Rural counties gather to strategize a regional approach to COVID-19
 
SACRAMENTO – On October 29 th, 2020, Assemblywoman Megan Dahle (R-Bieber) partnered with Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), Assemblymember Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin), Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), and Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) to host a North State Conference. This offered delegates from northern counties an opportunity to meet with state representatives to coordinate a regional response to reopening the local economy, schools, and actions in response to the state’s threat to withhold entitled funds from counties.
 
As Governor Newsom has enforced an extended State of Emergency and continued to dictate a one-size-fits-all approach to COVID-19 response, the North State Conference was a productive, consensus-building opportunity for open dialogue between 13 counties from the North State. They were able to find agreement upon several action items that will be followed through with in the coming weeks and presented to the Governor for further productive conversation. Ultimately, the intent is to move forward with a localized approach to COVID-19 mitigation in the coming winter months.
 
“I’m very proud of the North State and the exceptional job we have done mitigating the spread of COVID-19, and it is time for us to take the reins in mapping out our region’s long-term plan of action.” Said Dahle. “This conference allowed us to come together in agreement on what our region truly needs. Support for our counties’ to continue their good work, mental and emotional health resources for our constituents who have been seriously affected by the pandemic, and ensuring we protect the vulnerable without holding businesses hostage are among our top priorities. Together, we have confronted the realities of the pandemic’s economic devastation on our communities, and I am committed to creating a plan we can carry forward to the highest levels of state government to advocate for what is best for the people of the North State.”
 
Assemblywoman Dahle has also co-authored a letter with a number of rural education leaders urging her federal counterparts to extend the expiration deadline for CARES Act funds paid to state and local governments from December 30, 2020, through 2021. This is essential to the regional recovery effort from the Coronavirus.
 
Assemblywoman Megan Dahle represents the 1st Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Butte and Placer counties, along with Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.
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​USFS-Tahoe National Forest is hiring for TEMPORARY FIRE and NON-FIRE positions for the 2021 field season. The anticipated start date for these positions is April, May and/or June 2021.


The Tahoe National Forest, FIRE AND AVIATION MANAGEMENT is looking to hire enthusiastic, highly motivated individuals for TEMPORARY positions as Wildland Firefighters on Engines, Handcrews/Hotshots, Helicopter Helitack Crews, Fuels, Lookout and Dispatch positions which respond to local and national fire and all-hazard incidents. Duty locations for TNF positions include Truckee, Sierraville, Soda Springs, White Cloud, Nevada City, Downieville, Camptonville, Foresthill, and Grass Valley.


Vacancy announcements for these fire positions, which can be found by searching Forest Service ‘forestry technician’ and ‘forestry aid’, on www.USAJobs.gov open on October 30, 2020 and close on November 9, 2020. For all job announcements, pay close attention to duty locations, job duties/responsibilities, and specific closing date. Ensure application is complete and thorough with all required documents. Applications MUST be submitted on USAjobs.gov by 8:59 pm PST on the closing date to be considered.


Pro Tip- Contact fire personnel at duty station you are interested in and don’t wait until the last day to submit application on USAjobs.gov. Fire Applications for these TNF Temporary positions will only be accepted from Oct. 30-Nov. 9, 2020.

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1.  The time change may disrupt sleep patterns and affect the ability to concentrate and safely operate a motor vehicle.  To highlight the life-threatening dangers of fatigued driving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the National Sleep Foundation in recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 1-8, 2020, and encouraging Californians to stay alert and stay alive.
 
“Staying alert behind the wheel goes beyond avoiding distractions,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.  “The other major contributor to driver inattention is drowsy driving.  Fatigue can have a similar impairment effect as drugs or alcohol.”
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being awake for at least 18 consecutive hours is the same as having a blood alcohol content of .05 percent.  On average, in California there are more than 6,000 crashes annually that are attributed to drowsy driving.
 
“If you’re feeling sleepy, you shouldn’t be driving,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said.  “When you ask yourself, ‘Am I OK to drive?’, the answer should factor in not only if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs that impair, but also if you’ve had enough rest.”
 
“We should all remember that despite the pace of life, it’s vitally important to avoid driving when fatigued or without adequate rest,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Caltrans operates more than 85 Safety Roadside Rest Areas throughout the state, each providing a convenient place to rejuvenate before returning to the highway.”
 
The public can view rest area locations by visiting: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
 
Some suggested tips to avoid drowsy driving include getting at least seven hours a day, sticking to a sleep schedule, and avoiding alcohol or medications that can cause drowsiness.  Caffeinated beverages may help in the short term, but are not a substitute for sleep or rest.  Stay alert and drive without distraction not only to protect yourself, but also your passengers and other motorists.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
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Truckee, CA - Tahoe Truckee Media manager Rory O’Farrell has been appointed to the National Board of Directors of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM)  and will join the board in November. 

“It’s a privilege and an honor to be asked to join the Board of an organization I have respected for years. The ACM provides the policy and professional support that keeps free speech media thriving in our communities.,” said O’Farrell.

O’Farrell has been with Tahoe Truckee Media (formerly TTCTV), an educational and government media center, for more than 10 years .  He came to Truckee High School in 2009 to teach Video Production classes, and soon thereafter began working on local coverage of events for Tahoe Truckee Media (TTM). 
                           
TTM operates Channels 6 & 18 on Suddenlink Cable in the Truckee/North Tahoe region. 

As a member of the Western Regional Board of the ACM, O’Farrell has organized the annual WAVE awards for community video excellence for the past three years. 

Founded in 1976, the ACM represents over 3,000 Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access organizations and community media centers throughout the country. The ACM works to protect the interests of these access centers, and the communities they serve,  to advance their causes through cable television and the Internet.

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Quincy, CA – Beginning Nov. 1, Plumas National Forest Christmas tree cutting permits may be purchased on-line in addition to the existing mail-in option. Trees may be cut through Dec. 31.

“We’re very pleased to have two options available for people to obtain Christmas Tree permits, especially with our offices still closed,” said Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton. “Hopefully this important family tradition will help provide some comfort during what has been, such a difficult year for so many people.”
On-line permits may be purchased at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/plumas . Prior to purchasing a permit, carefully review the Need-to-Know and Planning Your Trip information provided on the page. Visitors to the Recreation.gov site will need to create a new account--or log in to an existing account--to complete their transaction. Permits are $10 plus a $2.50 service fee. All sales are final with no refunds.
In order to ensure timely delivery, mail-in requests must be received by Dec. 1 at the Plumas National Forest Supervisors Office, Attn. Christmas Tree Permit, 159 Lawrence Street, Quincy, CA 95947. Permits are $10; two permits are allowed per household; please read the instructions on your permit carefully. Sales are final with no refunds.
In addition to the areas in which tree cutting is not allowed (see cutting map included with mail-in permits and available via links with on-line permits), three areas have been closed due to public safety concerns involving the North Complex (Bear/Claremont), Sheep and Walker fires that burned either late last year or are still burning this year. Maps of the fire closure areas may be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas/alerts-notices .
To ensure your visit to the forest is an enjoyable and safe experience, please follow these important tips:
Let someone know where you’re going, your estimated return time, a description of your vehicle and remember, cell phones may not work!
Bring cold weather clothing, even if the day is nice when you start out. Bring emergency food and water, first-aid kit, tire chains, and shovel. Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle and don’t forget to bring a map.
For additional information about cutting Christmas trees on the Plumas National Forest, visit
http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/passes-permits/forestproducts .
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

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People v Mark Kenneth Oliver (20CR0053)
 
On September 8, 2020, Mark Kenneth Oliiver,  age 33 of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103.5, a misdemeanor.  He was sentenced to 18 months probation; ordered to complete a DUI class and pay a fine.
 
People v.Gary Nicholas Gonzalas (CR03654)
 
On September 8, Gary Nicholas Gonzales, age 40, of Nevada City, was convicted of reckless driving, Vehicle Code section 23103, a misdemeanor.  He was placed on 4 months probation and must complete 40 hours of community service.
 
People v. Bryan Alexander Peters (20CR0047)
 
On September 11, 2020, Bryan Alexander Peters, age 32, of Reno, NV, was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, Vehicle Code section 23152.  He was placed on 3 years probation, ordered to attend a DUI class and pay a fine. 
 
People v. Ashley Jaren Blackwell (19CR4064/19CR4040)
 
On October 6, 2020, Ashley Jaren Blackwell of Downieville, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 487(a), a misdemeanor, and Health and Safety Code section 11377(a), possession of a controlled substance.  He was sentenced to 30 days on electronic monitoring, ordered to reimburse Sierra County funds, placed on two years formal probation and order to pay fines.
 
People v. Angelo Lamar Ancheta (20CR0040)
 
On October 9, 2020, Angelo Lamar Ancheta, age 37, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Penal Code 29805(a), prohibited person with a firearm, a misdemeanor.  He was sentenced to 2 years probation, ordered to pay a fine, and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. 
 
People v. Jaclyn Marie Jones (20CR0010)
 
On October 20, 2020, Jaclyn Marie Jones, age 24 of Fresno, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103.5. a misdemeanor.  She was sentenced to 18 months probation; ordered to complete a DUI class and pay a fine.
 
People v. Daniel Craig Baldwin (20CR0082)
 
On October 20, 2020, Daniel Craig Baldwin, age 55 of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Public Resources Code section 4423.5, restricted use of fire, a misdemeanor.  He was ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Craig Harmeling Mulder (20CR0008)
 
On October 20, 2020, Craig Harmeling Mulder, age 67, of Clio, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103.5. a misdemeanor.  He was sentenced to 18 months probation; ordered to complete a DUI class and pay a fine.
 
People v. Bianca Blu Branson (20CR0073)
 
On October 23, 2020, Bianca Blu Branson, age 41, of Reno, NV, was convicted of violating Health and Safety Code section 11364(a) and 11377(a), possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.  She was sentenced to serve 105 days in jail, placed on two years probation, and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Peter George Clark (20CR0009)
 
On October 23, 2020, Peter George Clark, age 54, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 29800(a)(1), a felony, prohibited person possessing a firearm.  He was sentenced to 3 years formal probation, classes at the direction of Probation Officer, and prohibited from owning/possession firearms or ammunition.

By Harold Pease, Ph.D.



Freedom and our Constitution are on the 2020 ballot because you can’t have one without the other.  We are the freest people on the planet and for the longest time because of the U.S. Constitution.  No governing document has harnessed those who govern us more fully or better than this document.  
This is so because it is based upon natural inalienable rights coming from God.  It can not be understood fully without viewing it as an extension of the Declaration of Independence in which God was referenced five times.  The document authorized our right to rebel from tyranny and, with victory, we constructed a document insuring government tyranny could never return.  This inspired document gave Americans freedom from excessive government.  Yes, it took a war and some time to make freedom apply to everyone, but we succeeded.
Freedom is always on the ballot but more so now than at any other time.  This column does not name parties or persons because these are stumbling blocks to some, but is asking Americans to consider what we have before voting to lose it.
The Second Amendment, “a well regulated militia,” (the people are the militia then and today), such “being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”  No other amendment uses these last four words which mean off limits to government.  No city, county, state nor even the federal government can make any laws infringing on our inalienable right to protect ourself, and our collective right to resist our own government should it defy constitutional government—the same right used by our Founders to resist the British government by force when it became tyrannical.  
It is ironic that in our day as anarchy reigns in our biggest cities that these same cities elect to defund or disband those hired to protect us from violence, that gun sales automatically escalate.  The major political parties are polar opposite on your right of self defense.  One presidential primary candidate stating, “HELL YES, WERE GOING TO TAKE YOUR AR-15, YOUR AK-47.”  “Vote wisely, all other freedoms hinge on this one.  
There are other areas in which “Congress shall make no law.”  The 1st Amendment specifically named: religion, speech, press, assembly and the right to petition the government for grievances.   The prohibitions were extended to state governments also by the 14th Amendment.  But in 2020 it was in these areas that more rights of Americans were taken than in any other single year in U.S. History—those who love freedom viewed the actions of some governors as dictatorial, even tyrannical. 
The most violated of these were freedoms of assemble, religion, and press.  With stay at home decrees “peaceably to assemble” vanished, unless you were rioting.  
“Congress shall make no law, respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  One political party supported governors arbitrarily prohibiting religious gatherings, limiting their number, and enforcing other provisions for their meetings during the Wuhan Virus Scare—all unconstitutional.  The other, maintained that everything in life is a risk and left the assessment of risk, and its consequences, to parishioners, honoring the Constitution which prohibited any government involvement.  The very definition of liberty is freedom from excessive government.  One party wants government intervention in potentially every aspect of human life, the other thinks that the best government is the least government.  This is called freedom.
Congress shall make no law abridging the “freedom of the press.”  Certainly censorship of the press by government is constitutionally forbidden but what about the government (Congress) allowing monopolies Google, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter exemption from law suits for their horrendous censorship practices.  Only the views of one party is censored so it obviously objects.  One party encourages the disclosure of information regarding candidates before a vote; the other endorses—even practices censorship.  Today big tech has more power over press issues than the federal government—they are social media.  Some data shows a marriage between big tech and one of the major political parties.  When that party returns to power so does big tech.
Other issues divide the parties as well.  One such is globalism vs. American Independence.  Our system of government is designed to problem solve from the bottom up essentially never elevating to a higher level that which can be resolved at a lesser level.  But there are many today who wish to problem solve from the top down—even from the United Nations down.  This notion has different and changing names: world government, internationalism, new world order, and now globalism.  Globalists see nationalism as an enemy and seek to transfer decision making power to unelected international bureaucratic organizations.  Today one political party endorses globalism, the other American Independence. 
Until 2016 both parties failed to follow the Constitution as written, distorting sections when convenient.  Today the biggest divide of the political parties is over the Constitution itself: one party undermining it, distorting it at every turn, the other now seeking to adhere more strictly “as written.”  
This election the Constitution and liberty are clearly on the ballot; making it the most important in our history.  We must retain what has been tried and proved.  We must choose freedom over tyranny, the free market over socialism and the Constitution as written.  It would be wise to consider what we have before voting to lose it.

 
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.

 
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