Just one of the projects The Sierra Schools Foundation funded this year was $6,000 for this flatbed trailer for Craig Sheridan’s construction program at Loyalton High, which will be used to haul materials and finished projects such as the shed behind the students in the center of the photo. All donations to SSF are used for programs that will directly help students. More information is at sierraschoolsfoundation.org.
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1 in 10 Californians wrongly believe driving under the influence is NOT a criminal offense, reveals study.
iprospectcheck, a provider of employment background check and screening solutions, conducted a survey of 3,220 drivers across the country to find out their views on the laws concerning driving under the influence. It was revealed that over 1 in 10 (11%) California drivers wrongly believe driving under the influence of alcohol is not a criminal offense, but a civil one. Broken down across the country, drivers in North Dakota were most convinced about this, with over half (56%) of respondents saying they think driving under the influence of alcohol is only a civil offense. Comparatively, only 8% of Wyomingites thought this was the case. View the results across the US with this interactive map Worryingly, over 1 in 10 (15%) drivers admit they have knowingly driven while being over the legal alcohol limit. Could it be that they feel a false sense of security with fewer cars on the road during these times of social distancing? In addition to putting the lives of other drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, driving while under the influence of alcohol could result in offenders being dealt a hefty monetary fine, license suspension or even jail time. Moreover, due to fewer cars on the road and less traffic during social distancing, drunk drivers may be more likely to stand out among other road users, thus, more likely to be stopped by the police. Moreover, nearly 1 in 5 (17%) California drivers admit they actually have no idea what the legal limit is in their state for drinking and driving. Currently, all states across the country have in place a legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limit of 0.08% to drive a car, however, many also impose more severe penalties on drivers with higher BAC levels. Although 0.08% is the legal limit, this amount of alcohol may still impact a drinker’s driving ability. At this level, symptoms that could affect driving may include short-term memory loss, reduced information processing capability and impaired perception. In fact, even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on the body’s driving ability – in 2018*, there were 1,878 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents where drivers had lower than legal alcohol levels between 0.01% and 0.07% BAC. Reassuringly, however, over half (60%) of employees polled say they would report a colleague if they knew they were driving while over the legal alcohol limit. Distracted driving, including driving while talking or texting on a cellphone, may be considered equally as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. In 2018**** alone, 2,841 people were killed in vehicle incidents involving distracted drivers. The survey found that nearly three-quarters (74%) say they think it’s worse to drink and drive, than use a cellphone while driving. According to the NHTSA, texting is the most alarming distraction as it takes the driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, this is similar to driving the length of a whole football field with your eyes shut. Lastly, the survey revealed that over 1 in 10 (16%) think it’s more acceptable to drive under the influence of cannabis than alcohol, which is interesting considering the recent and rapid development of cannabis usage laws across the country. ‘Having limited options to socialize in bars and with friends means more Americans are drinking and/or using marijuana at home, which can impair users' judgement more than usual during these stressful times,’ says Matthew J. Rodgers, President of iprospectcheck. “Not having immediate access to a designated driver may increase the temptation to drive while intoxicated. A DUI conviction on your record can have serious and far reaching consequences. These can be financial, legal, and personal. There can also be professional consequences if you are a commercial driver, or want to be considered for employment opportunities that involve driving a company vehicle or driving on company time.’ * https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving www.tfhd.com (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) – Tahoe Forest Hospital (TFH) announces its Outpatient Lab Services will be relocating to a new space, effective Monday, October 19, 2020. Outpatient Lab Services will be moving from the main laboratory inside the hospital to the Medical Office Building at 10956 Donner Pass Road, Suite 260, Truckee. The hours of operation for the Outpatient Lab at the new location will be Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Appointments for lab work are available and can be scheduled through Tahoe Forest Health System’s online lab scheduling at www.tfhd.com/lab, or by calling (530) 582-6510. WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that additional disaster assistance is available to the state of California for the wildfire disaster declared on Aug. 22. This assistance allows for additional funding at 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for 30 continuous days. State officials will determine the 30 days. This additional funding is available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. Previously, federal funding was available at a 75% cost-share for debris removal and emergency protective measures. By Harold Pease, Ph.D.
“The fundamental problem in this country is the power that the billionaire class has over the economic and political life of this country….One person, one vote, not billionaires buying elections,” Bernie Sanders told fellow contestants in the Democratic Presidential debates. Elizabeth Warren agreed, “I don’t think any billionaire ought to be able to buy an election. We’ve got billionaires who think they can just buy an election; case in point, Michael Bloomberg.” They recognized the harm to America when they themselves faced the billionaires. Last December candidate Bloomberg flooded the airways with millions in television adds. He could not buy the nomination because Democratic Party media news outlets told us he was trying to do so and America resisted. But when Warren added, “And I don’t think people who suck up to billionaires in order to fund their campaigns ought to do it,” they turned on each other like raving wolves. “The mayor just recently had a fundraiser that was held in a wine cave full of crystals and served $900 a bottle wine. Billionaires in wine caves should not pick the next president of the United States.” Pete Buttigieg fired back, “This is the problem with issuing purity tests you cannot yourself pass. Senator your net worth is 100 times mine.” To which Warren sniped back, identifying precisely the problem, they all seek to be purchased by the rich. “I do not sell access to my time. I don’t do call time with millionaires and billionaires” (Tucker Carlson Tonight, Sept. 22, 2020. Hereafter cited TCT). They all dance before the rich to be purchased like slaves on the auction block and they all know it. Moreover, after one is selected all forever remain silent thereafter. They might want to sell themselves again. Their collective admission should shock America. How long have billionaires picked the candidates? Are the voters also being purchased? The millionaire / billionaire club does not simply disappear. They have selected the primary winners in both major political parties since William McKinley until Donald Trump, who funded his own primary and thus bypassed them and their control. They hate Trump for it. Deeply frustrated in 2016 because they lost control of the Republican Party and could not in 2020 find a candidate that could beat Trump, even with all their money, two billionaires, Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg, offered themselves late in the presidential primary. Failing to gain traction, even after spending small fortunes, they settled on Joe Biden who was willing to accept the Bernie Sanders socialist political platform complete with the Green New Deal. So are these billionaires still buying this election and are you helping them? “Michael Bloomberg has promised to spend more than 100 million dollars to make Joe Biden president. One man spending 100 million dollars in a single presidential election.” This attempt to purchase the office of president, that he could not himself win, should offend every American. “Bloomberg is also spending 10s of millions of dollars to elect Democrats to the House of Representatives” (TCT). Remember, he bragged in the debates about his money having “bought” 21 new members of the House of Representatives giving the House to the Democrats and leadership to Nancy Pelosi (Dan Merica, “Bloomberg catches himself from saying he ‘bought’ House races in 2018,” CNN, February 25, 2020). The story is the same respecting Tom Steyer who “spent more than $230 million since 2014 on his own efforts to influence policy and elections, and has said he will pour at least $100 million into his campaign (Tom Steyer’s mega-millions debate gambit flops: The wealthy Democratic presidential candidate wasn't able to spend his way into the DNC's September debate, By Maggie Severns and Steven Shepard, 08/29/2019, POLITICO). Recently we published the impact of Trump hater George Soros’ money on the 2016, 2018 and 2020 elections. He spent $17 million since 2015 alone trying to buy district attorneys, undermining justice in six states by 2016 and 17 states by 2018 creating a revolving door for criminals. “Criminals commit crimes, police arrest them, Soros backed DA’s release them” the next day in time for a repeat performance the next evening. Another billionaire all in for Biden. In this Bloomberg has joined forces with Soros. Bloomberg recently contributed “$16 million to pay the court fines for 32,000 Hispanic and Black Florida voters and apparently choosing them by race from felony conviction.” Why? The most obvious reason “it immediately activates 10s of thousands of voters who are predisposed to vote for Joe Biden” (TCT). The billionaires of Google, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube assist by censoring most, if not all of the above information, closing their platforms by creating algorithms to suppress any information that is harmful to their political interests. They too are all in for Biden. Tucker Carlson said it best, America “is making a tiny group of people richer than anyone has ever been in human history. Those people suddenly run everything, including our elections. They are subverting our political system, far more brazenly, and with much greater effect than that dastardly Vladimir Putin ever dreamed of doing. Our billionaire class is the real threat to democracy… we're in a moment now, where a tiny group of the richest people in history are having a widely disproportionate effect on this race” (TCT). So all the democratic candidates, and Republicans in previous presidential elections as well, “suck up to billionaires in order to fund their campaigns,” as Elizabeth Warren said. The only exception in the last hundred years was Donald Trump who financed his own primary allowing him to vault over the control of the billionaire elite. They hate him because he took power from them and they will do ANYTHING to get it back. Have the billionaires bought your vote too? 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. by Melinda Myers
Pumpkin is not just for dessert. Consider using this low calorie, flavorful vegetable, botanically classified as a fruit, in any of the courses of your fall or holiday meals. The beta carotene that gives pumpkin its orange color is an important antioxidant. Increasing the beta carotenes in your diet can reduce the risk of developing some cancers and provide protection against heart disease. And do not throw the seeds in the compost pile, roast them instead and enjoy the anti-inflammatory benefits of this snack. Remove the pulp by rinsing the seeds in cold water. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet treated with a non-stick cooking oil. Lightly salt. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes. Stir the seeds after 10 minutes. Allow to cool and store any leftovers, if there are any, in an airtight container. Harvest pumpkins when the fruit is fully colored and the rind has lost its shine and is hard. The curly tendrils near the pumpkin will turn brown and die when the fruit is fully ripe. Use a pruning shear to cut the stem and avoid damage to the plant and your harvest. Leaving several inches of the pumpkin’s stem intact increases their storage life. And look for blemish-free fruit with intact stems when buying pumpkins from the grocery store or farmers’ market. Always harvest pumpkins before the first frost. Or cover plantings with floating row covers, old sheets or blankets when frost is in the forecast. Protecting plants from the first few frosty nights can keep them growing until the remaining frost-free days of the season are back in the forecast. Only store pumpkins free of soft spots, cuts and other damage that can lead to decay. Cleaning them before storing can help extend their shelf life. Wipe them down with a dilute solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Allow them to dry thoroughly before placing them in storage. Washing the fruit removes bacteria and fungal spores that can contribute to decay. Store pumpkins in a dark, dry, cool location between 50 and 60 degrees for storage. Place them in a single layer on cardboard, crates or wooden shelves. Avoid storing them directly on a concrete floor that can lead to rot. Check pumpkins regularly for rot and soft spots. Remove any that show signs of rot and add them to the compost pile. Pumpkins that are stored properly can last for several months. Remember to take time this season to enjoy the harvest and flavor as you cook up some tasty, nutritious pumpkin dishes this fall. Melinda Myers is the author of 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 & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com. Dr. Glenn Mollette Occasionally we all feel like we are living in a rut. Our days and weeks are filled with the same activities and schedules. We mow grass, rake leaves, clean the house, sweep out the garage and do the same jobs. We go to the same grocery store on a certain day, wash our car at the same place and see the same people along the way. We go to the same place of worship, and read the same daily or weekly newspaper. Our lives are made up of routines, schedules and the usual. Occasionally we get bored with the usual and do something different. We enjoy the change briefly. There is always a rush of adrenaline with something different. For example, you may change grocery stores for the week or even drive out of town to try out a restaurant. You may even take a trip to a distant part of the state to see something different. While the unusual is stimulating it often makes us tired and we pine to return to the usual. The usual is the known and the expected. We've done it so many times and usually have the same results. The same results are good if they make us happy. You know what to expect at the little coffee place you frequent and that's why you keep returning. The grocery store has what you need and you know where to find everything. Unless they change everything around in the store and this drives us crazy until we learn our way around again. We visit with the same people and often have the same types of conversations because those conversations are within our comfort zone. The usual things we do are all about our comfort levels. With Covid-19 you may not feel comfortable doing a lot because of the unknown. People's comfort levels have changed over the last year. Worship attendance has dramatically changed. Work places have changed. Community gatherings have changed or don't exist. Whatever your usual is, try to continue to enjoy the familiar and the routine. Keith Urban sings a song about "All that wasted time." One line in the song says, "The best years of my life was all that wasted time." We seldom see the usual we do as wasting time. Usually it's moving forward with the routines of life. It's going to school. Doing our homework. Going to work. Earning a paycheck. Saving some money. Paying our bills. Maintaining our houses and cars. Going to the doctor and caring for ourselves. When you really think about it, we're very fortunate if we have daily and weekly routines. The best of life is often what we do every day. We don't vote often. Once or twice a year we may go to the polls. Break with your routine and do something great for your local, state and national government. Go vote. When the election results come in then you'll know you did your part when you return back to doing your usual. WASHINGTON – Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council (Council), which will be responsible for coordinating the Federal government’s support of the global One Trillion Trees Initiative. The EO names U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt as co-chair of the Council, along with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “President Trump has boldly led on many conservation initiatives, including the One Trillion Trees Initiative,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “The President’s Council will support and enhance the incredible efforts already taking place under the Trump Administration to better manage our forests and woodlands across our public lands.” “The Trillion Tree Executive Order signed today by President Trump further demonstrates the Administration’s commitment and leadership in ensuring our national forests are healthy and productive so they can continue to meet the needs of citizens and communities, both now and into the future,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “When I was growing up on my family farm, my father always taught me to appreciate that ‘when it comes to the land, we want to leave it better than we found it.’ The President’s Executive Order will do just that – leave it better than we found it and help bolster the 193 million acres of National Forest System lands to promote recreation, enjoyment, and sustainable economic prosperity across broad sectors of the rural economy.” The EO directs the Council to develop, coordinate and promote the Federal government’s interactions with the One Trillion Trees Initiative to promote tree growing, conservation, restoration and coordination with key stakeholders. In addition to the two co-chairs, the EO designates 21 other members of the Council to develop and implement a strategy to facilitate growth, restoration and conservation of trees. In December, 2018, President Trump signed EO 13855 “Promoting Active Management of America's Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands To Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk”, declaring that it is the policy of the United States to promote healthy and resilient forests, rangelands and other Federal lands by actively managing them through partnerships with States, Tribes, communities, non profit organizations and the private sector. In January 2020, President Trump announced the United States would join World Economic Forum's One Trillion Trees Initiative, an ambitious global effort to grow and conserve one trillion trees worldwide by 2030. On Earth Day this year before President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump planted a maple tree on the South Lawn of the White House, President Trump said, “On this special occasion, we are renewing our strong national commitment on conserving the wonder of God’s creation. We’re also honoring our country’s heritage of conservation through the One Trillion Tree Initiative, which is a very big deal.” Between 2017-2019, Interior planted more than 58 million trees on federal lands across the country, including more than 17 million trees being planted by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation & Enforcement for active mine reclamation. In addition to the OSMRE, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service all support healthy forest management by planting trees to restore habitats, rehabilitate areas following wildfires and revitalize Tribal lands. Interior expects to plant an additional 22 million trees by the end of this year. The Council will work with Tribal, state and local officials to protect, grow and actively manage forests and woodlands on Federal lands and is established through December 31, 2030. ### About the U.S. Department of the InteriorThe Department of the Interior conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives and affiliated island communities to help them prosper. Forecasted High Winds and Dry Conditions Mean PG&E May Need to Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety in Targeted Portions of 21 Counties on Wednesday
An estimated 50,000 customers who might be affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoff are receiving the initial notifications today, two days ahead of the potential event SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has notified customers in targeted portions of 21 counties about a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as early as Wednesday afternoon. Hot and dry conditions combined with expected high wind gusts pose an increased risk for damage to the electric system that has the potential to ignite fires in areas with dry vegetation. High fire-risk conditions are expected to arrive Wednesday evening. High winds are currently expected to subside Thursday morning in some locations and Friday morning in other locations. PG&E will then inspect the de-energized lines to ensure they were not damaged during the wind event. PG&E will safely restore power as quickly as possible, with the goal of restoring most customers within 12 daylight hours, based on current weather conditions. While there is still uncertainty regarding the strength and timing of this weather wind event, the shutoff is forecasted to affect approximately 50,000 customers in targeted portions of 21 counties, including Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Lake, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Solano, Sonoma, Tehama and Yuba. The highest probability areas for this PSPS are the Northern Sierra Nevada foothills; the mid and higher elevations in the Sierra generally north of Yosemite; the North Bay mountains near Mt. St. Helena; small pockets in the East Bay near Mt. Diablo; the Oakland Hills east of Piedmont; , the elevated terrain east of Milpitas around the Calaveras Reservoir; and portions of the Santa Cruz and Big Sur mountains. This is not expected to be a widespread event in the Bay Area at this time. Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff: What People Should Know The potential PSPS event is still two days away. PG&E in-house meteorologists as well as staff in its Wildfire Safety Operation Center and Emergency Operation Center will continue to monitor conditions closely, and additional customer notifications will be issued as we move closer to the potential event. Customer notifications—via text, email and automated phone call—began late this afternoon, approximately two days prior to the potential shutoff. Customers enrolled in the company’s Medical Baseline program who do not verify that they have received these important safety communications will be individually visited by a PG&E employee with a knock on their door when possible. A primary focus will be given to customers who rely on electricity for critical life-sustaining equipment. Potentially Affected Customers Here is a list of customers by county who could be potentially affected by this PSPS event.
Why PG&E Calls a PSPS Event Due to forecasted extreme weather conditions, PG&E is considering proactively turning off power for safety. Windy conditions, like those being forecast, increase the potential for damage and hazards to PG&E’s electric infrastructure, which could cause sparks if lines are energized. These conditions also increase the potential for rapid fire spread. State officials classify more than half of PG&E’s 70,000-square-mile service area in Northern and Central California as having a high fire threat, given dry grasses and the high volume of dead and dying trees. The state’s high-risk areas have tripled in size over the last seven years. No single factor drives a PSPS, as each situation is unique. PG&E carefully reviews a combination of many criteria when determining if power should be turned off for safety. These factors generally include, but are not limited to:
New for 2020: Improved Watch and Warning Notifications In response to customer feedback requesting more timely information to prepare for and plan in advance of a potential PSPS event, PG&E will provide improved Watch and Warning notifications this year. Whenever possible, an initial Watch notification will be sent two days in advance of a potential PSPS event. One day before the potential PSPS event, an additional Watch notification will go out, notifying customers of the possibility of a PSPS event in their area based on forecasted conditions. A PSPS Watch will be upgraded to a Warning when forecasted conditions show that a safety shutoff will be needed. Whenever possible, Warning notifications will be sent approximately four to 12 hours in advance of the power being shut off. Both Watch and Warning notifications are directly tied to the weather forecast, which can change rapidly. As an example of how notifications have been improved for 2020, customers will see the date and time when power is estimated to be shut off as well as the estimated time for restoration. These notifications will be provided two days before the power goes out. Last year, the estimated time of restoration was not provided until after the power had been turned off. Here’s Where to Go to Learn More
Smaller, Shorter, Smarter PSPS events PG&E is learning from past PSPS events, and this year will be making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for customers.
Due to better weather technology and mitigation efforts such as sectionalizing devices and temporary generation, the Sept. 7-10 PSPS event affected 54% fewer customers than a comparable event would have in 2019. Community Resource Centers Reflect COVID-Safety Protocols PG&E will open Community Resource Centers (CRCs) to support our customers.. The sole purpose of a PSPS is to reduce the risk of major wildfires during severe weather. While a PSPS is an important wildfire safety tool, PG&E understands that losing power disrupts lives, especially for customers sheltering-at-home in response to COVID-19. These temporary CRCs will be open to customers when power is out at their homes and will provide ADA-accessible restrooms and hand-washing stations; medical-equipment charging; Wi-Fi; bottled water; and non-perishable snacks. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all CRCs will follow important health and safety protocols including:
Besides these health protocols, customers visiting a CRC in 2020 will experience further changes, including a different look and feel. In addition to using existing indoor facilities, PG&E is planning to open CRCs at outdoor, open-air sites in some locations and use large commercial vans as CRCs in other locations. CRC format will depend on a number of factors, including input from local and tribal leaders. Supplies also will be handed out in grab-and-go bags at outdoor CRCs so most customers can be on their way quickly. How Customers Can Prepare for a PSPS As part of PSPS preparedness efforts, PG&E suggests customers:
About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news. Reiterating its strong opposition to a ballot initiative that would establish a split-roll property tax, the California Farm Bureau Federation has announced positions on the other statewide measures to be decided this fall. The CFBF Board of Directors released a Voter Guide for the Nov. 3 general election. Farm Bureau was among the first organizations to oppose Proposition 15, which would create a split-roll property tax to reassess and raise taxes on commercial and industrial property. Although its proponents claim agriculture would be exempt, the measure would allow reassessment of agricultural facilities and improvements such as barns, dairies, orchards, vineyards and processing plants. “In the middle of a pandemic that has severely disrupted our food-production system, Proposition 15 would impose a new tax burden on family farms and ranches,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “Ultimately, those higher costs to the food system would lead to higher food prices. Make no mistake: A tax on farms is a tax on everyone.” Among its other ballot positions, Farm Bureau emphasized public safety by supporting Proposition 20, which would increase penalties for certain theft-related crimes, and opposing Proposition 25, which would abolish the state’s cash-bail system. “Theft, vandalism, trespassing and other crimes remain chronic and growing problems in rural California,” Johansson said. “By passing Proposition 20 and rejecting Proposition 25, voters have an opportunity to reinforce protection for rural and urban communities alike.” Here is the full list of CFBF ballot recommendations: Proposition 14—Stem Cell Research Bonds Neutral Proposition 15—Split-Roll Property Tax NO Proposition 16—Affirmative Action Neutral Proposition 17—Voting by Paroled Felons NO Proposition 18—Voting Age NO Proposition 19—Taxes on Homes, Inherited Property Neutral Proposition 20—Criminal Penalties YES Proposition 21—Rent Control NO Proposition 22—App-Based Drivers YES Proposition 23—Kidney Dialysis Clinics Neutral Proposition 24—Consumer Privacy Neutral Proposition 25—Cash Bail NO The full Voter Guide may be downloaded from the CFBF website at www.cfbf.com/voterguide. The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 34,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 5.6 million Farm Bureau members. # # # - campfires and dispersed camping prohibited - fire closures- QUINCY, Calif. – Fire Restrictions on the Plumas National Forest (PNF) are continuing due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions throughout the state. A ban on all campfires, outdoor BBQ's, and smoking is in place. Portable lanterns and camp stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel may be now be used in four open, developed campgrounds on the PNF. Areas near active and recent fires (North Complex (Bear/Claremont and Sheep) and Walker) remain closed. The entire Feather River Ranger District (west side of the PNF), including all national forest system land, roads, trails, campgrounds, lakes, etc., remains closed. No activities, including hunting and woodcutting, are allowed on the Feather River Ranger District currently. The Bucks Lake area is under continuing evacuation orders per the Plumas County Sheriff. Camping is available on a first-come/first-serve basis at specific developed campgrounds; dispersed camping is not allowed. Frenchman Lake: Boat launches include Frenchman (wet launch) and Lunker Point (dry launch). All campgrounds are now closed for the season. Lakes Basin: Gold Lake and Lakes Basin Family Campgrounds are open until October 15, 2020 and then closed for the season. Goose and Haven closed for the season on September 30. Lake Davis: Grasshopper Flat and Lightning Tree Campgrounds will be open until October 31, 2020 and then closed for the season. Dry boat launch is available at Lightning Tree while wet boat launch opportunities include Camp Five, Honker Cove and Mallard Cove. All other campgrounds are closed for the season. Antelope Lake: The Lost Cove Boat Launch is open at Antelope Lake (wet launch) with no fees and services. All campgrounds are closed for the season. Woodcutting is allowed with a permit in open areas and if daily fire restrictions allow (1-800-847-7766). Note: The free personal woodcutting permit program has been extended through December 31, 2020 and current permits slated to expire September 30 will be honored until December 31, 2020. Additional Forest information is available at www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas and http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas. ### Twitter: @usfsplumas USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SIERRA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, the Sierra County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to address a proposed ordinance to amend Section 12.06.050 of the Sierra County Code to increase the fire development impact fee from $1.25 per building square foot to $1.90 per building square foot, and automatically increase each fiscal year, for five years, using the Engineering News Record San Francisco Construction Cost Index March to March percentage change for the prior twelve months, as documented in the Nexus Fee Study, dated July 15, 2020. The Board of Supervisors will hold the public hearing via teleconference and attend the meeting from the Board of Supervisors Chambers, Downieville, CA and/or participate remotely to the same extent as if they were present. The Board Chambers will remain closed to the public as they are currently. Members of the public may provide public comment during the hearing, and may submit written comments on this matter by U.S. Mail or email at clerk-recorder@sierracounty.ca.gov. The Board of Supervisors will consider all written comments received prior to the posted hearing date. The public may observe and provide public comments during the hearing by using the WebEx options below: Posted: Published: By Phone: 1-408-418-9388 Access Code: 146 174 0013 By PC: https://tinyurl.com/102020bos Access Code: 146 174 0013 October 8, 2020 October 8, 2020 Schools Golf Tournament Oct. 3 at Plumas Pines Golf Resort. Despite COVID-19 accommodations, 55 golfers enjoyed great weather, 18 holes of golf, and a large number of prizes. The annual event is the only fundraiser event hosted by the nonprofit foundation that provides grant money to teachers in the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District—giving school children the opportunity to experience the arts, state-of-the-art technology, and new music and science programs. This year’s smaller tournament brought mixed and men-only teams, thus awards went to the top three teams overall. Winners were as follows: 1st Place: Trevor Womack, Tyler Long, Nick Rametta, Marquis Onorato 2nd Place: Tim Lysen, Leif Lysen, Nick Alexander, Bill Spalleta 3rd Place: Craig Sheridan, Todd Baker, Matt Sheridan, Dave Sheridan SSF president Jenna Holland said the tournament could not have happened without all the golfers as well as the support of the many sponsors and expressed great GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES FUNDS FOR SIERRA COUNTY KIDS The Sierra Schools Foundation celebrated another successful Swinging for the gratitude to all, including major sponsors Ami Garrigus, Gumba’s Family Pizza, Mountain Hardware & Sport in Truckee and Blairsden, William and Sheryl Pangman; with support from Plumas Pines Golf Resort with LHS alumnus Brandon Bowling and Status Golf with Jeremy Litz. Tee sponsors were as follows: Thomas and Elizabeth Archer, Sierraville; Vicki Barney Desserts, Loyalton; Bliss Photography, Reno; The Brady Bunch, Reno; Dickson Realty, Truckee; The Fillo Family, Sierra City; John and Kay Genasci, Reno; Integrity Heating and Air, Loyalton; LES Friday Night Live, Loyalton; McCormack Construction, Sieraville; The McHenry Family, Loyalton; Deborah and Ronald Mick, Sebastopol; Norwegian Sasquatch Society, Loyalton; Stephan and Lorena Pelleriti, Meadow Vista; Plumas Sierra Cattlewomen, Quincy; Roberti Ranch, Loyalton; The Sierra Valley Feed Store, Sierraville; Sierra Valley Legacy of Agriculture Foundation, Loyalton; The Valley House, Sierraville; Paul Vickers, Sonoma; Lee and Jan Walker, Sierraville; and Why Knott Massage, Sonoma. SSF founder Megan Meschery expressed appreciation for all the generous prize donors: Atlantis Casino, Reno; Boomtown Lounge, Downieville; Bordertown Casino, Reno; Carriage House Inn, Downieville; Cocina del Oro Restaurant, Downieville; Downieville Day Spa; Downieville Grocery; Downieville River Inn; Victoria Fisher, Loyalton; Hidden Valley Golf, Reno; Casey Holland (RVCA); Jenna Holland, Sierraville; Sierraville; Kafana Restaurant, Reno; Janet McHenry, Loyalton; Los Dos Hermanos, Sierraville; Megan Meschery, Sierraville; The Mill Works, Graeagle; Nakoma Golf Resort, Clio; PJ’s Restaurant, Reno; Plumas Pines Golf Resort, Graeagle; Sierra Valley Home Center, Loyalton; Swill Coffee & Wine, Reno; The Valley House, Sierraville; Joe Winter Ceramics, Reno. More information about The Sierra Schools Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, can be found at its website: www.sierraschoolsfoundation.org. Just one of the projects The Sierra Schools Foundation funded this year was $6,000 for this flatbed trailer for Craig Sheridan’s construction program at Loyalton High, which will be used to haul materials and finished projects such as the shed behind the students in the center of the photo. All donations to SSF are used for programs that will directly help students. More information is at sierraschoolsfoundation.org.
Photo and story submitted by Janet McHenry Plumas-Sierra CattleWomen, Wow what a fantastic day it was! On Friday Sept. 25th Plumas Sierra CattleWomen had pizza delivered to Nervino Airport Beckwourth, Ca. to the Helibase Crews, First Responders, and Care Flight Crews. Along with a batch of homemade cookies. The Helibase Crews, which are from all over the United States have been here for over a month, helping to fight our destructive California Wildfires. Three cattlewomen, Flinda France, Marjorie Logan, and Jan Tew were privileged enough to serve these brave and heroic men and women. A large poster card was signed by PSCW and many of the businesses in Portola Ca. and presented to them. We were treated to a tour of the helicopters and given a brief summary of what each one is used for. From the smallest to the biggest each have a specialty. We've never meant a more Thankful, Grateful, and Gracious Group of People. Thank You again for you Tireless and Relentless Hours spent helping our State!! - by Pat Ramelli Grange treats firefighters
Members of the Sierra Valley Grange made Apple Crisps, Cherry Cobblers and cookies for the fire crews stationed at the Heli-tack base in Beckworth. They wanted the crews to know how much all the hard work they have been doing to fight the ongoing fires in our area was appreciated. Members had a great time, over the course of two days, chatting with the crews as they dropped by to pick up their snacks. The timing was perfect because the very next day the entire fire base picked up and moved on to their next assignments. We wish them all the best, and a safe return home at the end of the fire season. A big shout out to Flinda France for organizing this effort and to all her bakers too! By Harold Pease, Ph.D.
The most difficult thing for me to watch in the decline of freedom in America is the rise of censorship. Not that censorship has not existed to some degree for decades, it has. None of the networks reveal the power of the Council on Foreign Relations or the Bilderbergers over America today, but censorship has become blatant, more especially from the rich on the Left. Apparently talk of the insurrectionist activities of George Soros are nearing forbidden. The Left never cover George Soros’ manipulation of elections, especially his buy up of district attorneys in big cities who then do not punish those arrested for pillage and arson turning them free the next day to do the same that evening. Most news organizations appear intimidated into silence on the subject. FOX News recently demonstrated Soros influence over their show Outnumbered in Harris Faulkner’s interview of Newt Gingrich September 17, she said, “Speaker Gingrich, I know you have a final thought for us.” Gingrich responded, “The number one problem in almost all the cities is George Soros-elected, left-wing, antipolice pro-criminal district attorneys who refuse to keep people locked up. Just yesterday they put somebody back on the street that is wanted for two different murders in New York City….Progressive district attorneys are anti-police, pro-criminal, and overwhelmingly elected with George Soros's money, and they're a major cause of the violence we're seeing because they keep putting the violent criminals back on the street.” To which co-host Melissa Francis injected, "I'm not sure we need to bring George Soros into this.” Gingrich argued, ”He paid for it!! I mean, why can't we discuss the fact that millions of dollars he spent.” To which co-host Marie Harf abruptly cut him off, "No, he didn't. I agree with Melissa. George Soros doesn't need to be a part of this conversation.” Gingrich responds, ”OK! [pause] So it's verboten,” German for forbidden. [Long awkward silence, then cut.] That George Soros hates Donald Trump and is motivated to inject his influence in the election to get rid of him is clear. At the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in 2020, January 21-24 he told those attending, “Clearly I consider the Trump Administration a danger to the world. But I regard it as a purely temporary phenomenon that will disappear in 2020.” (George Soros, Davos 2018. Donald Trump and the Davos Connection, From the Editors Desk, Michael J. Matt). Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri spoke of Soros’ influence. “He spent $17 million since 2015 alone trying to buy district attorneys. And he's had tremendous success in my home state of Missouri in St. Louis, in Philadelphia, Florida, Texas, look all around the country” (Tucker Carlson Tonight, Sept. 22). Who are some of these county district attorneys funded by the $17 million Soros money? Bill O’Reilly identified Diana Becton from Oakland, California as having received $275,000. She “will not prosecute looters if you’r poor. She says…its okay if they break into stores if they need…what they’re stealing.” Chicago DA Kim Fox, of Jessey Smollett fame, received two million dollars. Kimberly Gardner, $68,000, famed for trying to prosecute the couple protecting their home with a gun in St Louis from those who broke into their gated community and threatened violence on them (Bill O’Reilly on Fox News’ Awkward George Soros, Sept. 18). Tucker Carlson added Mike Schmidt of Portland, Oregon who was given $20,000 by Soros, He “announced he won't prosecute any of the rioters, who've turned Portland into a war zone. He's already dismissed charges against rioting suspects, hundreds of them. In fact, at one point Schmidt said the unrest in Portland was “beautiful.” In 2017 Soros spent roughly $1.7 million in Philadelphia, getting DA candidate Larry Krasner elected. He has a reputation for letting everybody out—even criminals (Tucker Carlson Tonight, Sept. 22). Soros has vested money in DA races in 17 states over the past few years these include: Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia. Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Georgia, and New York (Soros’ Prosecutorial Power Grab, https://youtu.be/q1k1gvPOxSo). Just how many of these big city DA’s are needed to bring down America with pillage, vandalism, assault and arson nobody is saying especially not Democrat news outlets and now some Fox News shows refuse to talk about the Soros buyout of DA’s promoting anarchy. For Tucker Carlson revealing this destroy America plot, “Criminals commit crimes, police arrest them, Soros backed DA’s release them,” to the attention of Americans, “Twitter slapped a warning label on our video. They claimed it contained sensitive content.” Let us be clear!! The above information documents Leftist George Soros as the number one insurrectionist in America today. His efforts to burn down American cities by financing Democrats who open our jails destroys justice and makes him an enemy to all who love liberty. Apparently now even Fox News is afraid of him. In 2016 George Soros influenced justice in six states, in 2020 it amplified to seventeen states. If Fox News is now censored or afraid to tell America of the Soros’ insurrectionist activities, who will, and with censorship how long can America stand? 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. In 2020, Red Ribbon Week, the nation's largest and longest running drug-use prevention campaign, turns 35. Red Ribbon Week has informed millions of kids and parents about the danger of drugs and alcohol, influencing positive choices and behaviors. However, one “drug” that may not receive as much attention lately is nicotine. which is highly addictive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released its 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which measures a variety of risky behaviors, including tobacco use. The survey found that in California, more than 42% of high school students reported having tried e-cigarettes and more than 18% reported using currently. More than seven percent reported currently using smokeless tobacco. The common thread among these products is flavored nicotine which the tobacco industry uses to spark curiosity and mask the harsh taste of tobacco. If sweet fruity flavors seem harmless, the high dose of nicotine teens get when they use, isn’t. Rural communities have long been targeted by the tobacco industry. For decades, the tobacco industry has taken advantage of often weaker tobacco retail laws in rural areas and push misleading advertising, marketing and promotions that tie tobacco use to values such as strength, independence and resilience, while using images of cowboys, hunters and racecars to make smoking seem like it’s a part of life. In recent years, they have added new products like e-cigarettes, but the intent is the same. For example, Sierra Unified School District was part of the California Healthy Kids Survey that also measures risk-related behaviors. The 2016-17 survey found that 13% of 11th graders reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, but only 2% report using traditional cigarettes. The 2019 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey also found that California high school students overall are using smokeless tobacco more than students nationally.[i] Part of the problem may also be perception of nicotine. “Make no mistake, nicotine is the tobacco industry’s tool to hook our kids to deadly products – that hasn’t changed. What’s changed is how they’re packaging this drug. The tobacco industry continues to target our communities and portray tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, as being less harmful, but that’s far from the truth, especially for youth,” said Shelly Brantley, project director of Rural Initiatives Strengthening Equity (RISE), a program dedicated to combatting tobacco’s harms in California’s rural communities, such as Sierra County. “Aside from the health problems these products present, they often contain high amounts of nicotine, which is a harmful drug that is basically brain poison for youth, and the tobacco industry now has it wrapped up in sweet, fruity flavors in a variety of forms to entice kids to try them, and far too often, get addicted,” said Brantley. “Not only is nicotine a highly addictive drug for youth, but nicotine exposure can actually change the chemistry in teens’ brains and can impact learning, memory and attention.” “The tobacco industry views our kids as their next generation of customers, and nicotine is their tool to hook them,” said Brantley. “We need to talk with our kids about what nicotine really is – it’s a harmful, addictive drug. To find out information about how RISE combats tobacco harm in rural communities, including Sierra County, and to take action, please visithttps://www.ca-rise.org/. The home-isolation effects of the pandemic are putting extra pounds on Americans, giving rise to the term “The Quarantine 15.” After months of disruption to daily routines, poor eating habits and less physical activity equate to more weight. Dieting is the next step for some people, but medical experts caution that if they’re not careful, certain fat- and calorie-cutting measures can cause another kind of loss besides pounds – their hair. “With some fad diets, you are missing out on some important nutrients, and that factor can have an impact on hair loss,” says Dr. Patrick Angelos (drpatrickangelos.com), author of The Science and Art of Hair Restoration: A Patient’s Guide. “Your body requires adequate calories and protein to feed your hair follicles. Your hormones have a direct effect on your hair health. In order to balance your hormones it’s important to know what foods, nutrients and supplements you need on a regular basis, and what you don’t need.” Dr. Angelos offers these nutritional tips to aid overall health and prevent hair loss:
“Our habits have been disrupted during the pandemic, so it’s an opportune time to create new and healthy ones,” Dr. Angelos says. “Dieting doesn’t mean depriving yourself of essentials your body needs. And a healthy diet can help your hair stay strong and shiny.” About Dr. Patrick Angelos Dr. Patrick Angelos (drpatrickangelos.com), author of The Science and Art of Hair Restoration: A Patient’s Guide, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose primary surgical interests include hair restoration and facial plastic surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office
1400 E. Main Street Quincy, CA 95971 *** News Release *** Date of Incident: 10/5/2020 Time of Incident: 3:00 pm Location of Occurrence: Wooded area at the south end of First Ave Chester/Lake Almanor. Agencies Involved: Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, Plumas County Search and Rescue Decedent: Unknown On Monday, October 5th, 2020 the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received a call from a hunter who had possibly located a human skull in the wooded area at the south end of First Ave Chester/Lake Almanor. A Deputy and Sergeant were dispatched to the area and confirmed it was a human skull. The Plumas County Search and Rescue Team have been sent to the area to search for additional remains. The skull has been transported to the medical examiner’s office for identification. Once the remains have been identified the Sheriff’s Department will provide an update. Respectfully, Steve W Peay Investigations Sergeant |