Glenn Mollette 


One of the greatest Presidents of all time was Franklin D. Roosevelt. He served from 1933 to 1945. He led this country and saw us through some of our toughest years. Many say he stands as the greatest President of all time. Ironically, he had a difficult time standing. 


Photographs of Roosevelt in a wheelchair are rare but you can find one on the Internet. 
Franklin D. Roosevelt, was our 32nd President but he began experiencing symptoms of a paralytic illness in 1921 when he was 39 years old. His main symptoms were fever; symmetric, ascending paralysis; facial paralysis; bowel and bladder dysfunction; numbness and hyperesthesia; and a descending pattern of recovery. He was diagnosed with poliomyelitis and underwent years of therapy, including hydrotherapy at Warm Springs, Georgia. Roosevelt remained paralyzed from the waist down and relied on a wheelchair and leg braces for mobility, which he took efforts to conceal in public. In 1938, he founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, leading to the development of polio vaccines. Although historical accounts continue to refer to Roosevelt's case as polio, the diagnosis has been questioned in the context of current medical science, with a competing diagnosis of Guillain–Barré syndrome proposed by some authors.


We could talk and write about Franklin D. Roosevelt all day. However here are a few of his noted accomplishments from his 12 years of service – longer than anyone. Creation of the emergency banking act to counteract the Great Depression. Establishment of FDIC. Unemployment rate reduction. Setup many institutions to support the New Deal.  Created institutions as part of the New Deal. Created the U.S. Social Security System. Established the minimum wage and 40-hour work week. He took action to prohibit discrimination in employment, led America to victory in World War II, and, took part in the creation of the United Nations. He also aided water pollution control and more. (Wikipedia)


However, would Roosevelt even have a chance today? Can you imagine him trying to conceal his wheelchair or his leg braces? Not in this age. Would The Press and the opposition tear him to sheds as being physically incapable of holding down the job? 
Disabled Americans and people worldwide can point to Roosevelt as someone who dealt with tremendous physical obstacles to accomplish much for our country and the world. 
Americans with disabilities should not be excluded from running for public office. We vote for who we want to vote for but in a free country all citizens should be able to try. 


John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is trying. He has had a stroke, but he’s trying. It has been amazing to witness the amount of support Pennsylvania has given Fetterman. He is in a dead heat race with national celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz whose star power as a long time TV doctor star has surely greatly boosted him in his race with Fetterman for the United States Senate.


Tragically, Fetterman’s health apparently prevents him from articulating clearly. His mental ability to quickly process what he is hearing is obviously impaired. This has to make it tough for him. Roosevelt did not have this problem. His mind appeared to be sharp and his speech clear and convincing during his years as President. This is where Roosevelt’s situation and Fetterman’s is different.


Fetterman needs and deserves time to heal. He obviously needs continuing medical treatment and therapy to recuperate from his stroke. He is still a young man.   In a year, or two he may be fully recovered and more able to serve. This is unfortunate for Fetterman and his supporters but only makes sense for his personal health.  The fact that he is running for such a demanding job in his current state demonstrates that his mental clarity is somewhat impaired. It also demonstrates that people close to him are mentally impaired to have encouraged him to continue in this political contest. He needs time to get well so that if elected he can serve effectively.   

The bottom line is that voters will decide who represents them.  This is one right we must continue to cherish, protect and be mentally clear about.  


Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. He is the author of 13 books including Uncommon Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. 

PRESS RELEASE
 
 
October 31, 2022
 
 
On October 30th at 1917 hours, a female inmate, Leana Conrady, 32 years of age from Reno, NV, who was incarcerated at the Plumas County Correctional Facility was found unresponsive in her cell.  Conrady used a bed sheet to hang herself.  Correctional Officers immediately removed the sheet and began life saving efforts.  Medical personnel arrived at the facility and continued with life-saving efforts.  Conrady was pronounced deceased at the scene.   
 
Conrady was arrested in Siskiyou County on a Sierra County arrest warrant. She was later transferred to the Plumas County Correctional Center for temporary incarceration, pending court proceedings in Sierra County.        
 
A joint investigation between the Plumas County Sheriff's Office and the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office was conducted and determined that Conrady took her own life.  Foul play is not suspected. 
 
We are saddened by this event and send our deepest condolences to the family. Visit us online at plumascounty.us and follow

Contact information:
Plumas County Sheriff’s Office
By Investigations Sgt Steve Peay

 Office of the Sheriff
     Office of Emergency Services

TODD JOHNS
SHERIFF/CORONER
DIRECTOR
 
                                          
 

(AP) Halloween treats have a tricky problem: plastic packaging that’s difficult to recycle.
As America loads up on an estimated 600 million pounds of candy for Halloween, a handful of companies are trying to make it easier to recycle all those wrappers. But they acknowledge their efforts are only making a small dent and say more fundamental changes are needed.
Since the beginning of October, Mars — the maker of Snickers and M&Ms — has distributed 17,400 candy waste collection bags to U.S. consumers through its website and at community events. The bags can be filled with wrappers and packaging from any brand and mailed free to a specialty recycler in Illinois. That recycler, G2 Revolution, forms the packages into pellets and uses them to make waste bags for dogs.
The bags fit around 4 ounces of material; if all 17,400 are returned, that would equal more than 2 tons of recycled wrappers. But even then, the recycling program would still address just a fraction of the problem.
“What I’d like to see is this program actually goes away over time and we have a solution where it’s no longer required and we’re fully recyclable,” said Tim LeBel, president of sales for Mars Wrigley U.S.
Mars is partnering with Lexington, Kentucky-based Rubicon Technologies, a consultant and software provider that connects companies and municipalities to recyclers. Since 2019, Rubicon has had its own program called Trick or Trash, which mails one free box to schools, businesses and community groups to collect candy wrappers for recycling. An additional box, or a box for personal use, is $100; Rubicon says that covers the cost of making the box, shipping it both ways and recycling the wrappers. Rubicon expects to send out 5,000 boxes this year.
Mars and Rubicon won’t say how much they’re spending on their Halloween programs. Rubicon notes that it pays extra to UPS to offset the carbon emissions from shipping.
Plastic wrappers are ideal for candy for lots of reasons. They’re cheap and lightweight, which cuts down on shipping costs, said Muhammad Rabnawaz, an associate professor in the school of packaging at Michigan State University. They’re also easy to modify for different functions; some might have a coating so candy doesn’t stick to them, for example.
But plastic wrappers are a challenge for recycling companies. They often contain a mix of materials, like foil, which must be separated. They’re small and flimsy, making it easy for them to bypass typical sorting equipment. They have to be cleaned to remove grease, oil and other food waste. They’re multi-colored, so when they’re mixed together they come out as an unappealing brown.
Even when companies do go to the effort of recycling candy wrappers, they produce such a low-value plastic that it doesn’t recoup the cost of recycling.
“It’s got to be profitable. These guys aren’t social workers,” said Brandon Wright, a spokesman for the National Waste and Recycling Association, which represents waste management companies.
As a result, a lot of plastic packaging ends up getting thrown away. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging made up 21% of trash going into landfills in 2018.
That’s why it’s critical to have food companies or individual consumers funding recycling efforts, said Tom Szaky, the CEO of TerraCycle.
The New Jersey-based recycling company recycles candy wrappers in the United Kingdom through partnerships with Nestle and Ferrero. In the U.S., the company will ship boxes to consumers to collect candy and snack wrappers and return them for recycling. A small box is $86; a large one is $218. TerraCycle said that covers the cost of shipping and the multi-part recycling process.
Szaky said TerraCycle has recycled approximately 40 million candy wrappers worldwide since 2014.
Leah Karrer, a conservationist in Washington D.C., bought a TerraCycle box in 2020 and collected 5 pounds of Halloween candy wrappers from about 20 neighbors. She liked raising awareness about the problem and supporting TerraCycle, but she hasn’t done it again because the box was so expensive.
“This is not a cost-effective solution for most families, when the items can simply be thrown into a trash container to be picked up for free,” she said.
This year, she ordered a free bag from Mars, so that she can send a message that consumers care about plastic waste and want companies to switch to sustainable packaging.
“The onus cannot be on the customer to fix the massive plastic waste problem,” she said. “The solution is system change.”
Candy makers say they’re spending millions to develop new packaging that would be easier to recycle or compost.
Mondelez’s Cadbury introduced more easily recyclable packaging — made of 30% recycled plastic — in some markets this year. Mars recently partnered with Danimer Scientific, a biotech company, to develop compostable packaging. Hershey has set a goal of making all its packaging easily recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030.
The National Confectioners Association, which represents the candy industry, says federal, state, and local governments also need to invest in more advanced recycling.
But Janet Dominitz, the executive director of the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, said recycling alone will never keep up with amount of packaging waste people generate. Dominitz said single-use plastic packaging needs to be eliminated altogether.
“The problem isn’t the number of candy wrappers on Halloween, but the 365 days a year that our infrastructure is set up to throw away,” she said.

Click Here To Comment

​October 29, 2022
 
 
 
Sierra Booster
Loyalton, California
 
Dear Editor,
 
It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you and the community the California Association of Youth Courts (CAYC) and inform you that we are in the process of working with Loyalton High School, in bringing a Youth Court to Sierra County.
 
For those who are not familiar with Youth Courts, also known as Teen or Peer Courts, I have taken the liberty to provide you with the following information: 
 
What is Youth Court?
 
Youth Court is a cost-effective community investment to reduce crime and build assets in our youth. It does so by diverting young offenders – referred by probation, law enforcement and schools – away from the formal juvenile justice system to a community-based system.
Student volunteers, aged 12 – 18, are trained as advocates, bailiffs, jurors, jury forepersons, court clerks, attorneys and judges, to lead all aspects of the Youth Court program. A youth charged with an offense, such as vandalism or possession of drugs, may avoid traditional pitfalls of juvenile court by opting to accept a trial before a jury of teen peers.
 
With a restorative justice and trauma-informed focus, Youth Court volunteers help teen offenders to be accountable for their actions, reflect on their poor choices, identify their personal strengths and commit to repairing damage done, while restoring relations with families, schools and communities.


An offender in the program must participate on a future jury, perform community service and may attend counseling as a condition of the Restorative Plan. There is no criminal record upon successful completion of the program.
 
California Association of Youth Courts
 
The primary objective of the California Association of Youth Court is to support the formation and continuity of Youth Courts. Youth Courts have different styles of operation depending on the legal culture of a community.
 
Universal training is accomplished via an annual Summit and roundtable events held throughout the state. Adults and students collaborate with persons interested in forming a Youth Court or who wish to expand or improve an existing program.
 
Our Mission
 
Ø  Constrain the school-to-prison pipelines by providing unique, peer-driven restorative justice models as alternatives to the traditional juvenile justice system.
Ø  Provide opportunities for youth to feel connected to and supported by their community.
Ø  Empower young people to take an active role in addressing criminal offenses of their peers and expand access to justice.
 
Additional detailed information may be found on our website WWW.CALYOUTHCOURTS.COM in addition to other social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube).
 
As you are aware and with the assistance of Principal Megan Meschery, we made our first introductory presentation to the Loyalton High School assembly on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, introducing them to the concept of Youth Courts.  We were well received and are looking forward to establishing a local community Youth Court.
 
First on our agenda is to select and establish a Teen Court Coordinator position followed by developing a team of motivational youth to participate in a Teen Court, who will be trained and educated in Teen Court development at our 2023 Summit scheduled for early June 2023.  There is no cost to this training which will be held at the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA.  This Summit is followed up by ‘Quarterly Roundtables’ that continue the educational process with presentations by professionals in the juvenile justice reform arena.
 
Next on our agenda is to introduce to local schools and community, key speakers and presenters such as Dr. Michael Pritchard (Michael Pritchard (comedian) - Wikipedia), who is a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker and youth motivator.   
 
On behalf of the CAYC, I am excited and energized by the possibilities of creating a joint community Plumas/Sierra Youth Court to augment the local juvenile justice community system.  I would like to thank the community for their consideration and support in this endeavor and look forward to your participation.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
DEREK T. BEVERLY, Interim President
California Association of Youth Courts

Identify Energy Vampires Sucking Up Energy to Reduce Usage and Save Money

OAKLAND, Calif.— Vampire appliances have a voracious appetite for sucking energy out of electrical outlets and money out of your wallet, even when they are turned off. These appliances and devices still use energy while powered down and they are potentially all over your home.
 
While these devices may have sleep or standby modes, they can still continuously use electricity to perform updates, connect to remote servers, and record data.
 
The connectivity of modern devices is one reason why wasted energy and money from idle gadgets has increased in recent years. The associated energy draw may account for more than 10% of home energy use. Home electronics like televisions, cable boxes, modems, video game consoles, and even DVD players are typically the largest energy vampires.

Other common vampires include any device that’s programmable or has a remote control, light, or clock. 

Ways to Stop Vampire Appliances
 

• Use Energy Star certified appliances. Energy Star appliances are more efficient than their counterparts. While you may pay more up-front, the savings in energy costs over the life of the product often makes up the difference.

 

• Plug into power strips. It’s unrealistic to unplug each device after use. Power strips are easily accessible and can shut off power to a variety of devices at the same time.

 

• Unplug when charged. When devices like cell phones and tablets are charged, unplug the chargers. 

 

• Let the Computer Sleep. Adjust your computer setting to go to sleep after 30 minutes or less. Disable screensavers and set the monitor to turn off after 10-15 minutes.

 

• Utilize PG&E’s Home Energy Checkup. This online tool allows you to share basic data then provides customized energy savings recommendations tailed to your specific household.

Tap into the Halloween spirit by spooking energy vampires into giving your utility bill a treat! For even more ways to reduce energy use, check out our energy-saving tips.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

GOIN' FISHIN'?
Better stock up on sinkersnow!
It will be illegla to sell lead sinkers after January 1, 2023 in California!
Andy White

By Christine Souza






With the federal farm bill set to expire in 2023, the California Farm Bureau and others are providing input to members of Congress about programs and provisions that farmers and ranchers would like to see in the next round of farm legislation that affects the nation’s farms, consumers and the environment.
“We’re at the point where groups are readying themselves in anticipation for a farm bill reauthorization next year,” said Erin Huston, California Farm Bureau federal policy consultant.
California Farm Bureau staff served on the American Farm Bureau Federation working group to develop a series of farm bill priorities, she said.
Roughly every five years, the farm bill expires and is updated after the legislation is debated, amended and passed by Congress, and then signed into law by the president. The 2018 Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Improvement Act, was enacted into law in December of 2018.
As part of the farm bill working group, Huston said, the California Farm Bureau joined representatives of state Farm Bureaus and the American Farm Bureau Federation to develop a set of organization priorities, which were approved last week.
Overarching organization priorities include maintaining farm bill program funding, keeping farm and nutrition programs together, prioritizing risk-management tools such as crop insurance and commodity programs, and ensuring adequate U.S. Department of Agriculture staffing and resources for technical assistance.
Farm Bureau representatives approved more than 60 recommendations over multiple titles of the farm bill. These include price increases for commodities, greater transparency for milk checks, streamlining nutrition programs and funding for conservation programs, and rural development.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the farm bill is “the most significant piece of legislation that affects farmers and ranchers across the country.
“Since enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, farmers have faced significant challenges from market volatility, increased input costs and devastating natural disasters,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Duvall said, farmers and ranchers have met the needs of consumers in the U.S. and abroad, while continuing to improve the environment.
“AFBF looks forward to working with Congress to ensure the appropriate resources are available to craft farm policy that reduces food insecurity, bolsters national security and encourages long-term stability for all of our farm and ranch families,” he said.
Priorities for California, Huston said, include ensuring that crop insurance covers more agricultural commodities in the state and making sure conservation programs “are well funded and diverse and flexible enough to meet the needs of different types of farms that grow different types of crops.”
Another focus, she said, is ensuring that provisions in the bill on agricultural research are robust and fit the needs of California farmers.
While California has aligned with AFBF on farm bill priorities, Huston said, “There are certain commodities that other states don’t produce or issues that they don’t face. For example, we’re going to care more about wildfires than Rhode Island, but so far, we’ve been pretty aligned.”
Shannon Douglass, first vice president of the California Farm Bureau and cattle rancher in Glenn County who also grows sunflowers, pumpkins, corn and forage crops, represented Farm Bureau last month during a farm bill listening session by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
“California Farm Bureau has been involved in a number of discussions to identify our priorities within the next farm bill ranging from risk management and conservation to animal disease preparedness and trade promotion programs,” Douglass said.
With impacts of different disasters intensifying in California, Douglass recommended that disaster and crop insurance programs continue to be included in the next farm bill as an essential part of keeping farmers whole.
“With such a diverse set of commodities and practices in California, we must remain focused on improving and expanding these programs,” Douglass said, adding that of about 400 commodities grown in the state, as of May 2022, only 80 specialty crops are covered through crop insurance programs.
“We must find solutions to overcome limitations inherent in the current system and provide RMA (Risk Management Agency) with the necessary tools and structure they need to help close this gap,” Douglass said.
California Farm Bureau supports adequate funding levels for programs such as the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program, Livestock Indemnity Program, Livestock Forage Disaster Program, Tree Assistance Program, Dairy Margin Coverage Program and others.
Additional focus is on supporting plant-health protections to strengthen, prevent, detect and mitigate invasive pests and diseases, animal health programs, trade and market development programs, and conservation programs.
What happens with the 2023 Farm Bill is uncertain, Huston said, with the Nov. 8 general election approaching and congressional and Senate races still to be decided.
Members of Congress who sit on the Senate and House agriculture committees are responsible for drafting the farm bill.
“There are some races that are to be determined,” Huston said, “so we don’t know what committee makeup looks like yet.”
(Christine Souza is an assistant editor of Ag Alert. She may be contacted at csouza@cfbf.com.)

 

REDDING – With wet weather fast approaching, Caltrans District 2 reminds motorists to be prepared for rain and winter weather conditions. Here are some things drivers can do to help stay safe on the roadways:
 
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
 

• Check your brakes, battery, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, headlights, and exhaust system to make sure they are in good, working condition.
• Check your tire pressure when tires are cold. If the tread on your tires is low, it may be time to get new tires.
• Pack chains, a small ice scraper and shovel, flashlight, warm blankets, water, non-perishable food items, and a cell phone.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas and carry a spare key for your vehicle.
• Check road conditions early and often:

1. QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ (also available by free app. for smartphones)
2. One-Stop-Shop: http://oss.weathershare.org (Western U.S.)
3. Phone: Caltrans Highway Information Network (1-800-427-7623) / District 2 Road Conditions Hotline (530-225-3452) / District 2 Public Information Office (530-225-3426)
4. District 2 Facebook and Twitter pages
5. Website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2

 
ON THE ROAD
 

• Follow the instructions from Caltrans and California Highway Patrol personnel and stay alert in chain control areas and around crews working. These men and women spend long hours on our highways during winter months to help keep roadways open and as safe as possible for the traveling public.
• When traveling on routes through canyons or other steep areas, watch for debris that may be dislodged onto the roadway via high winds, rain, or snow. Be cognizant when traveling through burn scar areas.
• Slow down on wet pavement. According to AAA, with as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires must displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the asphalt.
• Drive for conditions. Slow down when visibility is poor and leave yourself extra room for stopping in wet conditions.
• Leave proper distance and drive carefully around emergency personnel and snow removal equipment. Slow down when you see the amber lights and never pass a snow plow unless directed.
• Make sure your headlights are on when it’s raining. This became a law in California in 2005. Fines can go up to $150.
• Let permitted installers help you with chains:

1. Those permitted by Caltrans must display a sign advising drivers in advance of their fee.
2. Permitted installers must wear a vest with their vendor number on it.
3. Installers cannot sell or rent chains to drivers.
4. Installers must provide a receipt when asked for one.
5. Call the California Highway Patrol if any issues arise regarding chain installations.

 
Road conditions can change very quickly. Highways that may have been open when you left home may have chain restrictions or may have closed while you are traveling. Pay close attention to information on changeable message signs along highways. Caltrans will activate the Highway Advisory Radio system when major highway changes occur. 
 
When you see flashing beacons on advisory signs please tune to:
 

• 1610 AM (Shasta, Tehama, Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, and Trinity Counties)
• 97.9 FM (Modoc County)
• 1580 AM (Butte County – State Routes 70 & 191)

 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES
 

• District 2 Winter Weather Driving Tips Video
• District 2 Winter Operations Video
• Caltrans/CHP Chains Q&A Video
• National Weather Service
• CHP Tire Traction Devices

####

SACRAMENTO- Today, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City) issued a statement in response to the release of the delayed “Smarter Balanced” statewide test scores showing that fewer than half of students met the state standard in English language arts and only one-third of students met statewide standards for mathematics.
 
“These test scores reflect the current state of education in California. We are failing students in the most important subjects. This is just another example of Democrat mismanagement, and our kids are suffering for it.”

On September 28, Assembly Republicans sent a letter urging the immediate release of these scores after it was reported that California Department of Education would delay them to be released at an unknown date this year. 

2021–22 Assessment Data Show Impact of COVID-19, Demonstrate Importance of State Recovery Efforts

Data show hopeful signs of recovery compared to 2021, though English language arts and mathematics scores still down from pre-pandemic levels.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, California students lost less ground between 2019 and 2022 than students nationally in math and reading and held steady in eighth grade reading while the nation as a whole declined.

SACRAMENTO––The California Department of Education (CDE) released assessment data today that provide further evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on student academic achievement and underscore the urgency of continuing to address student needs through focused efforts such as expanded learning time and learning acceleration strategies.

Statewide, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards on the 2022 Smarter Balanced summative assessments declined by 4 percentage points (from 51 percent to 47 percent) for English language arts (ELA) and 7 percentage points (from 40 percent to 33 percent) for mathematics when compared to students who took the tests in 2018–19—before the pandemic. The results released today include California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) data.

However, a comparison with data from the state’s 2020–21 ELA and mathematics assessments suggests that recovery may already be underway. In the spring of 2021, about 25 percent of students in grades three through eight and eleven—or about 740,000 students—participated in the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA and mathematics. An analysis of that cohort—looking at the same students who took the test in 2021 and comparing their results to 2022—showed steeper-than-normal achievement gains at most grade levels, a hopeful sign that the state’s robust investments in accelerating learning are paying off.

The release today follows the earlier posting of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results in reading and math for fourth- and eighth-graders nationwide. Like most of the country, California’s NAEP math scores declined from 2019 to 2022, though not by as much as the average drop nationally. In reading, California  fourth graders’ scores also experienced a small decline that was less than the drop nationally. Of particular note: California eighth graders held steady with no decline in reading over the 2019 NAEP while the nation as a whole saw a drop. 

As a result, California moved up in NAEP’s state-by-state ordering in both math and reading. In addition, Los Angeles Unified School District was the only Trial Urban District Assessment participant to show significant gains in grade eight reading.

“These baseline data underscore what many of us know: that the road to recovery is long and our students will need sustained support over many years,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “California has worked proactively to provide additional resources to help our students beyond 2024, when the federal relief funding expires. Through the $7.9 billion Learning Recovery Block Grant available to schools in this year’s state budget, $4 billion in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, and $250 million for literacy coaches for our most vulnerable students, the CDE will continue to work with schools so they identify the right tools and resources to address academic, behavioral, and mental health needs.” 

Statewide 2022 Scores Decline from Pre-Pandemic Levels, Some Bright Spots

State data released today come from the spring 2022 administration of the ELPAC and CAASPP, which includes Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA and mathematics, the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and mathematics, and the California Spanish Assessment.  

The 2022 assessment administration marked the return to full statewide participation in CAASPP and ELPAC testing for the first time since 2019.

For ELA and mathematics, lower grades saw larger differentials from 2019 than higher grades. 

For the California Science Test (CAST), student scores were generally consistent with pre-pandemic levels, with small increases for some groups in some grades and small decreases in others. 

For CAAs for ELA and mathematics, results were consistent with prior years.

For the Summative ELPAC, English learners in grades five through twelve performed better in 2022 than in 2019, while lower grades tested showed slight declines. The percentage of students overall achieving at the highest performance level—indicating they have well-developed oral and written English language skills—was 16 percent in 2018–19, decreasing to 14 percent in 2020–21 and returning to 16 percent in 2021–22. Increases in 2021–22 were seen in nearly all grade levels and were especially strong at grade twelve.

While Limited in Scope, 2022 Cohort Analysis Shows Marked Improvement from Prior Year, Suggesting Acceleration Efforts Are Working

The increases in matched cohort student scores in ELA and mathematics between 2020–21 and 2021–22 suggest that the state’s focus on learning recovery is working and critical to helping all students excel and thrive in years to come. (More specific details about the Two-Year Matched Cohort Analysis are available in the Interpretation Guide to the 2021–22 Statewide Assessment Results document on the CDE California Assessment Results News Release web page.)

Since 2021, California has invested $4.4 billion one-time and $4 billion ongoing in state funds in expanding learning opportunities beyond traditional school hours and $7.9 billion in the Learning Recovery Block Grant to fund such programs as high-dose tutoring. 

“Now is not the time to take our foot off the accelerator when it comes to doing everything we can to help all our students progress toward mastery of our learning standards and thrive in every way in school,” said California State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. “California’s investments in important initiatives such as high-dose tutoring, professional development for teachers, and expanded learning time, and in such areas as mental health and wellness, are critical to lifting up academic performance across the board while supporting students’ well-being.”

Considering Context of Assessment Results 

Data from the 2021–22 spring assessments should be considered “baseline data” for measuring student progress going forward due to the challenges presented by the pandemic.

In the 2019–20 school year—a year in which schools quickly pivoted to remote learning after the discovery of COVID-19 in California—the U.S. Department of Education waived all testing requirements.

To further prevent the spread of virus before the development and widespread distribution of vaccines, most students learned from home for most of 2020–21 and returned to campuses in the spring either full-time or with hybrid (in-class and remote) instruction.

In the 2020–21 school year, the U.S. Department of Education required states to administer statewide academic assessments in ELA, mathematics, and science as well as the English language proficiency assessments—with some flexibilities. Districts that were unable to administer the statewide summative assessment in 2020–21, because it was not a viable option due to factors related to COVID-19, gauged student learning through locally selected assessments that met certain requirements.

In addition to these flexibilities, the California State Board of Education also approved use of adjusted test blueprints for the Smarter Balanced ELA and math tests, mindful of the need to maximize instructional time to accelerate learning and to minimize difficulties in online testing conditions. 

Assessment results for the CAASPP and ELPAC are available to the public on the Test Results for California’s Assessments website.

To provide essential background and factors to consider when interpreting California’s 2021–22 statewide assessment results, the CDE created the Interpretation Guide to the 2021–22 Statewide Assessment Results, which can be found on the CDE California Assessment Results News Release web page.

NAEP results, including those for California and all other states, are available on The Nation’s Report Card website.

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As our youth learn to get behind the wheel, their safety and protection is of critical importance.  The California Highway Patrol (CHP), with the support of the grant-funded Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Education Program XV, today launched new Start Smart classes. These classes coincide with National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs October 16-22.  Drivers between 15 and 19 years of age are at greater risk of being involved in fatal crashes.  The Start Smart program is designed to help teens learn how to avoid distractions and address the dangers typically encountered by drivers in their age group. 
 
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are nearly 792,970 licensed teenage drivers in California, which increased by 6 percent since last year.  Data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicated that in 2020 there were 6,644 fatal and injury crashes involving teen drivers between 15 to 19 years of age.  This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.
 
Start Smart is a free class aimed at helping teenage drivers become aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver.  Parents or guardians are required to attend with their teenage driver as they participate in this
two-hour Start Smart class, completion of which may lower the cost of a young driver’s vehicle insurance.  The class is being offered at CHP Area offices throughout the State.
 
“The Start Smart program exists to save young lives as they move into their journey behind the wheel,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.
 
Parents and teenagers can register for a Start Smart class by contacting their local CHP Area office.  More information about Start Smart and California’s provisional licensing law is available on the free CHP Start Smart mobile app.  This mobile app includes access to the California Driver Handbook and a trip logger to track driving time as teens prepare to obtain their driver license.
 
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 

Sierra Valley’s Tour de Manure Metric Century Bicycle Ride Is Ending its Run

Shasta & Plumas Counties



REDDING – Beginning Monday, October 31, 2022, the following District 2 Safety Roadside Rest Areas will be closed for the winter season. The anticipated reopening date for these rest areas is May 1, 2023:

• Hillcrest Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 299, 4 miles east of Montgomery Creek, Shasta County)
• Massack Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 70, 6.5 miles east of Quincy, Plumas County)
• Lester T. Davis Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 70, 3 miles east of Portola, Plumas County)
• Shingletown Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 44, 3 miles east of Shingletown, Shasta County)
• Lake Almanor Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 36, 4.3 miles east of Chester, Plumas County)

These five facilities are closed seasonally as maintenance crews focus their time and efforts on the roadways over the winter months. Hazardous conditions from ice and snow are present in these areas during the winter season, which also can lend to plumbing issues at these facilities.


Please plan accordingly for travel stops along these routes during these seasonal closures. For a list of Safety Roadside Rest Areas availability throughout the state, please visit QuickMap.


####

(Sacramento) The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced today the addition of a new demonstration state forest and more than 1,200 acres to its demonstration state forest system. Acquisition of these areas continue to increase opportunities for forest restoration, critical research, and public recreation, and build upon the valuable role of California’s demonstration state forest system to help answer critical questions about the important role that forest management serves in the era of climate change.
These two new areas consist of 1,151 acres of Sierra Nevada forestlands in the American River headwaters in Placer County and 120 acres adjacent to the community of Twin Peaks in San Bernardino County. The Placer County property is the second of a three-phase project with multiple partners to create a permanently protected 2,618-acre Demonstration State Forest (DSF) spanning the Upper American and Bear River watersheds in Placer and Nevada counties. The San Bernardino property has been transferred from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and will maintain the San Bernardino County Wildlife Corridor.
The new Placer County property was formerly owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and has been transferred to CAL FIRE through PG&E’s Land Conservation Commitment in partnership with the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council. CAL FIRE will own and manage the property and the Placer Land Trust holds a conservation easement that prohibits subdivision, limits development, and maintains the scenic nature of the property.
This new procurement follows CAL FIRE’s recent acquisition of 267 acres between the South Yuba River and Bear River below Lake Spaulding. The final phase of this three-phase project will be the addition of 1,200 acres near the Bear River. This is anticipated to be acquired from PG&E in early 2023.
“We’re pleased to work with CAL FIRE and other partners to ensure that this beautiful forest – and the vast watershed it supports – is protected forever for public recreation, ecological health and climate resilience,” says Jeff Darlington, Executive Director of the Placer Land Trust.
The new 120-acre property in San Bernardino County will be referred to as the Sawmill Demonstration State Forest. The Sawmill Property is included in the San Bernardino County Wildlife Corridor and provides important linkage to major drainages to the north and west. CAL FIRE will preserve a vegetated wildlife corridor to allow the movement of wildlife traveling through the property. The property contains various archaeological sites including a historic sawmill, from which the forest takes its name. As an area
of mixed conifer-oak and intermixed brush, as well as the inclusion of various archaeological sites, the addition of the Sawmill property is an important addition to the Demonstration State Forest System. The Sawmill DSF will provide new research, recreation, and demonstration opportunities in the San Bernardino mountains forest environment.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) who has managed the property since 2001, has several ongoing research projects on the Sawmill property, and these will continue after the transfer of jurisdiction to CAL FIRE. Research forms an important pillar of the Demonstration State Forest’s purpose and CAL FIRE recognizes the value of CDFW continuing this work.
“The addition of Sawmill to the Demonstration State Forest system is an exciting opportunity. We are proud to have the southernmost demonstration forest located in the San Bernardino Unit, and we look forward to managing the property for public enjoyment, forest management education, and protection and enhancement of all resources provided by the forest ecosystem,” said David Haas, Unit forester, CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit.
Representing the most common forest types and serving as a living laboratory, CAL FIRE operates 12 Demonstration State Forests totaling over 73,500 acres. These forests provide research and demonstration opportunities for multiple benefits—recreation, watershed protection, wood products and sustainable timber production, and habitat restoration—given a changing climate and increasingly severe and intense wildfire seasons. The forests provide unique opportunities where environmental scientists, foresters, and other researchers can study the effects of various forest management and restoration techniques to help inform management practices for government, nonprofit and private forestland owners.
Common activities on state forest lands include evaluating sustainable timber harvesting techniques that test current Forest Practice Rules, watershed restoration, a variety of university research projects to help answer pressing forest management questions, and other activities such as cone collecting for seed, and recreation such as mushroom collecting, hunting, firewood gathering, horseback riding, camping, mountain biking, and hiking.
CAL FIRE will work collaboratively and closely with Placer Land Trust who holds the conservation easement on the Placer County property to ensure that the scenic, open space, forest, wildlife habitat, recreation, and historic and cultural values are protected forever. The properties will be stewarded for these multiple uses under a Forest Management Plan to be approved by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
For more information about California’s demonstration state forests, visit: Demonstration State Forests (ca.gov) 

​

Fire Restrictions are still in effect across the Tahoe National Forest and can be found here along with the list of designated developed campgrounds where campfires are permitted.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1057704.pdf

When having a legal campfire, remember to never leave a campfire unattended. Campfires must be cold to the touch to be considered fully extinguished and prevent the chance of it starting a wildfire. All that’s needed to prevent your fire from becoming a wildfire that threatens the safety of the public, firefighters, communities, and natural resources is ✅bucket ✅water ✅shovel ✅hand ✅CARE
 ​

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Conserving water has become a way of life in California, especially as projections forecast warmer, drier conditions. The State’s new water year has begun and with it comes fresh concerns about a fourth year of extreme drought for the state.  
California’s water year runs from October 1 to September 30 and is the official 12-month timeframe used by water managers to compile and compare hydrologic records.
Water Year 2022 ended on Friday and featured continued extreme drought with historically dry months and a record-shattering heatwave. Now, the focus shifts to the months ahead with state officials preparing for a fourth dry year.
Over the past 12 months, California saw extreme swings between record-breaking storms and dry conditions driven by our changing climate. In October 2021, parts of Northern California experienced the highest single-day rain totals ever, followed by a dry November and then a record snowfall in parts of the Sierra in December. Conditions took a turn again with the driest January, February, and March in over 100 years.
Despite some rain recorded in parts of California in September, uncertainty remains about what the new water year may bring. Long-range forecasting suggests warmer and drier than average conditions to persist.
“This is our new climate reality, and we must adapt. As California transitions to a hotter, drier future, our extreme swings from wet and dry conditions will continue,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We are preparing now for continued extreme drought and working with our federal, state, local, and academic partners to plan for a future where we see less overall precipitation and more rain than snow.”
Water Year 2022 ended with statewide precipitation at 76 percent of average. Statewide reservoir storage is 69 percent of average for this time of year. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, sits at 64 percent of average for this time of year.
The current drought from 2020 to 2022 is now the driest three-year period on record, breaking the old record set by the previous drought from 2013 to 2015. This extended, extreme drought is having an impact on all Californians, especially the State’s most vulnerable communities. California is aggressively addressing the urgent need for financial and technical support for water resilience projects across California. To date, DWR has provided over $480 million in grant funding through its Small Community and Urban and Multi-benefit Drought Relief programs. This summer, the Legislature approved hundreds of millions in additional funding and programs to support these communities.
Californians can all do their part to adapt to the hotter, drier future by making water conservation a way of life. Governor Newsom has asked all Californians to reduce water usage at home by 15 percent. Learn more at saveourwater.com. DWR also recently announced a series of actions to make water conservation more affordable through financial assistance and tax exemptions.

Californians can access current water conditions in real time at California Water Watch, a new website launched by DWR. This website will help Californians see their local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions down to their address or their local watershed. The site presents data from a variety of sources and allows the public to obtain a quick snapshot of local and statewide water conditions. Complete data for Water Year 2022 is available now.

Instances of felled branches or trees onto powerlines increased this year
 
OAKLAND, Calif.—Fall is here! ‘Tis the season for Veteran’s Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Many people are also thinking about cleaning up their yards before the weather changes to make room for holiday decorations by trimming bushes and removing dead trees. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has seen more than 100 incidents where trees or tree limbs have fallen into powerlines by either the homeowner conducting tree work or by the homeowner’s hired tree crew. These incidents are the type of situation that can cause outages and lead to ignitions.
 
“We are seeing an increase in tree branches coming down onto powerlines during tree work and whether you’re a licensed tree crew, logger, harvest plan owner or landowner, we encourage you to call us before you trim or fell trees near powerlines,” said Andrew Abranches, Senior Director for PG&E’s Wildfire Risk Management Team.
 
The phone number to call is (800) 564-5080. Here are additional tips for residential and business customers to practice safe tree trimming and removal.
 
BEFORE WORKING NEAR POWERLINES:
 

• Call PG&E to request a safety evaluation of the area. PG&E will ensure it is safe to fell a tree in that area, either by de-energizing the line or it might be a situation where PG&E will schedule its contractor to do the work. 
• It is unlawful to work within 10 feet of a distribution or a transmission line without calling the utility.
• If a tree or limb contacts the power line, stay away and immediately call 911 and then call PG&E. Do not attempt to remove the tree or limb from the line.

 
PG&E follows all applicable federal and state vegetation clearance requirements by performing regular trimming and removal of approximately along its 100,000 miles of electric lines. That includes inspecting and monitoring every PG&E overhead electric transmission and distribution line each year, with some locations patrolled multiple times.
 
For information about safely planting and trimming trees, visit www.pge.com/powerlinesafety.
 
About PG&E
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California.  For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

" src="cid:A3D77560-9915-4B56-9441-71D299AF299D" alt="22.104.pdf" type="application/x-apple-msg-attachment" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Working to Keep Communities Safe: PG&E Offers Fall Tree Trimming Safety Tips
Instances of felled branches or trees onto powerlines increased this year
 
OAKLAND, Calif.—Fall is here! ‘Tis the season for Veteran’s Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Many people are also thinking about cleaning up their yards before the weather changes to make room for holiday decorations by trimming bushes and removing dead trees. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has seen more than 100 incidents where trees or tree limbs have fallen into powerlines by either the homeowner conducting tree work or by the homeowner’s hired tree crew. These incidents are the type of situation that can cause outages and lead to ignitions.
 
“We are seeing an increase in tree branches coming down onto powerlines during tree work and whether you’re a licensed tree crew, logger, harvest plan owner or landowner, we encourage you to call us before you trim or fell trees near powerlines,” said Andrew Abranches, Senior Director for PG&E’s Wildfire Risk Management Team.
 
The phone number to call is (800) 564-5080. Here are additional tips for residential and business customers to practice safe tree trimming and removal.
 
BEFORE WORKING NEAR POWERLINES:
 

• Call PG&E to request a safety evaluation of the area. PG&E will ensure it is safe to fell a tree in that area, either by de-energizing the line or it might be a situation where PG&E will schedule its contractor to do the work. 
• It is unlawful to work within 10 feet of a distribution or a transmission line without calling the utility.
• If a tree or limb contacts the power line, stay away and immediately call 911 and then call PG&E. Do not attempt to remove the tree or limb from the line.

 
PG&E follows all applicable federal and state vegetation clearance requirements by performing regular trimming and removal of approximately along its 100,000 miles of electric lines. That includes inspecting and monitoring every PG&E overhead electric transmission and distribution line each year, with some locations patrolled multiple times.
 
For information about safely planting and trimming trees, visit www.pge.com/powerlinesafety.
 
About PG&E
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California.  For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

 
SACRAMENTO – Today, Legislative Republicans formally requested the State Legislature to reconvene in Sacramento to act on reducing gas prices and tackling other urgent matters.

"We cannot wait until next year. Soaring gas prices and the explosion of violent crime and homeless camps must be addressed immediately," said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). "Californians expect and deserve their government to act, especially to lower prices at the pump. Republicans are ready and willing.”

“The legislature should take a lesson from Nike and ‘Just do it.’ People need help now, not empty promises of something months down the road,” said Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (Santa Clarita). “Republicans are united in our call for the legislature to reconvene now and tackle the pressing issues families are worried about - skyrocketing gas prices, a worsening homeless epidemic, and rising crime. Empty promises don’t cut it - let’s do it!” 

Governor Newsom recently announced his intention to call a Special Session on December 5th to vote on a tax increase proposal. Republicans are opposed to the Governor’s Special Session on tax increases, which some say will add an additional $1.50 per gallon in California.

“Right now, Californians are suffering. Skyrocketing gas prices consume working families’ monthly budgets,” said Senator Brian Jones (Santee).“Crime wreaks havoc in our communities and threatens our safety. Homelessness continues to spiral out of control as a public health and safety crisis. Legislative Republicans have solutions to immediately address these issues and get California back on track. Given the urgency and severity of the problems we are facing, we cannot delay action any further—the Legislature should immediately reconvene.”

“California is defined by crises," said Assemblyman Vince Fong (Kern County). "Families are financially strained from soaring gas prices and inflation, and they feel unsafe in their homes due to increasing violent crimes and homeless encampments. Instead of more taxes that Gov. Newsom is pushing, the Legislature needs to focus on the basics and address the immediate concerns of everyday Californians.”

Today’s request by Legislative Republicans would reconvene the Legislature via Joint Rule 52 with a focus on the urgent issues that matter most to Californians.

"Californians are hurting, and we have a job to do," said Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (Laguna Niguel). "We need to come together now to suspend the gas tax, put teeth in our penalties to combat violent crime, and actually address the increasing homeless crisis. With inflation and skyrocketing gas prices, this emergency situation- without immediate action- is only going to get worse."

“In California, gasoline is almost $7 a gallon, cereal is nearly $8 a box, human-trafficking is rampant, drugs and homeless encampments line our streets and the Democrat majority spent the year prioritizing their green utopia which has exponentially increased all energy prices, transportation and the cost of living. It’s time they come back to the table and adopt the real solutions Republicans have provided them,” said Senator Shannon Grove (Bakersfield).

Pursuant to Joint Rule 52, the Legislature may be recalled from joint recess and reconvene in regular session at the request of ten or more Members of the Legislature, which was accomplished by today’s request. The Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tempore are now required to act within ten days. If the two legislative leaders do not approve the request, Republicans will take the next step of Joint Rule 52 which includes petitioning every member of the Legislature to come back into Session to address these urgent issues, which requires a two-thirds vote.

Republicans in the State Senate and State Assembly have legislation prepared to address the homelessness crisis, should Democrats agree to a return to work. As noted in today’s request, Republicans are also prepared to move quickly on bipartisan legislation to re-classify crimes such as domestic violence, human trafficking and rape of an unconscious person as “violent” felonies under California penal code.

Earlier this year, Republicans made three attempts to lower fuel prices by suspending the state’s $.54 cent gas tax, but were denied by opposition from the Democrat supermajority. With gas prices soaring to record levels, Republican lawmakers are again insisting that the Legislature suspend the state gas tax and reduce the fees and regulations that make California gas so much more expensive than the rest of the nation.

Read a copy of the letter here.
​

The 2023 Lost and Found Gravel Festival presented by Cervélo is happening on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in Portola, CA. Registration for the race/ride opened today. We have an action-packed weekend planned with 100, 60 and 35-mile rides available with those famously fun aid stations followed by an evening of live music, libations and a weekend of camping out.
Founded in 2014, the Lost and Found is recognized as one of the Toughest Gravel Rides in the West. Be sure to check out the Lost on Purpose gravel filmthat was shot on many scenic landscapes featured in the race. Our festival events are an important element in funding our 501c3 non-profit operations and the Connected Communities Project to create the 600+-mile Lost Sierra Route, a Trail for Everyone.

Adult registration for the 2023 Lost and Found is $222.50. The good news is the 2023 registration fee is the same price as 2022 ($220), and this year we are putting the additional $2.50 toward carbon offsets. In an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of our events, $2.50 from each registration fee received will be donated to Cool Effect, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping organizations achieve carbon neutrality. You can rest easy knowing your carbon emissions, created by your travel to the beautiful headwaters of the Feather River Watershed, will be offset through high-quality carbon projects at CoolEffect.org.

We are also offering a special incentive this year. Through Peer-to-Peer Fundraising you can earn reimbursement of your Lost and Found registration race fees by fundraising $445 in Peer-to-Peer funds – basically double your registration fee. Fundraise with your friends, families and social networks to raise just $445 for this legacy project, and you’ll get your $222.50 race registration fees reimbursed to you. Earn a free ride and the clout of being an instrumental part to a bigger and better cause. It’s a win-win-win for you, the Lost Sierra Route and the communities it will serve. We need your help to bring this route to life, and are stoked to offer this opportunity as a means to do it. And if you raise the most, you can also win fabulous prizes from our event sponsors. Last year's top prize was a gravel carbon wheelset – not too shabby.

And for junior racers age of 13-18, we’ve reduced the 2023 registration fees from $170 in 2022 to $111.25 ($96.25 for the 35-miler) in 2023 to encourage more Junior and High School teens who are on cycling teams or who want to ride with their families to participate. Youths can also reimburse their race registration fees by raising $220 in Peer-to-Peer fundraising or earn a free entry by being selected for the Mike Shaw Memorial Scholarship.

This event would not be possible without our racers, volunteers and our event partner, Breakaway Promotions. Volunteers are needed to support a myriad of event support positions including course marshals, beer servers, aid station stokers and onsite registration supporters. Sign-up now to volunteer so you can get your preferred spot for good times!

Looking to Do Something Special for Everyone? Consider Adopting a Trail or Joining the Partner Collective

The Adopt-A-Trail Program provides a way for businesses and individuals to partner with SBTS and our National Forests by sponsoring trail maintenance on specific trails. Trails are National Forest System Trails, and the Adopt-A-Trail Program is operated under Volunteer Agreements with the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests.
Your philanthropic contribution to the maintenance and upkeep of National Forest System Trails will instill pride for you, your company and your employees and provide much needed trail maintenance that currently has little federal funding. And it’s a great way to promote your business with your logo on a super cool Forest Service trail sign demonstrating that you care for trails. Adopt A Trail sponsorships start at $2,500 a year for a three-year commitment.

And if you’re looking to support us building the Lost Sierra Route even more, you could be like Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Company (TTL) who just joined our Partner Collective as a $10,000 Silver Level Partner. We are excited to have TTL’s support as they recognize the importance of giving back to the communities that support their business that will be part of the Lost Sierra Route.

Vital MTB Takes on The Lost Sierra!

Check out this Vital MTB comprehensive, multi-day tour of Downieville and Mount Hough in Quincy with their “Vital Takes on the Lost Sierra” story. If you’ve only experienced a small portion of our area through the Downieville Downhill, this article and accompanying 35-minute video features ride sequences, scenery and interviews with Greg, Henry our Trail Boss and Garen from Santa Cruz Bicycles.

​

 


 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – School bus safety is a two-way street – a responsibility shared by professional school bus drivers and every motorist on California’s roadways.  The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is bringing awareness to the role we all play in ensuring students throughout the state travel safely to and from school as part of National School Bus Safety Week, October 17- 21.
 
“School bus safety is part of the CHP’s mission, and we take our mission very seriously,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.  “This week is a reminder that everyone should do their part each day to remain alert behind the wheel, particularly when you see a school bus or children
at bus stops.”
 
With few exceptions, California law requires drivers to stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights on. Drivers must stop until the red lights are off, and school bus drivers are trained to only turn their flashing red lights off when they are certain the children are safely out of the road and seated on the bus.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riding a school bus is the safest way for students to get to school – 70 times safer compared to other modes of transportation.  School buses are one of the most regulated vehicles on the road. 
 
On average, more than 50,000 certified school bus drivers transport more than 1 million students each year in California, traveling approximately 243.5 million miles.  To help ensure
the safety of students, the CHP inspects more than 20,000 school buses annually and launched the Vehicles Illegally Passing a School Bus (VIPS) enforcement project in 2017.  During VIPS enforcement operations, CHP officers ride on school buses and patrol bus routes, watching for vehicles that do not stop for flashing red school bus lights.  The VIPS enforcement project also encourages people to report drivers who illegally pass a school bus – a violation that last year resulted in citations to 218 motorists. For nonemergency complaints, you can contact your local CHP Area office at https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office or call 1-800-TELL-CHP.
 
This mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.