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.