.
 
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(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after joining U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann to award a Community Facilities Grant totaling $145,000 from Rural Development to Eastern Plumas Health Care for a new First Responder vehicle. This specific grant funding is part of the $5 million set-aside under the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program to combat the opioid epidemic in rural communities
 
LaMalfa said: “In Congress, we’ve taken unprecedented steps to combat the growing opioid epidemic in this country, and I’m happy to see these funds are being allocated right here in Northern California. Rapid response is absolutely critical when it comes to a prescription drug overdose or any other emergency, and it can be even more difficult in rural areas. It’s important that first responders have a modern fleet of ambulances to work with, and I’m confident that this funding will help them to better do their jobs and save lives in Plumas County.”
 
Vann said: “California’s rural communities have not been spared from the opioid epidemic, and USDA Rural Development has made it a priority to support projects addressing opioid prevention, treatment and recovery. Eastern Plumas Health Care District’s new first responder vehicle is one of nineteen projects awarded and part of a nearly $1.5 million investment in California.”

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​LaMalfa Presents Grant Award to Indian Valley Community Services District
  
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after joining U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann to present an Economic Initiative Impact Grant from Rural Development totaling $37,500 to the Indian Valley Community Services District (CSD) for the purchase of a new fire engine.
 
LaMalfa said: "Indian Valley CSD has the responsibility to provide basic services to the people of Greenville, Taylorsville, and Crescent Mills – and that includes fire protection, which is often no easy task in Northern California. That’s why I think this funding is so important and is why an upgraded fire engine will have a meaningful impact on the people of the Indian Valley community. I thank the USDA and California State Director of Rural Development, Kim Vann for helping to make sure this key funding was awarded appropriately and will be put to good use.”
 
Vann said: “I am proud to stand with Representative LaMalfa today to highlight the important impact USDA’s programs have in our rural communities. The grant award to Indian Valley CSD is a great example of our ongoing investment in rural first responders that helps ensure they have the equipment and resources they need to effectively respond to emergency situations.”
 

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A HORRIFIC ATTACK on lambs at the FFA barn at Loyalton High School was discovered the morning of September 27th. Sixteen lambs were injured, one killed and one died over the weekend.
Sierra County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Fisher met with CA Fish and Wildlife and through tracks and the type of attack, determined it was dogs. Students stayed late value of a market animal. The 15 surviving lambs won’t reproduce this year and the ram won’t be breeding for a long time and may never if he develops an infection. Many of the wounded are not eating or drinking and some still aren’t walking. Cali is worried some may not survive.
She wanted it made clear that this attack was the work of dogs and not bears. This was reaffirmed by Fish and Game, Sierra County Sheriff’s Department, and local veterinarian Tanya Morgan. She stated wild animals would eat their kill and bite marks are consistent with dogs.
The lambs are students’ projects which require extensive care and expense. Last year 9-10 students took FFA lambs to the fair. Sadly, students won’t be able to this year. 
Cali wanted to thank, students, parents, community members, and ranchers for coming multiple times to help care for the injured.
And one more lamb died on Thursday...............

SIERRA-PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED 

SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE candidates were interviewed
Thursday night, September 27th at the Loyalton Social Hall by Moderator Tom Archer, retired attorney out of Truckee.
Tom questioned them on challenges and priorities, curriculum, leadership as a board member, day-to-day involvement, school security and bullying.

JESSE WHITLEY has lived in Sierra Brooks since 2004 and has six kids, having worked in lumber mills 20 years. 
He’s coached varsity football and served on the SARB Board with administration, teachers and social workers.
Rather than outsourcing, he would put a strong focus on insourcing. He would like to see local teachers fill needs. He would look at incorporating trades more than skilled workers could provide. 
Jesse would get hold of grants and incorporate charter schools for better opportunites to hire.
He feels two important qualities are inspiration and empathy. In disciplinary action, he’d focus on the situation at hand and on the kid. He feels children need to learn from mistakes and not be penalized. They need to be inspired by having models to look up to and Jesse would “love to be there when needed.” 
He stated early prevention is the key to a secure school and the need to know students.  He feels kids are a good source. He felt the SARB Board is a good resource to identify children and they need to look at mental health with a counselor.  He experienced actual lock downs and called it an “excellent job.”  He felt children should be free from fear and that armed security guards might put them on edge. He has faith in children and they have answers. If bullying, he would provide a safe place.

ANDY GENASCI grew up in Sparks, Nevada, attended University of Nevada, served in the military 20 years, retiring in 2012 and spent four years in Denver, CO and his job now allows him to live here with his wife and two kids.
He has an intimate understanding of the budget and felt it “critical” we explore grants. He’d like to see instruction curriculum for diesel mechanics, welding, and to be successful given the tools.
In school safety, he would prioritize buildings and teachers should have a plan linked in with the sheriff’s office.
For programs, he stated “absolutely” on math, computer programming, music programs and arts or theater introduced as well. He was in favor of preparing for trades and felt missing is leadership skill; how to think and behave on their own.
He wants an “intimate understanding” of every one of the 400 kids. “No surprises of kids in your classroom.”  He talked of instilling leadership and making corrective action where they see it.
With “not an immense budget,” he’d focus on kids, safety and curriculum. 
On security,  he’d have well trained security guards on campus. He verified not arming teachers.
He would recommend cell phones on campus only in an emergency; “Not conducive to learning.”

​NICOLE STANNARD has been married 12 years and lived in Sierra Brooks 10 years. She has a 1-1/2 and 3-1/2 year old, stating “They’re our future.” 
She is in favor of “giving students as much as possible,” noting a great FFA and 4-H and incorporating school sports. She spoke of recruiting qualified teachers, retaining teachers and “giving as much opportunity to teaching our children.”
She wants to focus on math, science and history making sure kids are efficient at it with a core curriculum and good basis with art, music, theater and in high school, trades as an after school program.
She has sat on dietician boards and knows how to run them, working for northern Nevada Dairymen and Dairy Council. She’s good with budgets and can make a plan.
As a school board trustee, she would be on campus and as part of the community.
She stated the need for teachers and administration to get to know every student, know their dreams and struggles. She wants teachers to get more training and be in halls with students.  
She brought up bullying at the high school and wants administration to look at that. 
She called herself a dedicated person to business and livlihood, choosing this community and what it represented.

CANDIDATES for Loyalton City Council were well interviewed by retired Truckee attorney Tom Archer Thursday, September 27th. Tom was well versed in topics which included how to promote the community, to what degree the council should listen to those outside the city limits, fire protection beyond city limits, Loyalton Mobile Home Park “adventure” with its $300,0000 which has become virtually uncollectible, the demolishing and stagnation of the trailer park, lack of building and planning and the need or use of the County, CalPERS and weed.

CINDY SCOTT is a write-in for the City’s 2-year term. She just moved back from having spent a year in San Diego. She said she’s open and willing to listen, was born and raised in Loyalton. She “loves her little town.” She stated she wants to learn.
About fire annexation, she is behind the community for fire, sheriff and ambulance.
For CalPERS, she’s uneducated.
Cannabis, she felt it’s used for a lot of good and would bring jobs.

DARLENE RIEDI is a “Truckee transport” of four years with community involvement and compassion to get things done. She supports volunteerism and to get the voice out.
For community she stated everyone surrounding Loyalton is a part and it belongs to all of us.
She agrees with the fire annexation and to move forward.
The mobile home park property she called an “eyesore.” She’s in favor of getting permission to clean it up.
She feels the water cost increase is needed but a lot of people are on fixed incomes and on meters, they could be charged accordingly.
On planning, having our own planning committee could benefit the community.
On cannabis, she likes the pharmacy idea with low impact and it should be considered.

CITY COUNCIL - 
Cont. from page 5....

JOY MARKUM is an incumbent, She left in 1983, now retired from Probation in Yuba County after 22 years, moving back in October 2012. She was frustrated with the City Council and asked to be appointed 9 months ago. She has started Town Hall meetings once a month. She feels the whole community is Sierra Valley.
Concerning fire, she’s worked with Sierraville on the Sierra County Fire Protection District 1 annexation.
On the water increase, she told of the need for clean water.
The mobile home park property, she felt the city “doesn’t have a whole lot of power.”
On planning, she felt it was a “haphazard” planning committee with Portola’s building department doing inspections and Loyalton doesn’t have a lot of places to build other than downtown.
Joy sat through the community meetings on cannabis and felt she’d supported the community.
She hopes to encourage young people.

SARAH JACKSON was raised in Truckee, spent six years in the Army, came here in 2003, works in Truckee and had previously been appointed to a City Council vacancy and served three years. She has Brown Act experience and open meeting rules. She’s an invested 4-H leader.
She spoke of Loyalton being more than 96118 zip code and supports input from everyone.
On fire, she fully supports mutual aid outside city limits.
Concerning water, she’d like the meters on and see it tracked and seniors on a senior rate.
On the mobile home park property in State receivership, she felt we should voice opinion and the County should move forward. She knew it was our bad debt but not our property.
She was definitely in favor of paying PERS if the budget permits it.
On cannabis, she does not support a store front, retail or manufacturing but of delivery service for adults.


GENELLE WAGNITZ stated this is her second attempt to serve on City Council. As manager at Leonards Market, she’s put her “heart and soul” in for 11 years, bought her house here, had both her girls graduate and “goes to work for everybody here.”
She advised the crowd to show up for community and “be part of our town; speak your voice.” She agreed it takes the valley to survive.
She had no knowledge of the fire protection annexation.
She’d like meters read which cost a lot of money
and are not used. She was in favor of a separate rate for seniors like for electricity and phones to make it affordable.
The mobile home park property, she called an eyesore with that “expensive rock” embarrassing. She spoke of “nothing to rent” and the need to accommodate housing.
She was in favor of local planning but no need for a huge department.
On CalPERS, she was willing to sit down and read about it.
On cannabis she felt there is nothing wrong with a pharmacy and “it is going to happen.” She felt the unknowns was what “freaked everybody out.”

BROOKS MITCHELL has lived here over 70 years, attended Sacramento State College and served in the military, served as County Supervisor 12 years, had been voted a 4-year term but resigned after nine months and has an “institutional memory” which is needed, along with a budget and solving problems.
He spoke highly of volunteers, using the museum as an example with its 63 different people working as volunteers. He complimented Leonards for its help with Rotary and how most businesses support the community. He would set priorities.
He agreed with the others Loyalton community is outside its boundaries but that doesn’t pay property taxes, “but a minor issue.”
He was aware of the annexation of fire and it’s in the LAFCO process.
On water, he agreed to read meters and a study next year will come up with a base rate. Next will come a sewer increase and he talked of using the fixed asset reserve with the lawsuit money to “fill the void.”
At the mobile home park property, he wants low to mid-income housing. He described the process as “complex wheels turn slowly.”
He stated the city can handle its own building with Portola inspections. “Heck of a deal,” he called it the best way.
Brooks was “greatly involved” with the CalPERS and wants investment money put in a trust fund to produce $40,000 in a bonded State investment fund. Joy Markum disagreed with that, stating those funds are to be spent on repairs on the wastewater plant.
On cannabis, Brooks stated, “Hell no.”

​SAMANTHA REDMAN is a write-in candidate for Loyalton City Clerk.
As clerk, she would prepare agendas, maintain the website, attend all meetings and write minutes for $150/month. 
Kathy LeBlanc is Deputy City Clerk.
Samantha is assistant manager at Leonards Loyalton, having worked there previously in 2012 as night manager, leaving to work at the hospital and Golden West and returning nearly two years ago. She has also worked at Sierra Hot Springs.
Samantha feels being City Clerk would be a good opportunity to help the town and a nice opportunity to gain insight. She has a son, Tristan, 10. 

SIERRA BROOKS WATER ADVISORY BOARD held two public meetings Thursday, September 27th at the Lodge regarding Water System Improvements. At the 2 p.m. meeting, Board Chair Tom Rowson, stated they were there to answer the question “What am I getting and what is it going to cost?” He was very much in favor and hoped residents saw the value. Rowson gave a brief history, stating it has had starts, stops, delays but they have worked their way through. He said there has always been talk about improving the system, adding they were rationing because they don’t have enough water to go around. Rowson stated the project began eight years ago when Supervisor Scott Schlefstein took office and received the full support of all five supervisors. A tedious process to get where they are, he felt the system was well designed and funding is secured through a USDA loan of $2,125,000.00 at 2.125% over 39 years. Rowson said they would also be receiving some fantastic grant funding totaling $1,572,470.00 to help fund the total project cost of $3,783,034.00 and felt this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He introduced Schlefstein who had written a letter of support in preparation for this meeting, stating this was the first item he put on the agenda once elected Supervisor. He said the system will empower dependable water delivery, enhance firefighting capacity and construction was slated for April of 2019.
Schlefstein thanked the Sierra Brooks water committee, especially Tom Rowson and introduced Keith Knibb. Assessment Engineer for Sauers Engineering, Inc.  Knibb stated in the original engineering analysis deficiencies included an inadequate water supply and inefficient storage capacity. He said they recognized excessive pressures in the system and a number of customers have pressure-reducing systems, adding it was not very efficient. Knibb stated 38 parcels along Smithneck Road don’t have access to the water system. He said the current system is basically deficient in every way except for being good water quality. Knibb said there was no plan to expand the system beyond the subdivision, and designed a system with sufficient storage that will alleviate excess pressures, enhance fire protection and increase the reliability of the system. 
Annual payment would be $246.30/year per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU), which is  $20.52/month per parcel to cover the debt service on the loan portion. Knibb stated residents could make direct cash payment of $5,606.86..... which would be over a $3,000 savings over the 39 years. An additional operational and maintenance cost will be $19.58 per month per parcel that has a meter. Meters are a requirement set forth by the USDA allowing access to a low interest loan and grant funds. This project has established a base water consumption rate of 50,288 gallons per month. Water usage over the monthly base of 50,288 gallons will cost $2.27 per 1,000 gallons. Knibb stated residents were already paying $20 per month for water service and with the $40.10 increase, customers would be paying approximately $60.10/month for water. He said it would be a majority protest and residents will have 45 days to mail in a written protest.
Belligerence erupted from an audience member, who said in “1997 we paid for all that stuff.” He felt they were being taken for a ride and “sold a bag of goods.” The audience member wouldn’t quit yelling and stated they were “selling out his freedom.” Another audience member was filming the chaotic scene, asking to interview Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals and following the other audience member’s lead by yelling at anyone who tried to maintain control. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Department was called and a deputy responded to the meeting that was on break until the disruptive attendees left.
Once the meeting resumed, questions were taken. If residents have two lots. Knibb stated every parcel would pay $20.52/month, and  pay $19.58 for service to each lot. Vacant lots won’t have meters and under the USDA funding, can’t be included in this project, but designed to be available in the future. All other properties will get a meter as part of the project. If they already have a meter. Beals stated, that was a dilemma, and would be part of the ordinance change.
Another question centered checks and balances on this project and why not done originally. Knibb told the audience they would have construction management inspections. Beals admitted quality control was not done in 1969, but stated a full time resident engineer would be there for onsite inspections by the low bid contract. Audience members were gun shy about contractors coming in and taking advantage. Knibb stated they were building in as many safeguards as they could and would be attracting larger contractors based on the size of the project. He added it was always in the interest of the County to get it right. Another question asked how much a single household averages in water per day. Knibb stated any outdoor irrigation would make use go up, but said indoor use averages 300-500 gallons per day. It was asked, what happens if the fee was turned down. Beals said if the election does not prevail, “we lose the opportunity” and was not sure what the Board of Supervisors would do, adding residents needed to be in charge of the water system and not the Supervisors. The project needs 50% + 1 of the ballots returned for the debt service to pass.