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Sierra County Arts Council needs your support.

11/30/2020

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This year, more than ever, Sierra County Arts Council needs your support. 
Please consider making a donation this Giving Tuesday
and support artists and arts programming across Sierra County.
Our mailing address is:
Sierra County Arts Council
P.O. Box 546
Downieville, CA 95936
The Yuba Theatre: 212 Main St.  
The Yuba Gallery: 208 Main St. Open Sat. 11-5, Sun. 11-3
Our phone: 530-289-9822
Email: info@sierracountyartscouncil.org
Reach Executive Director B.J. Jordan at home: 530-862-1241
​
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TESTING IN DOWNIEVILLE

11/30/2020

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November 30th, 2020

11/30/2020

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Tips to help manage holiday stress during COVID-19
 
By Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health engagement strategies, UnitedHealthcare located in Cypress
 
Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress levels are rising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous disruptions in our daily lives.
 
The American Psychological Association recently reported that “we are facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come.” And it’s not just adults who are feeling it. The report reveals that our children are “facing unprecedented uncertainty, are experiencing elevated stress, and are already reporting symptoms of depression.”
 
Although a modest amount of stress is normal, high levels of stress can be dangerous to your health and may contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Therefore, make sure to keep a close eye on your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones during the holidays.
 
It’s true, there is no magic bullet to make stress disappear forever, but we can take action to help reduce stress. Here is a list of tips that may reduce your stress and lead to a more enjoyable holiday season.
 
  • Learn to recognize your holiday stress triggers and relievers. Financial pressures and personal demands are two common triggers. Also, beware of unhealthy stress relievers. Holiday stress may cause some people to fall into bad habits such as smoking, drinking or eating too much.
 
  • Give yourself a break. While doing things for others, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves. If you feel stress building up, take a break for a few minutes. Listening to calming music, taking time to watch a movie, or just getting away to take a brief walk can give you time to unwind and recharge.
 
  • Make time for your health. In the holiday rush, don’t let your well-being fall by the wayside. Try to stay on your normal sleep schedule, incorporate healthy foods and get regular exercise. If you can’t find a 30-minute chunk of time for exercise, break it up into three 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day.
 
  • Check your health plan benefits. Some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer behavioral health care programs that can range from caring for your mental health to treatment for substance abuse, with a goal of helping improve your overall well-being. For example, Sanvello® offers clinically validated techniques and tools to reduce stress, anxiety and depression within a single app. Sanvello is free to download from the app stores and you can do an instant eligibility check in the app.
  • Enjoy, even if it’s virtually. In the flurry of holiday activities, we sometimes forget what we’re celebrating, so remember to savor the time with people you love. If you or others you know are unable to meet in person, use a phone or set up a Zoom call to celebrate and spend time together. It’s important to minimize any feelings of isolation.
 
  • Talk to your doctor.  If it feels like you’re not able to get a handle on your stress, talk to your doctor. She or he may recommend a counselor who could help you find other ways to help reduce or manage the unhealthy stress in your life.
  •  
    For more health and wellness information, visit UHC.com.
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Case Twenty-two and Twenty-three of COVID-19 in Sierra County

11/30/2020

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On November 30, 2020, Sierra County Public Health received notification of a twenty-second and twenty-third positive COVID-19 test result for residents of Sierra County. Cases are isolating and outreach to close contacts is ongoing. All close contacts identified will be contacted by a member of Public Health. A close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

If you believe you have been a close contact of somebody who has tested positive, stay home and monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days since your last contact with that individual. Consider being tested if symptoms develop. Options for testing are listed on the Sierra County Website, or you may call your health care provider.
For more information please visit www.sierracounty.ca.gov or send an email to covid19@sierra.ca.gov.
Celia Sutton-Pado, MD Public Health Officer Sierra County
For more information, please go to: http://sierracounty.ca.gov/COVID-19 Email: COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov
P.O. Box 7, Loyalton, CA 96118(530) 993-6700www.sierracounty.ca.gov 

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Plumas Sierra County Fair Presents Chipper’s Christmas Wonderland

11/30/2020

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Subject: Plumas Sierra County Fair Presents Chipper’s Christmas Wonderland
Date: November 30, 2020
Contact: John Steffanic 530-283-6272
 
For Immediate Release
 
It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year! The long time mascot of the Plumas Sierra County Fair; Chipper, certainly thinks so! For this holiday season, he (or she, we don’t really know) has partnered with the non-profit foundation of the Fair to produce “Chipper’s Christmas Wonderland”. The PSCF Foundation, along with this loveable rodent, got dozens of volunteers to hand paint a variety of Christmas scenes that will be displayed along a drive-thru tour of the fairgrounds. Over 5000 lights will cover buildings and fill trees for this first annual event.
 
For weeks, volunteers have filtered in and out of Serpilio Hall to cut figures from plywood and paint them to create scenes like a Gingerbread Village, busy elves and even Santas that wave! Penguins, reindeer and snowmen will fill nooks and crannies, waiting to delight kids of all ages.
 
Originally planned as a combination drive-thru and walking tour, COVID considerations, at least for this year, make this an exclusive drive-thru experience. The attraction will open Friday, December 4 at 6pm and operate until 8pm. It will be open again Saturday night, December 5, and every Friday and Saturday night through December 19, with the same hours. Visitors can come to the front gate where they will be greeted and spaced out to avoid cars getting too close to each other. As a special treat, the fabulous performers of Quircus will be fire dancing amongst the trees. The path will wind along the promenades, past brightly lit buildings, around the family gardens and finally by Santa’s Cabin. Santa will be there, on his front porch, waving and talking to families as they stay in their car. A helpful elf will be there with a basket on a stick to transfer wrapped candy canes from Santa to the kids, and even receive letters to Santa in return. All that is asked is that visitors remain in their cars the entire time. There will be no bathrooms available and no other services that would require leaving the vehicle. Maybe next year!
 
The PSCF Foundation is dedicated to anything that promotes the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds and makes it thrive. A major portion of that mission comes from fostering the communities of Plumas and Sierra Counties. This is a free event. There will be a donation barrel available as visitors leave and contributions will be used to make next year even bigger and better! Hopefully, visitors will have the opportunity to come visit Chipper’s Christmas Wonderland several times throughout December.
 
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LIBERTY ADDS FIRST MICROGRID TO UC BERKELEY’S SAGEHEN CREEK FIELD STATIONREDUCES FIRE IGNITION RISK

11/30/2020

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TAHOE, Calif., (Nov 30, 2020) – Liberty (CalPeco Electric) LLC announced today that construction of its first microgrid is complete and in operation at UC Berkeley’s Sagehen Creek Field Station.  A microgrid is a decentralized electric source and distribution that can provide electric power to an isolated area of the electrical distribution system and be synchronized with the full system, providing additional power and load balancing.  The Sagehen Microgrid is comprised of 48 solar panels and 53kWh of battery storage, with emergency generator back up.  The system allows Sagehen to operate almost exclusively on solar power during the summer months and will contribute to Liberty’s ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts.
“This project is a great example of our wildfire mitigation infrastructure hardening improvements”, said Eliot Jones, Liberty’s Sr. Manager Wildfire Prevention.  “The microgrid will allow us to de-energize four miles of power line in the summer months which runs through dense vegetation in one of our higher risk areas for fire,” said Jones.
“Although wildfire mitigation and prevention is top of mind, especially during the hot dry summer months in California, this project also contributes to our organization’s sustainability and 100% renewable energy goals for Liberty (CalPeco Electric) LLC,” said Lindsay Maruncic, Liberty’s Sr. Manager Renewable Energy Assets.  “This is the first microgrid in our service territory and represents progress toward the diversification and modernization of our electrical system”, said Maruncic.
Located off Highway 89, just north of Truckee, California, Sagehen Creek Field Station is a research and teaching facility that benefits both the University and students of the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District.  The University of California Berkeley has been an exceptional partner in the success of this project.  The addition of the micro grid will be both an educational and environmental asset for all.  “We are thrilled to be the site of Liberty’s first microgrid”, said Robert Rhew, the UC Berkeley Faculty Director of Sagehen.  “Two major themes of research at our field station involve wildfire risk management and environmental change in the Sierra Nevada. The solar microgrid addresses both of these societal concerns by reducing both the risk of wilderness ignition and the emissions of radiatively active gases.”
For additional information about Liberty or its sustainability efforts, customers are asked to visit http://libertyutilities.com/cleanenergy/ or call 1-800-782-2506.



About Liberty



A subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX/NYSE: AQN), Liberty is committed to providing safe and reliable natural gas, water, and electricity distribution services to over one million customer connections. Liberty’s operations are primarily located in the United States and Canada, but have expanded to Chile and Bermuda. With a customer-centric approach to management, Liberty provides a superior customer experience through local management of walk-in centers, conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, customer satisfaction, and an unwavering dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty’s North American distribution operations include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma and Texas in the United States, and New Brunswick, Canada.  For more information, please visit www.libertyutilities.com<http://www.libertyutilities.com>.



Liberty’s renewable energy business develops, owns, and operates a portfolio of long-term contracted wind, solar, and hydroelectric generating facilities representing over 2 GW of installed capacity and more than 1.4 GW of incremental renewable energy capacity under construction. As an independent power producer, Liberty delivers stable and growing earnings from a diversified portfolio of non-regulated renewable and clean energy powered electric generation facilities; demonstrates a responsible attitude to the environment and the community partners that host its facilities; recognizes that continued development of people is key to success; and provides continuing growth from a robust pipeline of greenfield renewable power projects and value accretive acquisitions. For more information, please visit www.algonquinpower.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain written statements included herein constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in each of the provinces of Canada and the respective policies, regulations and rules under such laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995  (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The words "will", "expects", "intends", "plans", "should" and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to statements regarding the ongoing strategy and purpose of the Company, including commitment to sustainability and stakeholders; the impact of services on customers and communities; the timing for introduction of the new Liberty brand; sustainability strategy, initiatives, targets and goals, including those related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, women in leadership and increasing renewable generation; ongoing and planned projects and initiatives including smart meters, net meters, battery storage, and free water-saving devices; biodiversity and conservation initiatives; the outcome and impact of our ongoing Customer First initiative; future growth in earnings; and continued growth and acquisition of renewable energy projects and opportunities. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their nature they rely upon assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. APUC and Liberty caution that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors and assumptions include those set out in APUC's most recent annual and interim Management Discussion and Analysis and most recent Annual Information Form, filed with securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, neither APUC nor Liberty undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.


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STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF TODD JOHNS REGARDING CALIFORNIA’S LIMITED STAY AT HOME ORDER

11/28/2020

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Plumas County COVID-19 Purple Tier Release
As you may be aware, California's Public Health Officer, Dr. Erica S. Pan, issued a Limited Stay at Home Order on November 19, 2020 which took effect at 10:00 PM on Saturday, November 21, 2020 and will remain in effect until 5:00 AM on December 21, 2020. In general terms, the order provides that ‘non-essential’ work, movement and gatherings are prohibited between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM in counties within the purple tier.

There has been considerable speculation and rumoring regarding the restrictions imposed by the order, including the extent to which the Sheriff’s Office will enforce this order.
As the Sheriff of Plumas County, I want to assure you that the basic laws which protect our freedoms are inviolable and this Office will not be formally involved in this order’s enforcement. Simply put, deputies will not be checking on homes and stopping vehicles to ensure compliance with this order.
I continue to ask that the members of our community take personal responsibility for their health and well-being and do all they can to help protect the same of other members of our community. I cannot overstate the importance of voluntary compliance with common-sense measures, such as social distancing, the use of face-coverings where appropriate, proper hygiene, staying at home when sick and other related health recommendations.
### 

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SHOVEL BUZZARD ATTRACTS BIRDS

11/28/2020

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Shovel buzzards are a creation of Raymond Giminez of Loyalton. Jean Myles of Reno was gifted one of the unique characters and has made it a bird feeder to attract feathered friends.
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Grow Frilly, Bold and Unique Amaryllis Indoors This Winter

11/28/2020

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by Melinda Myers

 
When squirrels are busy storing nuts for winter, it’s time for gardeners to start gathering amaryllis bulbs to sustain them through the dreary months ahead. Ordering now will ensure you have lots of choices, so you can select an assortment of different flowers styles, colors, and bloom times.
 
The flowers of double amaryllis are packed full of petals and sure to brighten any day. Double King lives up to its name with three or more layers of brilliant red, velvety petals. Each bulb produces multiple flower stems, so you’ll enjoy weeks of blossoms.
 
Sweet Nymph is another double and its softer coloring is equally beautiful. The flowers feature layers of creamy white petals with coral pink stripes and are sure to add a bit of romantic charm to your winter.
 
Add some energy to your indoor décor with amaryllis Dancing Queen (longfield-gardens.com). The bold eight-inch blooms are comprised of layers of ruffled snow-white petals with delicate scarlet-red stripes.
 
The flowers of Exotic Star have an unusual shape and color that have earned it lots of fans. The asymmetrical petals are parchment-white with narrow, garnet-red stripes and apple green highlights.
 
Bring in some fresh spring green color with amaryllis Evergreen. Pale chartreuse petals give it a fresh, modern look. Each bulb produces two stems with four to six flowers each. Enjoy them as a living bouquet or cut a few stems to display in a vase.
 
Grow Ice Queen when looking to add elegance to your winter décor. Its enormous, frosty white flowers have lime green accents and combine nicely with evergreen boughs and holiday decorations. Plant the bulbs by early November to get flowers for the holidays.
 
Charisma is another variety that blooms in early winter. The two-tone petals have a unique ombre effect. Enjoy the changing colors this variety exhibits as it transforms from bud to fully open flower.
 
Amaryllis are long lasting cut flowers and the variety Picotee is no exception. Each of its pure white petals are outlined with a very thin red line. A lime-green center adds freshness. Beautiful displayed in a pot or in a vase.
 
Rosy Star is another eye-catching amaryllis with snowy white blossoms that are decorated with brush stroke highlights in three shades of pink. The apple green throat adds to this variety’s elegance and appeal.
 
As more people discover the joy of growing amaryllis, flower breeders are busy introducing new cultivars. Gervase is a good example of these exciting new options. Each blossom is a little different, with ruby-red petals adorned with variable stripes and veining. You will have plenty of blooms to enjoy as large bulbs can produce twelve or more spectacular blossoms.
 
Maximize your enjoyment by growing your amaryllis where you can watch the daily transformation, from the first bud breaking through the soil until the flowers begin to unfurl.
 
Growing amaryllis indoors will keep you gardening all year round, no matter where you live.  You’ll enjoy the mood-boosting benefits and stress relief, and the colorful blossoms are sure to brighten your winter days.

Melinda Myers has written numerous books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
 
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PLUMAS COUNTY REPORTS SIX NEW COVID-19 CASES

11/28/2020

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11/27/20: Six positive COVID-19 test results for one resident from the Southern Region (American Valley),  one from Northern Region (Indian Valley) and  four residents from Eastern Region (Portola/ Graeagle) for a total of 211. ​
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November 25th, 2020

11/25/2020

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As of November 25, 2020, Sierra County Public Health has received notification of two new positive COVID-19 cases in Sierra County. Due to a delay in receiving confirmation of positive cases, one case has completed isolation and is recovered. Investigation is ongoing with the second case.

Based on guidance from the CDC, close contacts will be notified by Sierra County Public Health if one of the following criteria are identified.
  •   You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period. This definition applies whether masks were worn or not.
  •   A person with COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
  •   You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
  •   You had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19 (hugged or kissed)
  •   You shared eating or drinking utensils with someone who has COVID-19
    As you are aware, cases of COVID-19 continue to increase both locally and in neighboring counties and cities where many of our residents work and shop. Sierra County remains in the orange tier however, this is not a time to let down our guard. With the holiday season upon us, every person has a role to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
  •   If you are around others who are not from your household, wear a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  •   Avoid gatherings. You can enjoy your holidays and activities safely, without gathering.
  •   Wear a face covering at all times when in businesses, at school, or unable to maintain 6 feet distance.
  •   Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you have been in a public place.
  •   If you feel sick, stay home, except to receive medical care.
  •   If you think or know that you may have been exposed, stay home.
    For more information, please visit http://sierracounty.ca.gov/582/Coronavirus-COVID-19 or email COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov
    Celia Sutton-Pado, MD Public Health Officer Sierra County
P.O. Box 7, Loyalton, CA 96118  (530) 993-6700  www.sierracounty.ca.gov 

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ANGEL TREES IN LOYALTON

11/24/2020

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Sierra Valley Holiday Planners & Terry's Toys for Tots are accepting gifts for our community through 12/11/2020. If you would like to find an Angel to buy a gift for there are tags up at the Loyalton Post office, The Hair Faire and at the Golden West. All gifts must be unwrapped and returned to the Sierra County Public Health office by 5:00pm on Friday 12/11/2020. Please be mindful of COVID safety precautions when dropping off gifts. Also, If you know a family in need, extra request forms are located at the Loyalton Post Office and at the Social Services office. Thank you for all the support we have received over the years, let's make this Christmas great for our local kids!
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Have a Happy Thanksgiving; don’t let COVID-19 restrictions get you down

11/24/2020

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by Rebecca Weber, CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]

Don’t let the COVID crisis put a damper on your Thanksgiving Day. Several years ago the founder of the Association of Mature American Citizens, the late Dan Weber, my dad, issued a Thanksgiving Day message at a another particularly trying time in our nation’s history. The threats we faced then were disruptive but definitely less threatening than the pandemic that has us safe-distancing, self-isolating and watching too many of our fellow citizens fall ill and perish. 

Nonetheless the message my father had then is appropriate this year. As he put it: “Pessimists might suggest that we have a lot to be fearful of these days and not a lot to be thankful for. They’ll say that the threats of terror attacks have cast a dark shadow over the country. And they’ll argue that the country is divided politically and that unrest is widespread. But the truth is that every day is Thanksgiving Day. Challenges abound, they always have. But we have much more for which to be grateful than we have to be afraid of. As Psychologist Robert L. Leahy put it: ‘giving thanks may be the best gift that you can give to others—and to yourself. And, like the best things in life, it’s free’.”

Top of the list of optimistic news for which we can be grateful is the promising progress being made on the development of a COVID killer vaccine. At least seven trials of vaccines are underway by respected pharmaceutical firms. They are working feverishly to make an effective serum available for distribution as soon as possible. In fact, bearing in mind that annual routine flu shots are 40 to 60 percent effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control, three of the COVID trials are reported to have shown impressive efficacy results in the 92 to 95 percent range. 

Meanwhile, Just days ago Pfizer and its partner BioNTech announced that they are petitioning the FDA for approval for “emergency usage” of their vaccines.  And several other drug companies whose trials have shown their COVID shots are highly effective are expected to file their own requests for early usage.

If these developments don’t make you grateful, there are plenty of other reasons to be thankful. Keep in mind the armies of caregivers and first responders who risk their lives day after day to help the victims of the coronavirus.

And then there are our friends and neighbors who aren’t afraid to offer help when needed, like Lauren Laborde who lost her job due to the pandemic. Instead of feeling sorry for herself she decided to do chores, including lawn work, for locked down senior citizens and veterans in her community in Houston, TX. She’s not alone. Across the country there are thousands of citizen volunteers who go out of their way to help friends, families and strangers during these trying times.

My hope is that this message gives you a reason to have a Happy Thanksgiving.

###

The 2.3 million member Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] www.amac.us is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members. AMAC Action is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the membership in our nation’s capital and in local Congressional Districts throughout the country. And the AMAC Foundation (www.AmacFoundation.org) is the Association’s non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting and educating America’s Seniors. Together, we act and speak on the Association members’ behalf, protecting their interests and offering a practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today. Live long and make a difference by joining us today at www.amac.us/join-amac.
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LOYALTON TESTING

11/23/2020

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The Healthy Communities Resolution

11/23/2020

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In my district, Gavin Newsom's curfew is a dead letter. All three Sheriffs are not enforcing it, trusting people to make their own decisions. The same is true of many Sheriffs across California.


Collective action at the local level can be a powerful counterweight against Newsom’s one-man rule. That’s why I’ve written the Healthy Communities Resolution, which is now being considered by the Board of Supervisors in 15 counties.


The Resolution comes out of the Conference of North State Representatives we convened in Red Bluff. I worked with James Gallagher and other legislators to crystallize the points of agreement from the Conference into a Resolution for each county’s Board of Supervisors to consider and adapt as they see fit. Here are a few of the introductory clauses:


  • WHEREAS, California has struggled as much as any state during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the third highest unemployment rate in the country, the largest backlog of unpaid jobless claims, and the fifth worst excess death rate west of the Mississippi; and
 
  • WHEREAS, California’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” provides a one-size-fits-all approach to reopening communities that fails to allow the flexibility to respond in a data-driven way to what is occurring in our county; and
 
  • WHEREAS, Our county has seen increases in drug abuse, delayed medical care, depression among our youth, and the overall need for mental health services


The Resolution concludes that “these facts demonstrate a need for collective and unified action from our county and surrounding communities,” including:
  • That our county is best served by an ability to respond locally to the COVID-19 virus in accordance with our local data and circumstances
  • That school districts in our jurisdiction are urged to safely open all schools as soon as possible


While we’ve sent the Healthy Communities Resolution to the 15 Northern California counties at the Conference, any county can pass it. So you can get in touch with your Board of Supervisors to have it considered no matter where you live. A copy of the sample Resolution along with our letter to county leaders is here.


For all of California government’s shortcomings, it nevertheless contains a rich institutional tapestry interwoven with 170 years of history. These institutions provide distinct reserves of power, sites for organizing, and vehicles for opposition.


Gavin Newsom can only turn California into a full-fledged autocracy if we let him. So let’s not let him.


Support My Efforts to End Newsom’s One-Man Rule


Share this Post on Facebook


Kevin Kiley,
California Legislator

Paid for by Kevin Kiley for Assembly, FPPC ID #1414222


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TWO NEW CASES OF COVID-19; ONE HOSPITALIZED IN SIERRA COUNTY

11/23/2020

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Two New Cases of COVID-19, One Hospitalized in Sierra County
As of November 23, 2020, Sierra County Public Health has confirmed two new positive COVID-19 cases in Sierra County and is reporting its first hospitalization due to COVID-19. Cases are isolating and outreach to close contacts is ongoing; all close contacts identified will be contacted by a member of Public Health. Based on guidance from the CDC, you will be considered a close contact if you fall into one of these categories:
  •   You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period. This definition applies whether masks were worn or not.
  •   A person with COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
  •   You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
  •   You had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19 (hugged or kissed)
  •   You shared eating or drinking utensils with someone who has COVID-19
    If you believe you fit into at least one of the categories above, please stay home and monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days since last contact. Consider being tested if symptoms develop. Options for testing are listed on the Sierra County Website, or call your health care provider.
    As you are aware, cases of COVID-19 continue to increase both locally and in neighboring counties and cities where many of our residents work and shop. This is not a time to let down our guard. With the holiday season upon us, every person has a role to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
    •   If you are around others who are not from your household, wear a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    •   Avoid gatherings. You can enjoy your holidays and activities safely, without gathering.
    •   Wear a face covering at all times when in businesses, at school, or unable to maintain 6 feet
      distance.
    •   Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you have been in a public place.
    •   If you feel sick, stay home, except to receive medical care.
    •   If you think or know that you may have been exposed, stay home.
      For more information, please visit http://sierracounty.ca.gov/582/Coronavirus-COVID-19 or email
      COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov
Celia Sutton-Pado, MD Public Health Officer Sierra County 

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​FOOD BANK UTILIZES MATCH TO MAXIMIZE GIVING TUESDAY IMPACTTO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER

11/23/2020

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Sparks, NV, November 23, 2020- The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is maximizing Giving Tuesday donations with a match offer to help to fund their Child Nutrition programs, which support children who face hunger through a variety of programs.  With the support of John Anderson Construction, and their generous matching donation, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada is able to triple Giving Tuesday donations to help with this vital initiative.  The Food Bank of Northern Nevada supports children through programs like school based food pantries, Kids Cafe, which feeds kids when they are out of school, Back-Pack Kids program and Mobile Harvest.  Their goal for the Giving Tuesday Campaign is to raise an additional 45,000 meals to help children who face hunger throughout northern Nevada and the eastern slope of the Sierra in California.  
 
"Child Hunger is a problem in that we must address in order to have a healthy community,” said Nicole Lamboley, president & CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.  “This year has been tough for everyone, and especially for families with children in the household.  We want to make sure that we are prepared to meet these significant increases that we are seeing so that all children have access to the food they need to be healthy.” 
 
Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 1 and those who would like to support the effort can do so at fbnn.org.  
 
A study by Feeding America that was updated in October 2020, The Impact of the CoronavIrus on Food Insecurity, projects that the rate of child food insecurity will reach 32.3% in Nevada by the end of this year, which will tie us (with Louisiana) for the highest food insecurity rate in the nation.  This represents a 65% increase in child food insecurity in two years moving us from 9th in the nation to 1st. 
 
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CHP EMPHASIZES SAFE THANKSGIVING TRAVEL AMID PANDEMIC

11/23/2020

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As Californians plan for the Thanksgiving holiday during the ongoing pandemic, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone the rules of driving safety are just as crucial as ever.
 
To encourage safe travel, the CHP will enact a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 29.  During the MEP, CHP officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices as well as helping motorists in need. 
 
“This year has presented us with many unforeseen challenges, but safety is still our priority,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.  “If you choose to travel this Thanksgiving weekend, our goal is to help motorists arrive at their destination without incident.” 
 
Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic may be a bit lighter, but this is not an invitation to speed to your destination.  The rules of the road still apply, and motorists should avoid driving tired, impaired, or distracted.  Additionally, in an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission, Governor Gavin Newsom has instituted a limited stay at home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and a travel advisory, encouraging people to only go about essential activities during those hours and to self-quarantine for 14 days if they are arriving from another state or country.
 
Those who must be on the road, remember to buckle up.  Proper seat belt use is the single most effective way to save a life in the event of a crash.  When you are traveling for the holiday, or any time of the year, make sure everyone in the vehicle is safely secured before even starting the car, and that includes children being in the correct child safety seats. 
 
During the 2019 Thanksgiving MEP, 42 people died on California roadways.  Of the 27 who died within CHP jurisdiction, 11 were not wearing seat belts.  The CHP also made 867 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 

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California Dental Association reminds public that dentistry is an essential health care service during pandemic

11/21/2020

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Sacramento, Calif. — With most of the state under a new California Department of Public Health Limited Stay at Home order, the California Dental Association reminds the public that dental care is an essential health care service and dental practices remain open.

Under guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental practices adhere to strict infection control guidelines and office protocols to safely provide oral health care during the pandemic.
“Oral health is essential to overall health and we want Californians to know that dentists are prepared to safely provide care and meet their patients’ oral health care needs,” said Dr. Richard Nagy, president of the California Dental Association.

To minimize the risk of infection, dental practices follow very strict infection control guidelines to protect patients and staff, including:

  • Staggered appointment times to ensure social distancing.
  • Prescreening questions by phone/text before appointments and additionally when you arrive.
  • Fewer people in the waiting room.
  • Virtual check-in before entering the office to reduce traffic flow.
  • Temperature taken upon arrival.
  • Masks worn by everyone throughout appointments, including patients (except during treatment).
  • Dentist and dental team wearing more protective clothing and face protection than previously worn.
  • Other precautions, such as no magazines or toys in the waiting room and a sneeze guard at the front desk, for example.


To keep teeth and gums healthy, CDA urges Californians to brush two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, avoid sugary drinks and visit a dentist for regular checkups to diagnose dental problems early when they are easier to treat. To help keep children out of dental pain, parents should provide each family member with his or her own toothbrush, spoon, fork or cup; wipe infants’ gums twice a day with a washcloth; clean pacifiers and bottles with soap and water, not spit; put only water in a baby’s bottle at bedtime; and help children brush and floss until they have mastered the skill — usually around age 7.

About the California Dental Association
The California Dental Association is the non-profit organization representing organized dentistry in California. Founded in 1870, CDA is committed to the success of our members in service to their patients and the public. CDA also contributes to the oral health of Californians through various comprehensive programs and advocacy. CDA’s membership consists of more than 27,000 dentists, making it the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. For more information, visit cda.org. 
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Thanksgiving 2020 Is the Perfect Time to Step Up Your Gratitude Game.

11/21/2020

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Your Employees Kept You Going This Year.
While scrambling to keep their business alive in tough times, leaders may forget to
thank someone essential: their employees. Deb Boelkes says it’s time for that to change.
And she shares some heartfelt ways to show gratitude this Thanksgiving.

          Jacksonville, FL (November 2020)—Thanksgiving might look a little different for your employees this year. They may not be doing much traveling due to COVID-19, and their family gatherings are likely to be small, quiet affairs. But Deb Boelkes says leaders can make Turkey Day special by giving workers the heartfelt “thank-you” they deserve and need right now.
          “For the better part of 2020, employees have kept businesses going strong,” says Boelkes, author of Heartfelt Leadership: How to Capture the Top Spot and Keep on Soaring(Business World Rising, 2020, ISBN: 978-1-734-07613-4, $19.95). “They’ve worked long hours, coped with the stressors of the pandemic, and done what’s necessary to function in unprecedented chaos. Not only is the Thanksgiving holiday a much-deserved break, it’s also the perfect time to honor their hard work with messages and gestures of thanks and appreciation.”
          Saying thank you isn’t just a nice thing to do during the holidays. It’s smart business year-round. It positively impacts everything from employee well-being to job satisfaction to motivation to productivity. It’s a powerhouse tool for building engagement. It may even be a pathway to a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent workplace, notes Boelkes.
          “When a leader begins saying thank you on a regular basis, it truly can boost positive emotions throughout the workforce,” she says. “In fact, it can unleash a chain reaction of gratitude in which everyone becomes more appreciative of each other. In hard times, this can make the workplace a haven.”
          With Thanksgiving just a couple days away, now is the perfect time to step up your gratitude game. Here’s how:
Take a pre-Turkey Day celebration break. Do you regularly set aside time to recognize and celebrate employee accomplishments? If not, now is a great time to get started. Take an afternoon before the holiday break for a celebration calling out the great work people have been doing. For employees working on-site, you might hold a socially distanced pizza party, for instance (they’ll have enough turkey soon!). And don’t forget remote employees: Simply request that everyone finish up half an hour early and host a Zoom happy hour. While everyone is enjoying their snacks and sodas, take a few minutes to say thank you to each employee.
“Get specific about how their hard work has helped the company and share a few things you have noticed that they do especially well,” suggests Boelkes. “Then open it up for employees to thank and compliment one another. It’s a great way to create a sense of unity and camaraderie while people are physically separated.”
Put your “thank-you” on (festive) paper. The uniqueness of a handwritten note—especially in this age of emails, Facebook posts, and tweets—will not go unnoticed. Pick up some beautiful paper in fall colors (or maybe seasonally themed greeting cards) and write a heartfelt letter of thanks to your employees. Simple words of gratitude and encouragement are always uplifting. And if you want to call out someone’s exceptional performance on a recent project, it will be greatly appreciated.
As Paul Spiegelman, cofounder of the Small Giants Community, shared, “That note you can get from someone…that says, ‘thank you, you’ve changed my life’…is much more powerful, much more valuable, than any amount of money I could have in the bank.”
Extend the gratitude to family members as well. The simple act of sending a special thank-you note to an employee’s spouse, parent, or child can have an exponential impact. (After months of Zoom meetings, you may already be on a first-name basis with them as well!) This thank-you can help strengthen the high performer’s personal life, especially when his/her partner or other family member may have felt he/she, too, had sacrificed—from family time lost—as a result of the dedicated effort extended by this hardworking relation.
Want to go the extra mile? Consider sending the family a pecan pie or a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving dessert.
Be especially generous with flex time… When everyone is stressed and overworked, giving people some freedom with their work schedule helps them stay sane—especially near the holidays when people might feel stressed and overextended. If someone’s life can be made easier by working a half-day in the morning and finishing their work in the evening, be as accommodating as possible. Also try to make yourself available to them on their schedule if you can. This is a big way to let them know you care.
…And encourage time off, now and going forward. You might go ahead and give your team the Wednesday off before Thanksgiving as well as the Friday afterward. Encourage them to spend the time relaxing. But don’t stop there. Encouraging people to take mental health days from time to time, as well as their regular vacation days, is a great way to say thank you. Also, periodically, dismiss your team early or tell them to come in late the following day. In these days of remote work, employees need reminders that they can make time to recharge and take breaks.
          “During a time when everyone needs a boost of positivity, don’t underestimate the power of thank-you,” concludes Boelkes. “It can do amazing things for morale and make your team unstoppable, even in a pandemic. And saying thank you feels good. It rewards the giver as much as it rewards the recipient. Express it freely and you will keep the gratitude flowing during Thanksgiving and beyond.”
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About the Author:
Deb Boelkes is the award-winning author of The WOW Factor Workplace: How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture and Heartfelt Leadership: How to Capture the Top Spot and Keep on Soaring. 

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Blue or Merry Holiday Season?

11/21/2020

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Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
Now is the time to develop your plan for avoiding a blue holiday season and having a merry holiday season. I love Elvis' song Blue Christmas, but I don't want to have one. However, In the best of times holiday blues strike most people.
 
If you are missing a significant person in your life the blues are inevitable. You miss them sitting at your table. You miss them coming in your home. You are reminded of how much that person meant to you. Holiday shows don't often help. While some are festive, they often remind us of the voids we have in our lives. We don't always enjoy songs like I'll be home for Christmas because we know that often home is a past memory. Being reminded of the past is not always warm and fuzzy. 
 
Social isolation will only make this year tougher. The best in life are the friends, family and positive relationships we have. Talking on the telephone, video chats, and good human relationship connections are important for your spirit. 
 
Churches, groups, fraternal organizations etc. need to think about reaching out to people this season. Real, actual communication is the key. People don't need more Robocalls, more Facebook videos or mail to read. People need real human interaction and this may be the toughest December in our modern history to have this. 
 
Sunday school classes, senior adult organizations, school organizations, classes, teams, should coordinate efforts to reach out to each other and to others. Letting others know you are thinking about them with positive reinforcement will be critical this holiday season. 
 
Suicide happens too much during the holiday season. With Covid-19, unemployment and so many issues facing our planet, the environment for an upsurge of suicide is ripe. People can be saved from this by us all helping each other. 
 
Make a holiday telephone list of people you are going to call often between now and January 1. You may call them every week. Or, it may be someone who needs a call every two or three days. Keep the calls brief. Often five or ten minutes will be a boost to someone. If you text message or video chat then commit to connecting with others with occasional chats and brief hellos. 
 
One of the ways to boost your spirit to be helpful. Who can you help this holiday? How can you help your local school? How can you help someone who is hurting more than you? How can you help a local human aid group or senior citizen's group? You may know people who have lost loved ones. If you do, it helps to talk to others and say, "I know how you feel and what you are going through." There are people all around who may not be suffering as much as you. When you take your mind off yourself to help someone else, then you will find your load will be a little lighter and your spirit brighter. 
 
The blues may sneak up on us this season. However, begin making your game plan now for overcoming and moving beyond them.  
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THANKSGIVING TIPS

11/21/2020

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Two New Cases of COVID-19 in Sierra County

11/19/2020

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On November 19, 2020, Sierra County Public Health received notification of a sixteenth and seventeenth positive COVID-19 test result for residents of Sierra County. Cases are isolating and outreach to close contacts is ongoing; all close contacts identified will be contacted by a member of Public Health. Based on guidance from the CDC, you will be considered a close contact if you fall into one of these categories:

  •   You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period. This definition applies whether masks were worn or not.
  •   A person with COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
  •   You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
  •   You had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19 (hugged or kissed)
  •   You shared eating or drinking utensils with someone who has COVID-19
    If you believe you fit into at least one of the categories above, please stay home and monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days since last contact. Consider being tested if symptoms develop. Options for testing are listed on the Sierra County Website, or call your health care provider.
    As you are aware, cases of COVID-19 continue to increase both locally and in neighboring counties and cities where many of our residents work and shop. This is not a time to let down our guard. With the holiday season upon us, every person has a role to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
    •   If you are around others who are not from your household, wear a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    •   Avoid gatherings. You can enjoy your holidays and activities safely, without gathering.
    •   Wear a face covering at all times when in businesses, at school, or unable to maintain 6 feet
      distance.
    •   Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you have been in a public place.
    •   If you feel sick, stay home, except to receive medical care.
    •   If you think or know that you may have been exposed, stay home.
      For more information, please visit http://sierracounty.ca.gov/582/Coronavirus-COVID-19 or email
      COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov
Celia Sutton-Pado, MD Public Health Officer Sierra County
P.O. Box 7, Loyalton, CA 96118(530) 993-6700www.sierracounty.ca.gov 

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California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray today issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s limited stay at home order:

11/19/2020

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“The health and safety of our employees and the public we serve is our highest priority. In an effort to preserve public health and safety of all Californians and stop the surge of COVID-19 cases, the Governor has instituted a limited stay at home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. with the goal that people will self-regulate their behavior, protect themselves, and go about only the “essential” activities during those hours.
 
“The mission of the CHP is unchanged.  CHP officers will continue to patrol throughout California and use their sound professional judgment to conduct enforcement stops for violations of the law based upon probable cause.  The CHP does not make arrests based on race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or for any reason other than violations of the law based on probable cause.  As always, CHP officers will have the discretion to take appropriate action when a violation is observed.”

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Caltrans Reminds Motorists of Safe Driving Tips in Fog

11/19/2020

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Drivers Should Prepare for Reduced Visibility during Morning Commutes
 
MARYSVILLE — Motorists are reminded to plan for extra travel time and remember safe driving tips for foggy conditions.
Throughout the fall, winter and early spring, the greater Sacramento region often finds itself shrouded in thick ground fog, better known as Tule fog, which emerges after the rains saturate soil.
Nearly three in four fog-related traffic collisions are connected to motorists driving too fast, statistics indicate. These collisions also result in the highest fatality rates.
To help motorists navigate safely through foggy conditions, Caltrans offers these driving tips:
  • Reduce your speed to ensure a safe stopping distance.
  • Drive with headlights on low beam. Never drive with only the parking lights or fog lights on and avoid using high beams in fog.
  • Use extra caution when crossing traffic or busy intersections, especially in dense fog. Lower your window and listen for traffic you can't see.
  • Use windshield wipers and your defroster to improve visibility.
  • Be patient and don't pass long lines of traffic.
  • Use the “fog line” on your right shoulder as a guide.
  • Avoid stopping along the freeway or highway shoulders.
When looking to exit, the solid white line on the shoulder will veer to the right, breaks for a few feet and then resumes along the ramp. Also, highways prone to fog will have markers that follow a 3-2-1 dot countdown pattern to let motorists know there is an exit ahead. On the right shoulder, drivers will see three reflective markers 2,100 feet before the exit, two markers at 1,400 feet and one marker at 700 feet.
 
Caltrans District 3 maintains more than 4,385 lanes miles of state highway in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties.Caltrans issues updates about road conditions on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.
 
 
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