175 million Americans celebrated Halloween last year…but how should this holiday be approached in the workplace?
 
“Countless workplaces across the country permit or even encourage Halloween costumes in the office,” says Rob Wilson, human resources expert and President of Employco USA, a national employment-solutions firm. “Some even have costume competitions. Other offices have Halloween parties and put up decorations for the holiday. But, in this day and age, it is crucial to consider how your Halloween costume could impact your employer’s opinion of you, or what legal ramifications these common Halloween practices could pose for employers.”
 
To that end, workplace expert Rob Wilson has provided the below Do’s and Don’ts for celebrating Halloween in the workplace:
 

• No Drag & No Donald. “Don’t wear any costume which mocks a certain religion, ethnicity, culture, gender or sexual orientation,” says Wilson. “For example, transgender people often find it offensive when cisgender people dress in ‘drag’ because they don’t want their identity to be seen as a joke. And, in our current political climate, it would be a bad idea to show up in the office in a Donald Trump costume or a peach costume, which is a popular choice for those who want to see the president impeached. Play it safe: Don’t dress up as any current celebrities or politicians, and avoid nun costumes, priest costumes, and certainly any costumes which would involve you making yourself over to look like a person of another ethnicity, i.e. “blackface,” or wearing Native American costumes or Geisha costumes if you are not of those ethnic backgrounds.”

 

• Don’t decorate with ghastly or gruesome décor. “It can be festive to have a brightly colored pumpkin on your desk or a collection of gourds on the office break table, but avoid things like demons, dismembered body parts and witches. Many people are offended by such imagery or others might find gruesome displays triggering,” says Wilson. “Keep it professional and tasteful. Think harvest, not graveyard.” 

 

• Do keep in mind other culture’s holidays. “Millions of people celebrate the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos. There is cultural and religious significance to this holiday, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with this holiday and imagery as you don’t want to curtail an employee’s religious freedom,” says Wilson. “And, as an employee, you also want to remember that utilizing sugar skulls and other imagery as decorations or costumes can be seen as cultural appropriation, so tread lightly when trying to borrow from another person’s culture.”

 

• Don’t make your celebrations Halloween-based. “Numerous people find Halloween offensive,” says Wilson. “Even if you aren’t opposed to Halloween based on your religious beliefs, you might find a display of tombstones or skeletons to be disturbing, especially if you recently lost a loved one. Keep that in mind when it comes to workplace parties, and rather than have a ‘Halloween’ party, have a Harvest Festival and keep the focus on seasonal delights like apple cider, pumpkin treats and activities like Jack-O-Lantern carving, rather than having ghouls and goblins all over the place. Make it a celebration of autumn rather than death and gore.”

 

• Do send out a workplace email reminding everyone of the rules. “Employees are probably going to roll their eyes when they get an email outlining all the costumes they can’t wear,” says Wilson. “Some might even complain about ‘P.C. Culture’ and reminisce about the good old days. But, remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to these events. A Donald Trump costume at the office is a distraction regardless of a person’s politics, so asking people to keep it simple and avoid potentially upsetting costumes is an easy choice.”

 
For more on this topic or to speak to Rob Wilson, please contact me.
 
About Employco USA
Offering human resource related solutions for small to mid-sized businesses, Employco saves companies from the complexities of managing human resource functions.  The structure allows employers to become a part of a large purchasing group, offering more control over employee costs through controlled rates.  Employco assists businesses in critical areas by providing protection from employer liabilities and reducing risk in areas such as: workers' compensation, insurance policies and compliance with federal, state and local regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.employco.com
 

 
By Dr. Glenn Mollette, 
Syndicated Columnist 
 
A lot of us are faced with the impossible. We may have what seems to be impossible debts, physical illnesses, human relationships and vocational pressures. 
 
Too often we hear someone say, "Nothing is impossible" and we nod our heads nonchalantly in an unbelieving way. 
 
Keep in mind there is always the possibility of a breakthrough. Enough great minds working together may come up with a cure or a solution. We all have barriers that may appear difficult and even impossible. 
 
Occasionally someone will come along who pushes the mark and proves that the human spirit and body can do more than we even dared to imagine. Such a person is Eliud Kipchoge. Recently he ran a marathon in Vienna in one hour, fifty-nine minutes and forty seconds. He became the first person to run a marathon in less than two hours. 
 
Running a marathon is an amazing accomplishment and not for the faint of heart. Most people will never attempt such an endeavor nor even aspire to try. For many, jogging a couple of miles or even walking a mile or two is an accomplishment. The idea of running a mile in less than six minutes is certainly for the physically fit but what about running a mile in 4:34 minutes?
 
Who could ever imagine running 26.2 miles at an average of 4.34 minutes per mile? This is exactly what Kipchoge did in Vienna on October 12 in the unofficial Vienna run. The world record 34-year-old runner from Kenya is already a marathon record holder. In 2018, he set the world record in the Berlin marathon running 2:01:39. He also won the Olympic marathon in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
 
The feat will not go on the record books as an official world record because it wasn't an open competition. Also, Kipchoge was assisted by a team of rotating world class runners who ran in front and alongside him in V formation as he ran an average speed of 13.6 mph. If you are physically fit, you might try running on a treadmill at 13.6 mph for a couple of minutes to get an idea of how that pace feels. 
 
To prepare for the event organized by chemical company Ineos and sponsored by Nike, Kipchoge was reported to average running 140 miles per week at a high altitude.
 
Setting a world record is probably not on your radar for today. What about finding a job, losing ten pounds or getting your life in order?  Completing this week or just this day may be your marathon and you are aren't sure how it's going to work out. Often our greatest accomplishment for the day is making a decision, a change or showing up.  Kipchoge obviously had a goal, worked hard and organized his life to achieve it.  Keep in mind it's possible. You can do it. With God, hard work, with help, in some way, by some miracle, it's possible. Don't give up. 

Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
  
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette

Immune markers and pollutant levels in the blood indicate wildfire smoke may be more harmful to children’s health than smoke from a controlled burn, Stanford researchers found.May 30 2019Children were exposed to higher air pollutant levels during a California wildfire than during a similar-sized controlled burn, and the difference was reflected by changes in immune markers in their blood, a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine has found.
The finding suggests that using prescribed burns, also called controlled burns, to reduce fuel levels in forests may protect the health of people who live nearby.
The study was published May 30 in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It was conducted in Fresno, California, a city with high air pollution levels due to its topography and other sources, including traffic and agriculture.
“This study suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke is detrimental above and beyond poor air quality,” said the lead author, Mary Prunicki, MD, PhD, an instructor of medicine. 
The study’s senior author is Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and of pediatrics and director of the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy & Asthma Research at Stanford.
Native Americans traditionally used controlled burns to manage California’s forests, but throughout the early 20thcentury, wildfires were widely suppressed. This began to change in the 1960s and 1970s, when scientists recognized fire as a normal part of forest ecology. Recent wildfires have brought more attention to the possible benefits of prescribed burns as a way to reduce fuel levels and wildfire risk, but not everyone is enthusiastic.
Opposition to controlled burns“We know that there’s some public opposition to doing prescribed burning,” Prunicki said. “It’s our feeling that prescribed burning, because it’s so controlled, may expose people to fewer health effects than wildfires.” Prescribed burns are of lower intensity and are permitted only when weather conditions allow the fire to be contained.
In the study, the researchers compared blood samples from three groups of children, all of whom were 7 or 8 years old. One group of 32 children had been exposed to smoke from a 553-acre prescribed burn that occurred in March 2015; a second group of 36 children had been exposed to smoke from a 415-acre wildfire in September 2015. Both fires were about 70 miles away from Fresno, and blood samples were collected from the children within three months of each fire. 
The study also included blood samples from a control group of 18 children who lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and had not been exposed to wildfire or prescribed-burn smoke.
The researchers measured air pollution levels recorded at four monitoring stations in Fresno and estimated pollution levels at the children’s homes during the fires based on how far they lived from the stations. 
Pollutant exposures were higher in the wildfire group compared to the prescribed-burn group.  The air pollutants measured included nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, elemental carbon, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
Wildfire smoke exposure was associated with lower blood levels of type-1 T helper cells, a group of immune cells that are involved in the immune response. Among children exposed to wildfire smoke, the researchers also saw increased methylation of the Foxp3 gene, indicating reduced activity of this gene, which is broadly involved in modulating allergic and other immune responses. The finding of greater Foxp3 methylation is congruent with earlier studies of the effects of air pollution on the immune system, Prunicki noted. 
Significance of particulate matterOne important aspect of the study was that the September 2015 wildfire was confined to forested areas and did not burn any structures. 
“Particulate matter from wildfires is different from region to region and depends on what is burning,” Prunicki said. “When a wildfire is going through a town, there are a lot of concerns about what happens to the chemicals in people’s homes and cars when they go up in flames.” Smoke from wildfires that burn inhabited areas almost certainly has worse health effects than those found in the current study, she said.
The researchers plan to conduct larger, more detailed studies of the effects of wildfire smoke on health. They will be enrolling healthy people in a trial at Stanford later this summer to collect baseline data from blood samples. When future wildfires affect Bay Area air quality, the participants will be asked to provide follow-up blood samples. For more information, email Prunicki.
The scientists also plan to research the health effects of using home air purifiers during wildfires, as well as measure the protection offered by N95 masks, with the aim of developing recommendations for when masks should be used by different populations, such as healthy adults, elderly people, children and people with chronic illnesses.
The study’s other Stanford co-authors are biostatistician Justin Lee; life science researcher Xiaoying Zhou, PhD; Francois Haddad, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine; and Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and of radiology.
Nadeau is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute and the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. 
Scientists at The Nature Conservancy also contributed to the research.
The research was funded by The Nature Conservancy, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (grantsR01ES02092 and 3R01ES020926); the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (grant R01HL081521); and the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Resea

The Center for Economic Development at California State University, Chico is working with Pacific Gas & Electric Company to increase access to safety information, so residents can plan and prepare in the event of disaster. We hope it makes the difference in keeping everyone safe. 

People are being asked to prepare a Five Minute Plan to evacuate their homes immediately and watch for Red Flag Warnings. Evacuation orders means you have to leave right away to avoid getting stuck. Preparing a Five Minute Plan gets your family ready to go quickly once you are ordered to leave.

There are steps that must be taken in order to be able to leave in 5 minutes.
·        Mark evacuation routes on map
·        Plan where to go if you can’t come home
·        Put together an emergency supply kit
·        Explain plan to children
·        Practice leaving your home in 5 minutes

For additional information and safety tips, click here.

Two California FFA State Officers accompanied Loyalton FFA on the second and third of October. California State President Carlyn Marsh stayed in the Roen household and California State Vice President Reagan Dohle stayed in the Griffin household. On Wednesday the 3rd, loyalton FFA officers took Carlyn and Reagan on a ture of the A24 Commercial Hemp Production farm here in the valley. They learned many new things about the hemp business as well as the loyalton FFA officers. After the true all of the officers had a big dinner at the roen household. On Thursday the state officers held workshops for all of the Ag classes which included SAE prep for the Freshman to help understand that an SAE and example projects. Carlyn and Regan did workshops for the Juniors and Seniors about using their skills that they learned in FFA and highschool and using them when they get out in the real world. Thank you Reagan and Carlyn for your leadership.

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​A unique opportunity for the young ladies of Plumas and Sierra Counties has returned. The PSCF Foundation and the Plumas Sierra County Fair are extending an invitation to those girls between the ages of 16 and 20 to apply to compete in the 2020 Sweetheart of the Mountains Scholarship Competition. Since its re-instatement, the competition has generated nearly $20,000 in scholarships for those that have competed for the title.
 
With roots going back over 50 years, the Sweetheart of the Mountains has evolved from a beauty pageant to the current scholarship program. Contestants still have to show off a talent, exhibit poise through an interview, represent the Plumas Sierra County Fair with public appearances and be a good example of character. However, they also have an opportunity to raise funds to benefit the fairgrounds, as well as a matching scholarship fund for themselves. Their efforts have allowed the PSCF Foundation, a non-profit corporation established for the sole benefit of the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds, to provide tens of thousands of dollar’s worth of improvements, from sponsoring awards to purchasing traffic barricades. The last Sweetheart of the Mountains, Grace Bristol of Portola, raised and won over $3000 for her college career.
 
The competition is planned for mid-May. Contestants are judged on a talent, their poise during a question and answer segment, and are awarded points based on how much money they have raised for the Foundation. A Sweetheart of the Mountains is crowned at the competition, as well as a First Runner Up.
 
As the modern program progresses, the committee has made small tweaks along the way. The age requirement was expanded to those young ladies between the ages of 16 and 20 years of age. This opens up the competition to those who may be in their first year of college. It is hoped this will increase the number of competitors as well as expand the interest in the program.
 
The deadline for returning applications has been extended to December 13, 2019.
 
Applications can be found in each of the high schools and FRC. They are also available on the Fair website at www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net, and the Fair office.

Great California ShakeOut prompts millions to practice what to do when the ground shakes

(SACRAMENTO) Millions of Californians will practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” when the ground shakes during the Great California ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10:17 a.m. This year’s drill will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake that shook Northern California on Oct. 17, 1989.
Also known as the “World Series earthquake,” the magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake was felt extensively in Santa Cruz, Monterey and the San Francisco Bay Area. It was responsible for 63 deaths, 3,757 injuries, and more than $5.9 billion in property damage. Strong ground shaking, liquefaction, and landslides caused significant structural damage, and approximately 16,000 housing units—almost 13,000 in the nine-county San Francisco Bay region alone—were uninhabitable after the earthquake.
“The Loma Prieta earthquake was a tragedy that caused immense suffering for thousands of California residents," said California Earthquake Authority CEO Glenn Pomeroy. “Anniversaries for big earthquakes often serve as painful reminders of why we need to know how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the ground shakes, and know how to financially recover from damage that may be expensive to repair.”
Most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault. In 2015, scientists reported there was a greater than 99 percent chance of one or more magnitude 6.7 earthquakes striking California between 2014 and 2043. Magnitude 6.4 and 7.1 earthquakes struck near the Mojave Desert town of Ridgecrest in July 2019, and a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Napa in 2014.
Now more Californians are paying closer attention to their risk for earthquakes, and their potential costs to repair shake damage not covered under a standard homeowner policy. CEA now offers a wide range of coverage options, and has more than 1 million policyholders.
“More than 10 million Californians participated in the Great California ShakeOut last year,” Pomeroy said. “The drill is easy to do. It’s also easy to have a quick conversation with your insurance agent about how to get an earthquake policy. A little preparation can make a big difference if California’s next big earthquake strikes closer to home.”
More information from CEA and other organizations about how to survive and recover from damaging earthquakes that scientists say are possible in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas can be found at EQHeadquarters.com.
And more information about the Great California ShakeOut and other ways to prepare for earthquakes can be found at EarthquakeAuthority.com/ShakeOut.
A video message from CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy to commemorate the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake is available here.
About CEA
CEA is a not-for-profit, privately funded, publicly managed organization that provides residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss. Learn more at EarthquakeAuthority.com.

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By Melinda Myers
It’s time to select and decorate pumpkins for your Halloween display.  Get family and friends involved in a trip to the pumpkin farm and consider hosting a decorating party.
Whether you grew your own or plan on purchasing one at a farm or garden center, select pumpkins free of holes, cuts and soft spots for decorating.  Damaged fruit tends to rot faster, ruining your fall display.  And always carry the fruit cradled in your arms not by the stem. Once the stem breaks away from the fruit, the pumpkin is more susceptible to rot and its beauty fades.
Store carving pumpkins in a cool location until you are ready to start cutting. Extend the beauty of carved pumpkins by washing them with warm water and letting them dry before making the first cut.  Try leaving the top intact and scooping the insides out through a hole in the back. This limits water entering the carved cavity and helps extend the life of your jack-o’-lantern.
Coat the cuts with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to seal in the moisture and prolong your display. Take it one step further and use a commercial preservative or peppermint oil to keep your jack-o’-lantern looking its best for as long as possible.
Once in place, sprinkle your pumpkin with cayenne pepper to help repel hungry animals. Avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands thoroughly after using the cayenne pepper.
Don’t give up when your jack-o’-lantern begins to shrivel. Give it a cold bath to freshen up its appearance.
Or put away the knives and break out the paint and crayons to further extend your pumpkin’s beauty.  A painted face or design can be just as impressive. And don’t worry if you have limited artistic ability; just download one of many free pumpkin templates.
Put all those broken crayons to use creating a multicolored crayon dripped pumpkin. You’ll wow guests and kids will enjoy this safer pumpkin decorating option.
Wipe the surface of the pumpkin clean and allow to it to dry before you start decorating. Remove the labels from the crayons and break them in half.
Glue the crayons to the top of the pumpkin to prevent them from rolling off the pumpkin while you work. Place one end of the crayon against the stem and the other end pointing away from the center of the pumpkin.  
Use your hair dryer to melt the crayons so they’ll drip down the side of the pumpkin, creating a colorful waxy covering. A high heat setting will speed up the process but may make a bigger mess by splashing the melted wax all over the table. 
To further dress up your landscape consider converting a few pumpkins into fall planters. Remove the top. Cut a hole large enough to accommodate the pot you’ll be inserting. Remove the seeds and flesh, cut a few drainage holes in the bottom and then set a pot of pansies, asters, mums or ornamental peppers inside. 
When your pumpkins start to rot, move them to the compost pile. They will break down into a wonderful soil amendment to use in next year’s garden.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio segments. Myers’ website, www.MelindaMyers.com, features gardening videos, podcasts, audio tips and monthly gardening checklists. 

Take Important Steps to Keep Californians SafeSACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today issued the following statement after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to further strengthen California’s common-sense gun-safety laws. The new laws will be critical to closing loopholes and strengthening ammunition background checks.
Attorney General Becerra is committed to strengthening and protecting California’s gun-safety measures. Attorney General Becerra sponsored both Senate Bill 376, introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino, and Assembly Bill 1669, introduced by Assemblymember Rob Bonta.
“California continues to lead when it comes to implementing common-sense measures that protect our communities from gun violence,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The signing of these bills – SB 376 and AB 1669 – strengthens existing law to deter and prevent needless gun violence. The California Department of Justice will continue to work in conjunction with the legislature to protect and promote public safety in our state.”
“It is important we create equal laws when it comes to handguns and long guns as both types of firearms can produce the same outcome,” said Senator Portantino. “SB 376 would make it so the definition of infrequent sales under the Department of Justice would include all types of firearms not just handguns and help keep all firearms out of the wrong hands.”
“AB 1669 is an important measure to close loopholes and ensure all firearms and ammunition vendors who conduct business in California are subject to the same licensing and reporting requirements without exception,” said Assemblymember Bonta. “This bill is also a critical step toward ensuring that the DROS account, which is the source of funding for firearm background checks and other critical gun safety enforcement, possesses the resources necessary for the State of California to meet its obligations to administer and enforce our nation-leading gun safety laws. I’m grateful to Attorney General Becerra for partnering with me to champion this important legislation.”
Each of these measures will strengthen existing law:

• SB 376: Prevents individuals from selling large numbers of firearms without a license by capping the number of annual sales allowed at five transactions or 50 firearms. It also caps the number of firearms an individual can manufacture each year at 50. It will also close a loophole that allows firearms to be auctioned or raffled off without a background check.
• AB 1669: Ensures that all vendors who participate in California gun shows are required to obtain the same licenses and receive the same treatment under the law.

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​CHP RECEIVES GRANT TO INCREASE MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY AND AWARENESS
 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Each year more motorcycles are ridden on California’s roadways.  Through a federal grant, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has developed the Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) II campaign, to promote motorcycle safety and awareness.
 
The GEARS II goal is to reduce the number of motorcycle-involved crashes and crash victims.  The number of motorcycle-involved crashes increased approximately five percent in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2017 from the previous year and increased three percent in FFY 2018.  Although crash numbers may continue to rise, the CHP is working to make that percentage as low as possible.
 
“Motorcycle safety is a top concern,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “Improving motorcyclist and motorist safety through education and enforcement is the focus of this year’s GEARS grant.”
 
With the $700,000 grant, the regions with the highest number of motorcycle incidents will see enhanced motorcycle safety operations.  A year-long series of motorcycle traffic safety education campaigns, including the “May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” is planned.  The campaigns will promote the use of U.S. Department of Transportation approved motorcycle helmets for all riders and will work to raise motorists’ awareness of sharing the road with motorcyclists.  The campaigns will also focus on the most dangerous traffic violations, including speeding, improper turning, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
 
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 

 
            The Sierra Schools Foundation celebrated another successful Swinging for the Schools golf tournament Oct. 5 at Plumas Pines Golf Resort.
            Nearly 100 golfers enjoyed great weather, 18 holes of golf, and a steak dinner prepared by Sheri and Paul Roen. The annual event is the only fundraiser hosted by the nonprofit foundation that provides grant money to teachers in the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District that gives school children the opportunity to experience the arts, state-of-the-art technology, and science and other field trips.
            Winners were as follows:
            Women’s first: Rhonda Grandi, Debbie Jaquez, Libby Ryan, Kacie Ryan
            Women’s second: Janice Brady, Liz O'Brian,, Debbie DeAngeli, Kathy Diamond
            Men’s first: Kyle Jaquez, Tyson Jaquez, Sam Staub, Dave Kulikowski
            Men’s second: Matt Dawson, Matt Stannard, Nicole Stannard
            Women’s longest drive: Libby Ryan
            Men’s longest drive: Joel Armstrong
            Women’s closest to the pin: Rhonda Grandi
            Men’s closest to the pin: Joel Armstrong
            The Fashionista Award went to the Taco Cats group: Jeffrey Barney, Joshua Barney, Robert Barney, and Barry Waddell.
            SSF president, Jenna Holland, said the tournament could not have happened without the support of the many sponsors and expressed great gratitude to all, including major tournament sponsors: Gumba’s Family Pizza, West Orthodontics, and the Garrigus Family.
            Tee sponsors and other donors include the following: A&B Precision Metals, Reno; Alamar LLC, Loyalton; Elizabeth and Thomas Archer, Sierraville; Vicki Barney, Loyalton; Bliss Photography, Reno; Bracher Woodworks Construction, Loyalton; Carol and Dwight Ceresola, Wine Glass Ranch, Beckwourth; Dickson Realty, Portola; Fillo Family, Downieville; John and Kay Genasci, Sparks; Glenn and Edith Jobe, Sierraville; Integrity Heating and Air, Chilcoot; LES Friday Night Live Kids; LHS Alumni 1966; Liberty Utilities, Reno; Los Dos Hermanos, Sierraville; Lost Marbles Ranch, Sierra Valley; McCormack Construction, Sierraville; NACOB-Sierra Hot Springs, Sierraville; Janet McHenry – Looking Up!, Loyalton; Norwegian Sasquatch Asso., Loyalton; Plumas-Sierra Cattlewomen; Riverside Inn, Downieville; Roberti Ranch Inc., Loyalton; Rotary Club of Loyalton; Sierra County Deputy Sheriff’s Association; Sierra Valley Feed and Ranch, Sierraville; Sierra Hardware, Downieville; The Valley House, Sierraville; Lee Walker, DDS, Loyalton; Why Knott Massage, Napa; and Allen and Mary Wright, Sierra City.
            Those who donated gift certificates and other items for raffle prizes and the silent auction include the following: Atlantis Casino Resort, Reno; Wendy and Don Bergstrom, Loyalton; Bordertown, Reno; Janice Brady, Reno; Brewing Lair, Blairsden. Cabona’s, Truckee; Cocina de Oro, Downieville; The Club at Arrow Creek, Reno; Creekside Massage, Goodyear’s Bar; Downieville Day Spa; Downieville Grocery; Downieville River Inn; The Drifter’s Table, Loyalton; Eco Centric, Graeagle; Eldorado Resorts, Reno; Niecea Freeman and Patrick Wilson, Loyalton; Gilded Drifter Inn, Loyalton; Golden West, Loyalton; Graduate Berkeley; Graeagle Land & Water Co.; Gray’s Crossing Golf Course, Truckee; Harrah’s/Harvey’s Lake Tahoe; Doris Holm, Elk Grove; Matt Holm PGA, Palm Desert; Debbie Jaquez of Hair Faire; John Wayne Enterprises; Larkspur Café, Loyalton; Jeremy Litz; Los Dos Hermanos, Sierraville; Mama Fig Yarn and Art, Graeagle; Janet McHenry, Looking Up!, Loyalton; Megan Meschery, Sierraville; Tom Meschery; Nakoma Resort, Clio; Nicole’s Coffee Depot, Portola; The Nugget Casino Resort, Reno; Old Greenwood Golf Course, Truckee; PJ’s Restaurant, Reno; Plumas Pines Golf Resort, Graeagle; Rhonda’s Lil’ Frosty, Loyalton; Salon Glow, Reno; Sierra Hot Springs, Sierraville; Sierra Nevada Journeys, Portola; Sierra Valley Home Center, Loyalton; Sign Dimensions, Napa; Status Golf, Reno; Sundance Books & Music, Reno; Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee; The Valley House, Brendan McCormack, Sierraville; Vicki’s Desserts, Vicki Barney, Loyalton; Whitney Peak Hotel, Reno; Mary and Allen Wright, Sierra City; and Yuba Expeditions, Downieville.
            More information about The Sierra Schools Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, can be found at its website: www.sierraschoolsfoundatio.org.
             
 
 

With potential electricity shortages facing Sierra County, the County Department of Environmental Health offers the following food safety tips to prevent food-borne illness in the event of power outages:
 Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Keep potentially hazardous foods, such as meat or poultry, chilled to 41°F or less.
 Do not place hot or unrefrigerated foods in the refrigerator once the power has gone out. It will raise the temperature inside the unit. Chill food with ice baths as needed. Any foods that were prepared prior to the power outage that were not rapidly cooled should be discarded.

•   If the freezer is not full, group packages together. Without power, a full freezer will keep everything frozen for about 2 days. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen 1 day.
  
•   If you have advance warning of a power outage and if the outage is anticipated to last more than 4 hours move foods that must be refrigerated to the freezer as space will allow.
  
•   If necessary, use block ice or bagged ice for supplemental cooling.
  
•   Keep meat and poultry items separated from other foods so if they begin to thaw, their juices will not drip
  on to other foods.
  
•   Discard any thawed food that has risen to room temperature and remained there for two hours or more.
  
•   Some facilities may need to arrange for temporary refrigerated storage units during a prolonged power
  outage. (e.g. mobile units/trailers).
  
•   Kitchen ventilation units will shut off during power outages. Be advised that there have been reports of smoke, heat and grease emissions setting off alarm and fire suppression systems.
  When the power comes back on, all potentially hazardous foods must be evaluated for proper temperatures. Bacteria can multiply rapidly on potentially hazardous foods that have been at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Thawed foods that are at 41F or below should be used as soon as possible. Do not refreeze thawed foods. Cook foods to proper temperatures to ensure food safety. When in doubt, throw it out!
  Cooking Temperatures
  

FOOD
MINIMUM INTERNAL COOKING TEMPERATURE

Ground Meats
155F

Pork
155F

Poultry and stuffed meats
165F

Eggs
145F
For more information on food handling, call the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555, weekdays, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, (EST) or www.usda.gov
Please be advised that a power outage increases the risk of food borne illness and food preparation should cease until power is fully restored. Permitted food facilities with questions regarding food safety should contact Sierra County Environmental Health at (530) 993-6716, fax at (530) 993-6790 or email at envhealth@sierracounty.ca.gov. 

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The Halloween Candy Buyback Program is a national effort that anyone can join by simply collecting excess Halloween candy and shipping it to the Move America Forward Operation Center. The candy will be put into care packages that will be sent to to support the brave men and women serving our country overseas!
REGISTRATION:You can reach us at (916) 441-6197 or email us at sraab@moveamericaforward.org. You can also register on the national Halloween Candy Buy Back (HCBB) program website. If you prefer to not officially register, you also have the option of simply mailing us the candy to the address below.
BUYBACK/COLLECT CANDY:Right after Halloween, you should collect candy from your patients. This year’s suggested collection dates are November 1st through 9th, but use whatever dates that work best for you. Many find giving families multiple days to drop off candy will lead to more candy being donated. Some even let people drop off candy all month. We will accept the candy no matter when it is sent.
Please send pictures of your event by emailing them to sraab@moveamericaforward.org or submitting them via this DROP BOX LINK. Remember to use the official hashtag #halloweencandybuyback and link to our social media pages. Instagram Twitter Facebook
SHIP US THE CANDY:Please mail donations to
“Halloween Candy Buy Back”
Move America Forward
3105 Fite Circle Suite 108
Sacramento Ca 95827
There are no forms to fill out, just send your candy and items in its original wrapping. When it arrives our volunteers will weigh and account for everything received. Please include your contact info so we know who to thank. We will send updates to everyone who participate!
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SEND?We also accept messages to the troops from kids, care package requests for deployed loved ones (name/address/email required), toothbrushes, toothpaste or any other items you may want us to ship to the troops (please keep all items in original packaging)
THAT’S IT! NICE AND SIMPLE! 

FAQ:HAVE A QUESTION?If you have any questions, comments, or are interesting in doing more, let us know! You can reach us at (916) 441-6197 or email us at sraab@moveamericaforward.org.
WHAT IS THE HALLOWEEN CANDY BUYBACK PROGRAM?The Halloween Candy Buyback Program a national effort that anyone can join by simply collecting excess Halloween candy from kids and donating it to the men and women serving our country overseas. The candy will be placed inside our Troop and K9 care packages!
HOW DID MAF GET STARTED WITH HALLOWEEN BUYBACK?In 2013, Move America Forward received its first Halloween Candy Buyback Program candy donation from Surf Side Dental and the Lakeview PTO at Lakeview Elementary School in El Dorado Hills, CA.Since then, we have started to accept donations nationwide to meet the need for care packages downrange. We receive requests for care packages daily  and every single piece of donated candy helps us send more boxes to those who need it most, our brave men and women deployed overseas.
HOW CAN I LET OUR COMMUNITY KNOW THAT WE ARE COLLECTING CANDY?Make a Flyer – be creative and let people know when and where they can drop off candy. Be sure to share it with as many people as you know. Here is an example (Example Flyer 1) Move America Forward Logo Halloween Buyback Logo 
Make a Press Release – Use the sample below and fill in your own information. Then email it to your local news station and call the news rooms to invite them to do a story.
Take Pictures and Social Media – please post pictures of your team collecting candy on social media and your website. Follow our social media profiles and tag us in your posts. use #halloweencandybuyback and link to our social media pages. FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM
SEND US YOUR PICTURES SO WE CAN SHARE THEM JUST CLICK HERE
Here is our Logo
Example Flyer 1
Example Flyer 2
Contact local schools or businesses in your area to see if they would like to join you in supporting the troops. Collect their candy too!
TIPS ON SHIPPING:The best way is usually through the United States Post Office. But use the method that is most cost effective for your organization. Make sure to tape the box well so nothing comes apart. The USPS seems to be most cost effective but freight companies and other shipping companies might want to sponsor your delivery, they just need to be asked!. Here are a few websites that might help! USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL
Ask your local service organizations – The VFW/American Legion/Kiwanis/Lions/Rotary etc. – to help with shipping costs! They might jump at the chance to help.
For Larger donations (1+ pallets), please contact us and we might be able to help arrange shipping from our shipping partners.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:Ask your son/daughter who is donating candy to write a letter for a Military Member
Stress what this gift means to someone that is so far from home and how big of an impact sharing makes
Ask family and friends to join you and make it competition
Find out if you know anyone deployed and  sign them up to receive a care package
Big thank you to all of our previous participants and to anyone joining us this year! Thousands of brave soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen will benefit from receiving a care package from home with a little Halloween spirit inside. Move America Forward sends these boxes with love to our troops wherever our troops are in need. The Halloween candy from participants of the Halloween Candy Buyback Program make a huge impact!

Harold Pease, Ph. D



Constitutional instructions for impeaching a president of the United States are very specific.  Actually, reading the Constitution should easily put to rest the proposed impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.  His enemies obviously have not done so.
Impeachment means tried by the U.S. Senate for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors," whether found guilty and removed or acquitted and remain in office.  It begins in the House of Representatives who formulate the alleged charges then passes to the Senate for trial.
In the case of Trump the Democrats called for his impeachment before he took the oath of office, before he made a single decision as president, or nominated a single cabinet member.  Enemies began immediately searching for a crime.  All other impeachment proceedings began first with a specific crime—Trump’s was being elected.  
The “crime” for Andrew Johnson was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act which Congress had just passed requiring him to first get their permission before removing a cabinet member.  To test the constitutionality of what is now common practice, Johnson fired Edward Stanton as Secretary of War.  Johnson was accused by the House but spared conviction in the Senate.  So, the impeached (tried) president remained in office.
Richard Nixon was never impeached because, although accused by the House, he was never tried by the Senate.  He resigned the presidency before the charges of the House could be hand delivered to the Senate for trial.  The“crime” hinged on his alleged cover up of the break-in of the Democratic Party national headquarters at Watergate. These would have includedobstructing justice, abuse of power and contempt of Congress.  But he was never tried, thus not impeached.
For Bill Clinton the “crime” was "high crimes and misdemeanors.”  The specific charges were lying under oath (perjury), abuse of power, and obstruction of justice; charges that stemmed from a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Clinton by Paula Jones.  The senate did not come to the necessary 2/3 majority, so he was acquitted (Art I, Sec. 3, Cla. 6).  Tried (impeached), like Johnson, but not removed from office.
Who formulates impeachment charges?  The Constitution reads: “The House of Representatives … shall have the sole Power of Impeachment,” (Art. I, Sec. 2, Cla. 5).  The people placed him in power and their representatives—the House—alone initiates and formulates the charges for his possible removal.  But formulating the charges does require a favorable vote of the FULL House.
Who tries the charges?  “The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments.  When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath…” [to support the Constitution and tell the truth].  
Who presides at the trial?  “When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice [presently John Roberts} shall preside.” (Ibid. Sec. 3, Cla. 6). 
But a president can be removed for only four reasons.  “The President… shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.” (Art. II Section 4). Can we remove a president we simply do not like?  Only in the next election.  
What are the charges against Trump?  His enemies first tried treason, “he’s a Russian spy.”  That failed!  What about bribery?  That’s hard when he gives to charity his monthly salary.  Then collusion and obstruction of justice under “high crimes,” those failed too.  How about adultery with Stormy Daniels and others?  But that was before his election and John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton did adultery as presidents in office, Clinton even with an intern in the Oval Office, and that was not enough to call for his office.  Adultery effectively erased less serious charges essentially removing from the Constitution misdemeanors as impeachable offenses.  
Enemies then tried the 25th Amendment, containing a provision that allows for the forceful removal of a sitting president who cannot physically continue to serve.  They tried, he’s crazy therefor unfit for office, Rod Rosenstein offering to wear a wire to entrap the president.  They could not find a cabinet member to so state.  About 15 different accusations, all backfired—even the The Mueller Report.  For three years our hostile establishment and Democratic news outlets never let up.  Within weeks, the Russian Hoax was replaced with the “Ukrainian Hoax” but the promised Quick Pro Quo could not be found.  Still no impeachable offenses.
If the intelligence community went rogue with a coup to undo the 2016 presidential election, which we have documented in previous columns, it is Trump’s absolute duty to take this story to its original source, in the Ukraine in 2016, for complete exposure so it never happens again for any president of either party.  The Constitution requires it. “He shall take Care that the laws be faithfully executed” (Art.II, Sec. 4).  As does his oath of office: ”I do solemnly swear…that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” (Art. II, Sec. 1, Cla. 8).
So impeachment does not necessarily mean removal from office as Johnson and Clinton finished their terms.  Nor will it for Trump.  He will be acquitted for the same reason as Clinton—partisan politics—and likely will be reelected as no crime has been established.


 
Dr. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years at Taft College.  Newspapers have permission to publish this column. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Motorists Should Treat Non-Working Signals as All-Way Stops

REDDING — Due to the current red flag warning and PG&E’s planned power outages due to fire concerns, Caltrans District 2 is preparing for effects on transportation infrastructure, such as traffic signals and messaging systems.

Motorists are reminded that the California Department of Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook mandates that non-working (dark) and flashing red traffic signals be treated as all-way stops during power outages. Drivers should proceed with caution through all intersections and observe right-of-way rules.

Throughout District 2, traffic signals contain battery backups, which typically last three to four hours before becoming non-operational.  Additional measures may be implemented at signals during power outages including generators or stop signs at more critical intersections. Motorists should be prepared for all-way stops at non-lighted signals during power outages.

Travelers should also remain alert for fallen limbs, trees, and other debris due to high winds. Motorists driving high profile vehicles should watch for wind advisories and warnings as well. Rest areas may also experience closures due to power outages.

Motorists are advised to check road conditions via QuickMap and One-Stop-Shop prior to travel. As power outages may affect checking road conditions through the internet and cellphone, travelers can also utilize the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 800-427-7623. Changeable message signs, flashing beacons for advisory signs for the Highway Advisory Radio system, and traffic cameras also contain battery backups, which will become non-operational after periods of power outage.

PG&E customers can review current outage maps via their website, however the site has been experiencing technical difficulties due to high traffic volumes. PG&E customers can also call the 24-hour Power Information Center at 800-743-5002.

Motorists can contact the District 2 Public Information Office at (530) 225-3426, Monday through Friday during business hours. Pertinent information can also be found on the District 2 Hotline at (530) 225-3452 or by following Caltrans District 2 on Facebook and Twitter.

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By Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
Many have watched the powerful television report of Brandt Jean's act of forgiveness toward Amber Guyger who killed his brother Botham Jean. The scene of him hugging her and extending forgiveness toward her has been replayed over and again and invoked a sundry of reactions from across the nation and the Texas community. 
 
The former Dallas police officer Guyger testified that she shot her victim by mistake, in his own apartment while he was eating ice cream. She was sentenced to ten years in prison and many thought it would have been much longer.
 
Allison Jean, the mother of the brothers wrote on her Facebook page to her son Brandt, "Your load is lighter. Regardless of the views of the spectators, walk with God always. Forgiveness is for the forgiver and it doesn't matter what the forgiven does with it. "
 
From the Lancaster, PA community in 2006, comes the story of ten young schoolgirls killed in an Amish one room school.  On the afternoon of the killing an Amish grandfather expressed forgiveness toward the killer Charles Roberts. That same day Amish neighbors visited the Roberts family to comfort them. Later that week the Roberts family was invited to the funeral of one of the Amish girls who had been killed. Amish mourners would later outnumber the non-Amish at Charles Roberts' funeral. The story is told that the killer was tormented for nine years by the premature death of his young daughter. He never forgave God for her death. Yet, after he cold-bloodedly shot ten Amish schoolgirls, their families and friends almost immediately forgave him and showed compassion toward his family. 
 
In 2015, from the historic Charleston, South Carolina Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, comes the story of forgiving relatives. One by one those who chose to speak at his trial did not turn to anger. Instead, while the killer Dylann Roof remained impassive, they offered him forgiveness and said they were praying for his soul, even as they described the pain of their losses. "I forgive you," Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old Ethel Lance, said at the hearing, her voice breaking with emotion. "You took something very precious from me. I will never talk to her again. I will never, hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul." 
 
I don't know what I would do. I can't tell you what to do because I don't know what has happened to you.  It's between you, whoever and God and how you want to live your life. However, if you carry a lifelong load of hate, resentment and bitterness, it will wear you down. 
 
The words of Jesus remind us from the Bible ... "For if you forgive men their trespasses your father in heaven will forgive you."  
 
Think about it. Is there someone you need to forgive?

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Whether it is two-wheeled transportation or hitting the road by foot, safety is a two-way street.  To help fund the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) yearlong effort to drive the message home, the Department was awarded the California Pedestrian and Bicyclist Enforcement and Education Project VII grant, which began October 1 and enables officers to conduct enhanced-enforcement patrols and public awareness campaigns. 
 
“Pedestrian and bicyclist safety are a priority for the CHP,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “This grant provides us additional resources to enhance the safety of the most vulnerable roadway users.”
 
Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities account for nearly 28 percent of all traffic-related deaths in California.  Approximately one-half of all pedestrian crashes in the state occur at a crosswalk.   The CHP reminds motorists that every corner is a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked.   
 
On October 2, National Walk to School Day, the CHP will focus on locations with high numbers of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes.  Officers in plain clothes will work with uniformed officers to monitor crosswalks for motorists and pedestrians who fail to yield the right-of-way or who take unsafe and illegal actions. 
 
School zone enforcement operations will take place throughout the year.  To improve pedestrian safety in school bus zones, officers will ride school buses to watch for drivers who fail to stop for flashing red lights.  When they spot a driver who has not stopped, they will relay the vehicle description to an officer in the vicinity. 
 
The educational component funds traffic safety rodeos and educational presentations related to safe and courteous traffic safety behavior.  The grant also supports safety publications, bicycle helmets, reflective gear, and other safety equipment.  
 
Funding for this program was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 

​Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative will experience two brief outages for PG&E system maintenance in the Feather River Canyon on 10/6 and 10/9 at 11:30 p.m. The outages will affect members from Delleker Road in Portola to Janesville, including Sierraville, Chilcoot, Helong, Milford, Standish, Leavitt, Litchfield and surrounding areas. The outages will last approximately 30 minutes each. The first outage will take place on 10/6/19 at 11:30 p.m. and the second outage will take place on 10/9/19 at 11:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Receive major, systemwide outage notices via text message, text “PSREC” to 800-555-2207.

by Melinda Myers
There’s no doubt that managing critters in the landscape can be a challenge especially as food supplies start to dwindle or you change out your garden for the winter season. If you are battling with rabbits, deer, groundhogs or other wildlife, don't let down your guard as the growing season begins to wind down.
Be proactive. Start before they get into the habit of dining on your landscape. It is easier to keep them away than break the dining habit.
Fence them out. Fencing is the best defense against most wildlife.  A four feet tall fence around a small garden will keep out rabbits.  Secure the bottom tight to the ground or bury it several inches to prevent rabbits and voles from crawling underneath.  Or fold the bottom of the fence outward, making sure it’s tight to the ground. Animals tend not to crawl under when the bottom skirt faces away from the garden.
Go deeper, at least 12 to 18 inches, if you are trying to discourage woodchucks. And make sure the gate is secure. Many hungry animals have found their way into the garden through openings around and under the gate.
A five-foot fence around small garden areas can help safeguard your plantings against hungry deer. Some gardeners report success surrounding their garden with fishing line mounted on posts at one- and three-foot heights.
Break out the repellents. Homemade and commercial repellents can be used.  Apply before the animals start feeding and reapply as directed. Consider using a natural repellent that’s safe for people and wildlife.
Scare ‘em away. Blow up owls, clanging pans, rubber snakes, slivers of deodorant soap, handfuls of human hair and noise makers are scare tactics that have been used by gardeners for years. Consider your environment when selecting a tactic. Urban animals are used to the sound and smell of people.  Alternate scare tactics for more effective control.  The animals won't be afraid of a snake that hasn't moved in weeks.
Combine tactics. Use a mix of fencing, scare tactics and repellents.  Keep monitoring for damage. If there are enough animals and they are hungry, they will eat just about anything.
Don’t forget about nature.  Welcome hawks and fox into your landscape. Using less pesticides and tolerating some critters, their food source, will encourage them to visit your yard. These natural pest controllers help keep the garden-munching critters under control.
And most importantly, don't give up.  A bit of persistence, variety and adaptability is the key to success.  Investing some time now will not only deter existing critters from dining in your landscape, but will also reduce the risk of animals moving in next season.


Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos, podcasts, and garden tips.  

6:00 PM – CITY HALL AUDITORIUM
605 SCHOOL STREET
OCTOBER 7TH , 2019
LOYALTON, CA.
AGENDA AND PACKET AVAILABLE ON CITY WEB SITE
cityofloyalton.org
 
NEXT ORDINANCE #423
NEXT RESOLUTION #3-2019
 
CALL TO ORDER:
 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
 
ROLL CALL:
 
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
STAFF REPORTS:
 
 
PUBLIC COMMENT:
This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on items which are not on the agenda.  Please state your name for the record.  Comments are limited to three minutes.  Written comments should be submitted to the Board Clerk 24 hours prior to the meeting to allow for distribution.  Under Government Code Section 54954.2 – Brown Act, the Council cannot take action on any item not on the agenda.  The City Mayor may choose to acknowledge the comment or, where appropriate, briefly answer a question, refer the matter to staff, or set the item for discussion at a future meeting.
 
A SPECIAL MEETING IS BEING HELD TO CONDUCT THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS:
 
Town Hall Meeting- The City of Loyalton will hold a Town Hall/Public Workshop in response to the Grand Jury Report recommending Disincorporation by the City of Loyalton that will include discussion and possible action on the following:
 
1. Receive Public input and opinion regarding the Grand Jury recommendation.    
    (Attachment)
 
2. Review Steps to Disincorporation (Attachment)
      a. Initiation of Proceeding
      b. Consideration by LAFCO
      c. Election
      d. Completion of Proceedings
 
3. Explore costs associated with the disincorporation process. (Attachment)
 
4.  Review benefits to remaining an incorporated City. (Atttachment)
 
5. Review benefits to disincorporation of the City. (Attachment)
 
6. Review Case Studies of cities that disincorporated or seriously considered
    Disincorporation in California.
 
7. Next Steps, which may include attempting to determine the community’s
    Interest in or desire to disincorporate or remain incorporated through a variety of
    Public outreach methods, such as sending a survey or advisory ballot to the registered
    voters of the City of Loyalton. (Attachment)
 
Agenda Imput of Upcoming Meetings
 
Council Member Closing Remarks
 
ADJOURNMENT
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Oroville – On October 1, 2019 at approximately 7:00 am, CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers arrested Jeremy Gendreau, age 35, of Oroville, for allegedly committing multiple counts of arson to forest land during a proclaimed State of Emergency*. Gendreau was booked into Butte County Jail and is being held on 1.95 million dollar bail. Gendreau is suspected of lighting multiple wildland fires in the Oroville area during the month of September 2019. Investigation of Gendreau began after a tip to the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline. Investigators apprehended the suspect while he was travelling to work. Butte County Districts Attorney’s Office, California State Parks, and Oroville Police Department all assisted CAL FIRE in the investigation.

Butte Unit Chief David Hawks said, “We will not tolerate arson of any type and will track down those suspected of causing harm to our communities.”
Residents should be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start. Suspicious activity should be reported including the time, individual’s physical description, and a vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person. Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.
(See attached Picture)
For more information, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov. * There is still a declared State of Emergency in Butte County for the Camp Fire. 

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California begins a new water year today with significantly more water in storage than the previous year thanks to above-average snow and precipitation.
Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s (SWP) largest reservoir, is currently at 102 percent of average for the date compared to just 62 percent of average at this time last year. Shasta Lake, the Central Valley Project’s (CVP) largest reservoir, is at 126 percent of average compared to 88 percent of average last year. San Luis Reservoir, the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States where water is stored for the SWP and CVP, is at 132 percent of average compared to 117 percent of average last year. In Southern California, SWP’s Castaic Lake is at 112 percent of average compared to 108 percent last year.
“The significant rainfall and snowpack made for a great water year in 2019, so we start the new year in a good place,” said Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Karla Nemeth. “However, we all know too well that California’s weather and precipitation is highly variable. What we could have today could be gone tomorrow. Conserve. Recycle. Recharge. People and the environment depend on it.”
Water Year 2019 highlights include:

• There were more than 30 atmospheric rivers with many making landfall in northern California.
• The state’s snowpack on April 1 was 175 percent of average.
• Statewide reservoir storage is 128 percent of average through the end of September which is approximately 29.7 million acre-feet.

The water year runs from October 1 to September 30. Rainfall and snow amounts help determine annual allocations for the State Water Project. State Water Project contractors received 75 percent of requested supplies this year, up from an initial allocation of 10 percent due to above-average precipitation.