SAN FRANCISCO – With the holiday season and the end of the tax year approaching, Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued consumer tips on how Californians can make the most of their charitable giving and avoid scams.

In 2014, Americans gave more than $350 billion to charities and nonprofit organizations. This year, many Californians will look to help the less fortunate or support a favorite cause by donating to a charity. Unfortunately, with so much money in play, scammers will continue to look for ways to prey on people’s generosity. Attorney General Kamala D. Harris offers the following tips for Californians to make sure their charitable giving will benefit worthy causes and not scammers.
TIPS FOR DONATING WISELY
Research the Charity
The number one tip for consumers this holiday season is to research the charity you are considering donating to and make sure it is legitimate and trustworthy. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook, blogs, or other social media are legitimate.
Private watchdog organizations have created spending standards for charities and issued reports based on those standards. These are great resources for consumers to use in researching your intended charities. Three such organizations are: Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org), Council of Better Business Bureaus’ Foundation (www.bbb.org), and American Institute of Philanthropy (www.charitywatch.org).
To check the status of a charity, visit http://rct.doj.ca.gov/Verification/. Other sites that can provide helpful information in checking the status of your charity are: www.charitynavigator.org, or www.give.org. For more detailed information and tips, check the Attorney General’s Guide to Charitable Giving for Donors at: http://oag.ca.gov/charities/publications.
If a solicitor contacts you on behalf of a charity, ask if he or she works for a commercial fundraiser, and verify whether that the commercial fundraiser is registered with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts, as it is unlawful for unregistered commercial fundraisers to solicit donors in California. You can also check to see how much a commercial fundraiser raised for the charity in the past by reviewing the Attorney General’s Commercial Fundraising Reports, which summarize by year the results of the charitable solicitation campaigns conducted in California by for-profit fundraisers. Historical figures show that a solicitation campaign conducted by a commercial fundraiser returns to the charity, on average, about 50 percent or less of the contributions received. A commercial fundraiser retains the remainder in the form of fees and expense reimbursements. To check these publications visit: http://oag.ca.gov/cha rities/publications. 
Other Helpful Tips for Donors

• A great way for donors to select worthwhile charities is to first volunteer with a local charity. This helps provide first-hand knowledge about programs that benefit your community or cause.
• You may want your donation used for a specific program or purpose within a charity. If a website has a “donate” button, check to see if you can designate a specific purpose for your donation. If you can’t, contact the charity to be sure your donation will be spent for the purpose you intend.
• If a solicitor contacts you on behalf of a charity, ask if he or she works for a commercial fundraiser, whether they are registered with the California Registry of Charitable Trusts, and ask what percentage of donations go directly to the charity for its charitable program and how much is spent on fundraising and administrative expenses. You may prefer to contact the charity directly to make a secure donation. If a solicitor tells you the donation is for your local police, firefighter, or other public safety agency, check directly with the law enforcement agency to avoid a potential scam. 
• If you receive an e-mail or text message asking for a donation to a charity, contact the charity directly and confirm that the request is legitimate.
• Make charitable contributions directly on a charity’s website when possible. If donating by check, use the full name of the charity rather than initials or an abbreviation. Do not give your credit card number to a telephone solicitor or in response to any unsolicited phone call you receive.
• Charitable gifts-in-kind, such as food or clothing given directly to a charity, may help scammers mask exorbitant executive compensation or administrative costs if they falsely inflate the value of the goods in IRS filings. Research the charity recipient of gifts-in-kind, just as you would for cash gifts.
• Be wary of car donation solicitations. Car donations often result in minimal returns to charities because of the high cost of advertising and other expenses associated with marketing the vehicles for re-sale. If you do decide to donate to a car donation fundraiser or charity, ask that they inform you of, and provide records on, every donation designated to you. Call the charity that was supposed to benefit from your car donation to ensure that they received your donation.

​

 
Question: Raccoons come up through the culverts in our neighborhood and are causing a lot of trouble. Last year, there was one that tore a vent off our house and got in the subfloor and tore up our ducts under there. This year one of them attacked my dog in our back yard. The vet bill was very expensive. Can I trap them in live traps and have animal control euthanize them for me? (Kathy C.)


Answer: You can trap them but Animal Control may not want to euthanize them for you. Your best course of action is to concentrate on making your house and yard inhospitable. Bolster up your exterior vents and doors to prevent raccoons and other unwanted wildlife from moving in to use for cover. This also means remove all attractants (dog food, fallen fruit, koi ponds, water fountains, etc.). Even water can be an attractant, especially this year. If you do all of this but continue to have a problem, the law allows that it is legal to kill raccoons at any time when they are causing damage.


Some excellent additional information is available online from the UC Integrated Pest Management Program at www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.house.html#VERT.
 
Measuring short lobsters without bringing them onboard
Question: When hoop netting for lobsters from a boat, how are we supposed to bring the nets to the surface and accurately measure the lobsters without pulling the hoop nets onboard? The law states that it is illegal to bring any undersized lobster onboard any vessel, but it is virtually impossible to measure them while hanging over the side of the boat, especially when it’s dark, there’s a swell in the ocean and the boat is bobbing up and down. I’m asking because recently a friend of mine was cited for bringing up his net and placing it on the deck of his boat so he could measure his catch. Can you please clarify this? (Miguel Z.)


Answer: Lobsters cannot be brought onboard boats or kayaks for measuring and must instead be measured at the waterline. Pull up the hoop net, step on the line and lean over and measure it … though I know, easier said than done in the dark and in rough seas.
                                                                                   
California spiny lobsters must measure a minimum of three and one-fourth inches along a straight line on the mid-line of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell. Lobsters may be brought to the surface for the purpose of measuring, but no undersize lobster may be brought aboard any boat and retained. All must be measured immediately upon being brought to the surface. Any undersize lobster must be released immediately into the water. In addition, spiny lobsters shall be kept in a whole, measurable condition, until being prepared for immediate consumption (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.90).


Transporting migratory game birds
Question: I know the rules state that while bird hunting you must leave a fully feathered wing intact until you get home. When I get back to my trailer at camp (which is considered my second home), can I remove the wings, vacuum seal the bird and freeze it, or do I have to wait until I actually get to my primary home? (Rob D.)
         
Answer: All birds, including migratory game birds, possessed or transported within California must have a fully feathered wing or head attached until placed into a personal abode or commercial preservation facility or until prepared for immediate consumption. Doves must have a fully feathered wing attached (CCR Title 14, section 251.7(b)).


Waterfowl and other migratory birds that are going to be transported anywhere must have a fully feathered wing or head attached (except for doves, which must have a wing attached). A trailer in camp is not your “abode.”


Selling mounted trophies
Question: I received a collection of museum-quality African game trophies in a divorce settlement and would like to sell them. I recently moved to California but the mounts are still in Alaska. They are not animals that exist in California. Can I sell them on eBay? I want to unload these animals legally. I have read the statutes. I need to know if I can work with someone in Fish and Game, show them the collection, and get their advice. Alaska Fish and Game already gave me an email saying they could be moved to California and sold. (Mary Jane S., Sacramento)


Answer: You should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about any mounts that you would like to import to California and sell. The sale of birds or mammals found in the wild in California is prohibited by Fish and Game Code, section 3039. In addition, California Penal Code, section 653o prohibits the importation for commercial purposes, sale and possession with intent to sell a number of African wildlife species that may be in your collection.

​Plumas County Public Health Agency announced today that it received one of twelve grants from the California HealthCare Foundation to help accelerate work to address the misuse of prescription painkillers in Plumas, Lassen and Sierra counties.
Every day, 44 people in the US die from overdosing on prescription painkillers, and many more become dependent on these medications. While there has been no overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report, the amount of prescription painkillers dispensed in the U.S. has quadrupled since 1999, as has the death rate from these medications.  The misuse of painkillers – drugs like oxycodone, codeine, and morphine – is the nation's fastest-growing drug problem and has been classified as an epidemic by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 The Northern Sierra Opioid Coalition brings together local leaders from medical societies, public health departments, health plans, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, law enforcement, the corrections system, community groups, addiction treatment providers, and others, all committed to the same goal – lowering prescription painkiller overuse and overdose deaths in Plumas, Lassen and Sierra. Prominent local organizations who have joined the coalition include Sierra County’s Behavioral Health, Prevention, Drug Court, Probation, Public Health, Eastern Plumas Health Care and Western Sierra Medical Clinic. 
The grant will allow the Northern Sierra Opioid Coalition to address the epidemic from multiple angles, including adopting safer prescribing practices, expanding access to effective addiction treatment, implementing community approaches to overdose prevention, and coordinating communication between historical silos, such as emergency departments and primary care providers.
“Our region has one of the highest death rates due to prescription opiate overdose in all of California,” said Dr. Mark Satterfield, Plumas County Health Officer. “Through this grant and the dedicated work of our many partners we can bring a stop to this tragic epidemic.”
This effort complements other state and national initiatives designed to address the prescription painkiller epidemic.  The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) received more than $3.7 million in federal funds to launch new statewide prevention efforts, and the California Department of Justice received $750,000 to enhance the statewide controlled substance database, CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System).  The Obama administration just announced a major federal commitment to support safe prescribing training across the US.
This work also builds upon tools like the Prescription Drug Community Action Kit, which was recently released by the National Safety Council. This toolkit summarizes how communities can prevent drug overdoses and provides resources to help local leaders build partnerships that address overprescribing (see http://safety.nsc.org/rxtoolkit).
 
“There may not be a single person in our region who is untouched by this epidemic,” said project lead and PCPHA’s Program Division Chief Andrew Woodruff. “These are preventable deaths, and with a coalition of diverse and dedicated partners, we can do something about it.”
 

Sacramento – California State Board of Equalization (BOE) Chairman and Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Member Jerome E. Horton announces taxpayers should take a few simple steps to keep from being preyed upon by data thieves and cyber criminals. 


“I stand with the Internal Revenue Service and other state tax agencies throughout our great nation in encouraging California taxpayers to follow safeguards for protecting their information,’ said BOE Chairman Jerome E. Horton. “Criminals have access to a good deal of personal data which they can use to file fraudulent returns. I urge you to become aware of security measures you can take online and at home to protect your data from cyber criminals.”


Tax authorities made the appeal to the public today in Washington, D.C. at a news conference that included more than a dozen state tax agency executives, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen and representatives of the tax preparation and software developer industries.


“Identity thieves are evolving, and so must we,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “The IRS, the states, and the tax industry are putting in place even tougher safeguards. But, we need the public’s help. We need people to join with us and take an active role in protecting their personal and financial data from thieves.”


Here are some steps you can take to protect yourselves:


Use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Use automatic updates. Encrypt your tax returns and other sensitive data. Use strong passwords.


Beware of phishing emails. Are you expecting a message from your bank or tax software company to update your account? A link may take you to a fake website that is designed to steal your log-on information. The attachment you open may include a virus or malware that allows a thief to get into your sensitive files.


Beware of phone scams. If you get a call from an aggressive or belligerent person who says you will be sued or jailed if you don’t make an immediate payment, this is a scam. The BOE will have sent letters before you receive a phone call, which would only be to discuss payment options. Remember, if you want to make sure a call to collect a BOE or FTB debt is legitimate, you can call either of our customer service centers to make sure. The BOE’s number is 1-800-400-7335 and the FTB’s is 1-800-852-5711.   


*                             *                             *                             *
Re-elected in 2014, Chairman Jerome E. Horton is the Third District Member of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), representing more than 9.5 million residents in Los Angeles County. He is also the BOE’s Property Tax Committee Chairman. He is the first to serve as a Board Member with more than 21 years of experience at the BOE. Horton previously served as a Member of the California State Assembly from 2000-2006.
The five-member BOE is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $60 billion annually in taxes and fees, supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes.  For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit the California Tax Service Center.

TERRY LeBLANC OF “TERRY’S TOYS FOR TOTS” hands out a donation can to Stacey Estrada of Calpine to place it at Sierra Valley Lodge. 
“We would like to have a challenge between the Sierra Valley Lodge and the Golden West to see who can raise the most donations. Donation cans will also be placed in businesses throughout the valley,” Terry says. 
He is also recruiting for a volunteer to take over his duties, which has been helping needy families for 20 years. The organization, he says, has raised $4-$5,000 to supply used toys including fixed up bikes.


​ANGEL TREES ARE UP! All gifts must be unwrapped and returned to Sierra County Health & Human Services by 5:00pm on Friday 12/11/2015. Thank you for all the support we have received over the years, let's make this Christmas great for our local kids smile emotion.

 - Reminds Drivers of Special Danger on Year's
Busiest Travel Day 


ATHENS, Ga., Nov. 23, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The 11th annual
observance of Drive Safer Sunday on November 29, 2015 reminds Americans
taking holiday road trips to focus on being rested and attentive to dangers
inside and outside their cars, says non-profit Road Safe America. 


Drive Safer Sunday falls on what is traditionally the busiest highway
travel day of the year - the Sunday following Thanksgiving. It has been
recognized, again this year, prompted by an official Resolution from the
U.S. Senate. 


The observance is sponsored by Road Safe America, a non-profit dedicated to
reducing collisions between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles. Steve
Owings and his wife, Susan, founded Road Safe America in 2003 after their
son, Cullum, was killed when his car - stopped in an interstate traffic jam
- was crushed from behind by a speeding tractor trailer going eight miles
per hour above the posted speed limit on cruise control. That crash
occurred on the Sunday after Thanksgiving as Cullum returned to college
after spending the week at home in Atlanta with his family and friends. 


"The Sunday after Thanksgiving will always be a painful one for our
family," Steve Owings said. "But we hope that by raising awareness of the
dangers of holiday travel, other lives will be spared and other families
will not have to deal with needless, tragic loss." 


U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that, among the 40,000
average highway deaths each year during the past decade, over 500 are
truckers and about 4,000 are auto drivers and passengers involved in
collisions with big trucks. 


RSA reminds everyone traveling during Thanksgiving - and the Christmas and
New Year's holidays to come - to: 


- Get plenty of rest before setting out and take frequent breaks to remain
alert. 


- Consider driving during off-peak travel hours to minimize congestion. 


- Avoid unnecessary distractions behind the wheel - including loud sound
systems and the use of any hand-held devices. Remember that in many states,
a hand-held phone - and particularly texting behind the wheel - has become
illegal. 


- Give large trucks plenty of room since they can't see as well, maneuver
as quickly, or stop in the same distance as passenger vehicles can. 

On November 18 Robert Cooper, 33 of Salem, Or was driving a 1992 Honda at approx. 0305 hours, later determined to have been stolen out of Reno, NV. The Honda was traveling westbound on SR-70 east of Gill Ranch Road, at an unknown speed. For unknown reasons, Cooper allowed the Honda to drift onto the north shoulder and it subsequently collided with a parked Ford pickup before coming to rest against an ascending embankment. Cooper and Tara Corey, 24 of Salem, OR fled the scene prior to CHP arrival.
Following the first collision, Cooper stole a second vehicle, a Ford Explorer located within the Cromberg area and he subsequently was involved in a second collision. Cooper and Corey fled the scene of the second collision.

After the second collision at approximately 0620 hours, Cooper stole a third vehicle, a GMC Yukon which had been parked in the area of the Golden Coach RV Park. Cooper and Corey fled the scene in the GMC and proceeded west on SR-70 toward Quincy. The theft of the third vehicle was witnessed and immediately reported to CHP.

CHP responded and located the stolen GMC proceeding westbound on SR-70 approaching Quincy at a high rate of speed. CHP attempted to make an enforcement stop on the stolen vehicle and a high speed pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued through Quincy and ultimately terminated on SR-70 west of Old Highway East Junction, after Cooper lost control of the GMC and collided with an embankment at approximately 0639 hours. Cooper and Corey were taken into custody without incident and were subsequently transported to Plumas District Hospital  for treatment of injuries sustained as  a result of the collision.

The incident remains under investigation.

On 11/18/2015 at approximately 1800 hours Deputies and Detectives from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at 258 Laurel Ln apartment #8 in Chester which was occupied by Mandie O’Malley. During the search of the apartment a sellable quantity of methamphetamine and concentrated cannabis was located along with scales and other items to indicate that methamphetamine and concentrated cannabis were being sold from the apartment.
 
The occupant of the apartment, Mandie O’Malley, was arrested for possession for sales of a controlled substance specifically methamphetamine and concentrated cannabis. 
 
Three additional subjects, Jeremiah Harvey 22 yoa of Susanville, Crystal Costello 31 yoa of Susanville and Christopher Miller 42 yoa from Greenville were found inside the apartment during the service of the warrant.  Jeremiah Harvey was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance specifically methamphetamine, providing false information to a peace officer and an outstanding warrant from Lassen County for Arson.  Crystal Costello was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance specifically methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Christopher Miller was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and an outstanding warrant from Plumas County for violation of probation. 
 
All four subjects were transported to the Plumas County Correctional Center for booking. 
 
The case has been referred to the DA’s Office.
 
Greg Hagwood
Sheriff/ Coroner
 
By
Steve W Peay
Investigations Sergeant

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met Tuesday night, November 17th. Under Financial Reports, Councilman Brooks Mitchell pointed out a $21,334.31 deficit in the Sewer Enterprise Accounts Receivable and stated, “People owe and aren’t paying,” explaining it’s from not having straightened out the local trailer park. Finance Director Kim Lombardi told of late fees under charged and with a new program to correct it. There are also three residential accounts, one owing $19,720, current now having signed an agreement. 
Brooks, referring back to the trailer park, talked of having a lien on the park if sold. Councilman Mark Marin couldn’t understand how they can’t just shut the water off. Mayor Pat Whitley said if sold at auction, it will just pay County taxes and the City would lose money. Councilman John Cussins wanted to charge for back charges. Brooks stated they’re losing $1,800 a month even with those paying. Kim said the park is paid in a lump sum, not knowing who is or isn’t paying. John told of making multiple calls to HUD and needing jurisdiction. He felt it best “if City just turns it off.“ Mark agreed although John said the City doesn’t own the shut off valve but told of wasted water with swamp coolers and water leaks. Pat suggested a restrictive device but was told it would require a plumbing ordeal. Brooks made a motion to shut the water off to the trailer park. Mark thought that a good idea. Brooks moved to have Counsel compile a letter to the courts and to the property owners to give notice. Mark seconded, stating, “They’ll come to the table and something will get done,” and it was unanimous.


​CITY OF LOYALTON has been offered a maximum of 100 free rain barrels by Good Ideas, a company focused on water conservation. Freight is included!
City Finance Director Kim Lombardi was concerned on where rain barrels would be stored. Councilman Brooks Mitchell and Mayor Pat Whitley knew nothing of rain barrels and were about to dismiss the idea until City Clerk Tracy Smith and from the audience, Jan Buck, urged in favor of the program. Brooks was to look into it. If interested, call City Hall, (530) 993-6750

ACTION at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, November 17th in Loyalton approved a letter to the Plumas National Forest regarding the Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) Management Planning process. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals said the letter was provided in response to a collection of meetings. He said Sierra County attended the first session in Quincy and had been closely following the progress of the OSV travel management plan. He added the Plumas National Forest was gracious to have the fourth meeting in Sierra City. Beals stated the letter highlights a number of points determined to be significant by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors. He said a primary issue was to request the Plumas National Forest maintain the status quo, as the Tahoe National Forest has done. Beals stated there’s concern about Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crossings, which in 20 feet of snow is hard enough to find yet damage. Beals said Supervisor Lee Adams stated the vehicle code already addresses this issue as it pertains to crossing highways. Third concern is about the process of when to groom. Beals said the process is hard to describe, and felt there needed to be a better process to determine when and where there’s 12 inches of snow. He would like Sierra County to be part of the process, particularly because of the involvement in the grooming program. Beals thought there was a weak analysis of the economic and social impacts particularly the connection between La Porte and Truckee. He said 
the PNF seems to think that everyone who uses PNF comes through Plumas County not taking into consideration the Bassetts gateway into the PNF. 
Beals said the last point was several thousand acres being pulled out of Jamison Canyon region. He stated the Forest Service is trying to take responsibility but it was clear that the decision was made in a Plumas County board meeting.


DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION regarding Title III funding requests for Wayman Dam pond wildfire suppression project and Sierra Brooks defensible space project and possible direction to seek funding from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC)– 2015-2016 State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund Grant Program was held at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, November 17th in Loyalton. Supervisors Scott Schelfstein and Lee Adams led the discussion. Schlefstein talked with Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals and Auditor/Tax Collector Van Maddox on rules for this funding and what can be done. Maddox said the money is allowed for and this work qualifies for that, adding the work has to be tied within 200 feet of structures, buildings, or homes. Maddox stated the work seemed to be an appropriate use of the money. Schlefstein said the Sierra Brooks project is within the 200 foot limitation and funding will cover chipping and labor. Sierra County Fire Safe Chairman Dave Goicoechea said they’ve coordinated with SNC and fire safe and expect favorable receipt of grant applications to be submitted. Goicoechea stated work has been coordinated with Sierra Brooks residents. He added Department of Fish and Game wants $2,000 to review the plan (CEQA filing fee), but will do it to get work done in Sierra Brooks. He added the grants are going forward and he would be back at the next meeting to give a progress report. Supervisor Paul Roen said Sierra County was recently awarded an SRA grant for $55,000 for a chipping program. He stated half of the grant would be implemented to the west side of the County and the other half to Sierra Brooks. 
Supervisor Adams said the other project, Wayman Dam pond is in the Pike area and would increase the size of the pond to three acre feet, which is about a million gallons of water. The Pike community has been limited to holding 10,000 gallons in a tank at the firehouse, so this increase to the pond would be incredible water storage for the area.
Schlefstein wanted to direct staff to look into cost analysis. Beals stated the two projects wouldn’t be done until spring or summer of next year, so didn’t think there was a rush. He felt they’d have opportunities to make the funds work.

​BE ON ALERT – It was reported at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on Tuesday that herds of deer are being seen on Highways 49 and 89 licking the road. Supervisor Peter Huebner stated he spoke with Caltrans and it has been spraying the road with what Sheriff Tim Standley called a kind of brine to help melt ice on the highways. Supervisor Lee Adams said in the 40 years he’s lived here he’s never seen the amount of deer on the highway as he has recently. 
This topic is going to be discussed in more detail with Caltrans at the next Fish and Game Commission meeting in Downieville on November 24th to see what can be done. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally one of the busiest travel times in America, can also be one of the deadliest. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will have all available officers on patrol during a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) to help avoid tragedies for California motorists.


In 2014, over the Thanksgiving weekend, 45 people died in collisions on California roadways – a 36 percent increase from the same period in 2013. In addition, the CHP arrested almost 1,000 people for driving under the influence.


“Having a safe Thanksgiving drive this year—and being here to enjoy next Thanksgiving—can be as simple as buckling up,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Nearly half the people who died in the CHP’s jurisdiction over Thanksgiving last year were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.”


The MEP will begin Wednesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. and continue through Sunday, November 29, at 11:59 p.m. During the MEP, CHP officers will not only be enforcing the law, but also assisting motorists.


“Buckling up, avoiding distracted driving, traveling at a safe speed, designating a sober driver – all are especially
important during the holidays,” Commissioner Farrow said. “During the MEP, our officers will emphasize education and enforcement throughout the state to ensure everyone can enjoy their holiday.”


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges “Buckle Up America – Every Trip. Every Time.” Nationwide, more than half the drivers and passengers killed in crashes are not wearing seat belts. The NHTSA estimates that nationally, seat belts saved the lives of 12,854 passenger vehicle occupants in 2013.


# # #

 
Justin Duncan (40) Dayton NV.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Duncan was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, and infliction of force and violence resulting in serious bodily injury.  Duncan remains free on $20,000 bond.
 
Scott Adams (30) San Jose.  Illegal campfire, fine $572.
 
Charles Dickinson (36) Reno.  Illegal campfire, fine $572.
 
Steven McLaughlin (51) Cromberg.  Illegal campfire, fine $572.
 
David Nelson (44) Carson City.  Illegal campfire, fine $572.
 
Brian Tschaburn (28) Reno.  Illegal Campfire, fine $572.
 
Nathan Kaiser (23) Reno.  Illegal Campfire, fine $572.
 
Ronald Mattarolo (59) Tracy.  Disturbing the peace, fine $465.
 
Beverly Gaydos (59) Verdi.  Reckless driving, alcohol related.  Twenty-four months probation, 5 days jail, fine $1519, and must complete alcohol school.
 
Nicole Brogdon (38) Sacramento.  Parole violation for absconding from supervision.  Reinstated on parole, after serving 135 days jail. Brogdon was sent to prison from Sierra County on felony child abuse charges.
 
Joseph Mista (20) Downieville.  Vandalism, one year probation, two days jail, fine $625, and restitution to be decided.
 
Paul Payton (46) Woodsford CA.  Driving while his license was suspended, with a prior conviction.  One year probation, five days jail, fine $2

​THE SIERRA SCHOOLS FOUNDATION President Megan Meschery, parent and teacher of Loyalton High School, was the featured speaker at the November 5th Rotary Club of Loyalton meeting at Golden West Dining.
She thanked the Rotary members for their recent Swinging for Schools Golf Tournament. She told how, on a Fulbright Scholarship to Spain, she’d had the idea of a county-wide eduction foundation.
She called fundraisers “gap-fillers,” and stated a “strong pride in Sierra County.”
Lis Henson, a parent who serves as Director of Marketing & Communications, had made a slide show for planning and to build on what there is to offer. It explained the Roots & Boots  Initiative that encourages students to explore, appreciate and preserve their rural “roots” and the rural and remote landscapes that shaped them, while also providing them with the “boots”, or skills, training and experiences to walk into their future prepared and inspired for what is ahead.
In arts & music, working with the Sierra County Arts Council, they have awarded several grants to bring back instrumental and choral music to elementary, middle, and high school students.  Since 2011, the Loyalton schools have enjoyed music education and instruction with a future plan to build a full-time music program for all ages and to get a music teacher on board.
She told the “terrific job” teachers do in preparing students for college readiness.
In fundraising, she talked about how to get funds to kids directly. Her hope is to do more grant funding and to grow partnerships. Being a small group lacking numbers, they need to add to that to do things together. There are now three major fundraisers, Swinging for Golf being the biggest, and a barn dinner which was “really successful,” and hopes of a fundraiser to coincide with the Banff Film Festival in Downieville.
In all, the Foundation has funded over $120,000 to our schools.
The disappointment has been with the Gran Fondo, a unique, mass start timed cycling event which was featured two years and now has lost its sponsor. She encouraged Rotarians to get involved, to partner with them or take it on and “we would do the work for you.” They already have the big, beautiful blow-up arch and a lot of the accessories.  
It was an excellent idea and Rotarians seemed enthusiastic, naming among themselves possible fundraisers they could change out. The Rotary Club is a huge benefactor for local schools and it seems a likely fit.
Among visitors at the meeting was M. A. Hamid and his lovely wife of Tulare, CA, guests of Elia “Nana” Miles. He was a 4-H exchange student here in 1960 from Palestine and remembers having talked with Elmer Cooper’s science classes. Staying at the Miles’, he has memories of having cut Christmas trees with Bruce and Art Scarlett. He went back to Palestine but returned to the U.S. and attended college in Kansas and got his Master’s at the University of Nevada, Reno and went on to teach math 35 years at Tulare City School. He was soccer coach 33 years. He retired from teaching in 2012 and is now a financial manager for a used car lot in Visalia.  He “considers Loyalton his home town.”
The Rotarians planned to furnish refreshments at the Flag Retirement Ceremony November 11th and are in the process of securing a Christmas tree for the Community Tree Lighting December 5th where they will again furnish refreshments. 

It is with great sadness that we inform you of Judge Kennelly’s passing last evening.


As most of you know, he has fought a difficult battle against progressively worsening cancer complications for several years.  Please join us in offering our sympathy and compassion to Judge Kennelly’s wife, Kathy, his son Peter, daughter Grace and the remainder of his family and friends.


At this time no services are planned.


Thank you,


Lee E. Kirby
Court Executive Officer
Sierra Superior Court

SACRAMENTO, CA – November 04, 2015 – The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) filed comments with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding its draft Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Reduction Strategy (Strategy), which highlight its overt omission of recommended actions, goals, and targets to address black carbon emissions from wildfires. 
Under Senate Bill 605 (Lara) CARB is required to inventory sources and emissions of SLCPs and to identify existing and potential new control measures to reduce these emissions.  SLCP’s are climate forcers that remain in the atmosphere for a much shorter period of time than longer-lived climate pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2).  Their relative potency - when measured in terms of how they heat the atmosphere - can be tens, hundreds, or even thousands of times greater than that of CO2.  The impacts of short-lived climate pollutants are especially strong over the short term, and reducing these emissions can make an immediate beneficial impact on climate change.  
Although the draft Strategy is supposed to address the top SLCPs including black carbon, wildfire emissions are the sole exclusion from the Strategy, despite the fact that wildfires make up 66 percent of the state’s total black carbon emissions.  Instead, the draft Strategy delays the discussion to the Forest Carbon Plan and Bioenergy Action Plan, neither of which will be completed before the January 01, 2016 deadline mandated in SB 605. 
“California’s wildfire problem is getting worse each year, with three major wildfire events occurring in California’s rural counties in recent months,” said RCRC Chair and Sierra County Supervisor Lee Adams.  “The exclusion of any discussion on recommendations to reduce black carbon emissions from wildfires is irresponsible, and short-sighted.” 
As part of its comments, RCRC recommends CARB work with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other state and federal partners to identify short term strategies, such as forest management and biomass utilization projects, to reduce wildfire risk and the resulting black carbon emissions from California’s forest lands.  It is time for California to stop merely talking about reducing wildfires and to implement concrete actions.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In an effort to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the public, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has developed and implemented a number of education and enforcement programs over the years aimed at saving lives.  Recently, the CHP was recognized for these lifesaving efforts by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) during the IACP’s annual conference in Chicago.
The IACP’s National Law Enforcement Challenge (NLEC) is a well-established competition among law enforcement agencies, focused on specific aspects of traffic safety.  For the second year in a row, the CHP’s overall traffic safety efforts earned the Department first place in the NLEC category of State Police/Highway Patrol of 1,501 or More Sworn Officers.   The CHP also won two Special Award categories in the 2015 NLEC, one for their overall effort in promoting Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety and the other for its efforts addressing the issue of impaired driving.
“Receiving these awards highlights the outstanding work of CHP personnel throughout the state,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said.  “We are immensely proud to be recognized by the IACP in so many categories, but the true reward can be measured by the lives saved every year.”
The award for the impaired driving program recognized the CHP’s progress in its efforts to reduce the number of deaths and injuries related to driving under the influence.  In 2013, through training, public education, and enforcement efforts, the number of fatal and injury traffic collisions caused by impaired drivers decreased by 1.69 percent compared to the previous three-year average.
Pedestrian deaths represent about 21 percent of all fatal traffic collision victims, and bicyclists represent approximately 4.3 percent of all fatal traffic collision victims in California.  The CHP’s award submission for pedestrian/bicyclist safety focused on the high level of public information and education to combat this problem.  The CHP will continue to analyze collision trends and other relevant data to refine strategies to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, the most vulnerable users of our state’s roadways.
The CHP’s volunteer programs, which include the Senior Volunteer Program (SVP) and Explorer Program, won the Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Programs Award, considered the most prestigious award a volunteer program in law enforcement can receive.  Together, the two programs have more than 1,150 volunteers, ages 15 to 101, in more than 1,000 communities throughout California.  The SVP began in 1989 and includes volunteers age 55 and older.  The Explorer Program started in 1990 for youths age 15-21 and educates them about careers in law enforcement as well as providing opportunities for community service.   
The 2015 Vehicle Theft Award of Merit in the Multi-agency/Task Force Category went to the Orange County Auto Theft Task Force (OCATT).  The CHP’s Border Division Investigative Service Unit is part of OCATT.  In 2014, OCATT recovered 209 vehicles, valued at more than $3.2 million, and made more than 65 arrests.  Thanks to OCATT’s efforts, in 2014 Orange County saw its largest drop in vehicle thefts in more than four years – a 13 percent reduction.  The positive results of the investigations spanned the entire Southern California region.
Finally, CHP Officer Michael Burton was one of four finalists for the IACP/Target Police Officer of the Year.  He was recognized for risking his own life while off duty to rescue a man from a burning pickup truck in Kern County in July 2014.  Officer Burton received a Medal of Valor from Governor Edmund G Brown Jr. earlier this year for his heroic act.
The IACP is the world’s largest association of law enforcement executives.  With more than 25,000 members in over 121 countries, the IACP serves as the professional voice of law enforcement.