CHP FOCUSED ON ELIMINATING DISTRACTED DRIVING
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Distracted driving can be a life-changing choice resulting in crashes and the deaths of thousands of people every year in the United States. Driven to make a difference, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has implemented a yearlong Adult Distracted Drivers grant designed to keep California roads safe through education and enforcement. CHP officers throughout the state will host in-person presentations and use Web-based or virtual platforms to conduct distracted driving traffic safety presentations. In addition, the CHP will conduct several distracted driving enforcement operations through September 30, 2021. “Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue on our roadway, and it is entirely avoidable,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “With the support of this grant, we can implement lifesaving efforts throughout California that will raise awareness and hopefully change dangerous behavior behind the wheel.” Multitasking behind the wheel places extra demands on the driver, which can have tragic consequences. On average, there are more than 20,000 drivers in California involved in a crash every year where inattention is a factor. “These statistics are likely much higher and are often under-reported to law enforcement since motorists do not always admit to driving distracted,” Commissioner Stanley added. While there are many forms of inattention, cell phones continue to be the main source of diversion. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is not only a violation of the vehicle code, it is also an unsafe activity behind the wheel. Drivers should only use a phone when necessary and in a hands-free mode. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. CHP FOCUSED ON ELIMINATING DISTRACTED DRIVING SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Distracted driving can be a life-changing choice resulting in crashes and the deaths of thousands of people every year in the United States. Driven to make a difference, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has implemented a yearlong Adult Distracted Drivers grant designed to keep California roads safe through education and enforcement. CHP officers throughout the state will host in-person presentations and use Web-based or virtual platforms to conduct distracted driving traffic safety presentations. In addition, the CHP will conduct several distracted driving enforcement operations through September 30, 2021. “Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue on our roadway, and it is entirely avoidable,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “With the support of this grant, we can implement lifesaving efforts throughout California that will raise awareness and hopefully change dangerous behavior behind the wheel.” Multitasking behind the wheel places extra demands on the driver, which can have tragic consequences. On average, there are more than 20,000 drivers in California involved in a crash every year where inattention is a factor. “These statistics are likely much higher and are often under-reported to law enforcement since motorists do not always admit to driving distracted,” Commissioner Stanley added. While there are many forms of inattention, cell phones continue to be the main source of diversion. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is not only a violation of the vehicle code, it is also an unsafe activity behind the wheel. Drivers should only use a phone when necessary and in a hands-free mode. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. CHP FOCUSED ON ELIMINATING DISTRACTED DRIVING SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Distracted driving can be a life-changing choice resulting in crashes and the deaths of thousands of people every year in the United States. Driven to make a difference, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has implemented a yearlong Adult Distracted Drivers grant designed to keep California roads safe through education and enforcement. CHP officers throughout the state will host in-person presentations and use Web-based or virtual platforms to conduct distracted driving traffic safety presentations. In addition, the CHP will conduct several distracted driving enforcement operations through September 30, 2021. “Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue on our roadway, and it is entirely avoidable,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “With the support of this grant, we can implement lifesaving efforts throughout California that will raise awareness and hopefully change dangerous behavior behind the wheel.” Multitasking behind the wheel places extra demands on the driver, which can have tragic consequences. On average, there are more than 20,000 drivers in California involved in a crash every year where inattention is a factor. “These statistics are likely much higher and are often under-reported to law enforcement since motorists do not always admit to driving distracted,” Commissioner Stanley added. While there are many forms of inattention, cell phones continue to be the main source of diversion. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is not only a violation of the vehicle code, it is also an unsafe activity behind the wheel. Drivers should only use a phone when necessary and in a hands-free mode. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 and flu are both extremely contagious and are caused by two different viruses. The good news? You can eliminate both sets of germs with some of the same cleaning and disinfecting techniques- if done correctly!
FROM Stratus Building Solutions 7 Steps to Sanitization ‘Fight the Twindemic’ Battle Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On behalf of the Trump Administration and in support of America’s military members and families, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt signed Secretary’s Order 3387 at the Iowa Gold Star Museum in October, announcing that Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans will be granted free access to national parks, national wildlife refuges and other federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior starting on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) this year and every day onward. “The Trump Administration is committed to honoring American patriots – the men and women who have served in our armed forces,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter.” Entrance fees for the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System, and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation sites will be waived for veterans and Gold Star Families. They will have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle, from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing and rock climbing. Additionally, lands and waters managed by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are participating in the program. Many Interior managed lands have direct connections to the American military, such as frontier forts, Cold War sites, battlefields, national cemeteries and memorials. These special places pay tribute to our veterans and serve as reminders of their courage and sacrifice throughout the history of our nation, from Minuteman National Historic Park where colonists stood in defense of their rights, to Yellowstone National Park, which was protected from vandalism and poaching by the 1st U.S. Cavalry before the National Park Service was established, to Mount Rushmore where modern warriors attend reenlistment ceremonies. For purposes of this program, a veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and can present one of the following forms of identification:
The Interagency America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program already includes a free annual pass for active-duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Other free or discounted passes are available for persons with permanent disabilities, fourth-grade students, volunteers, and senior citizens age 62 years or older. Interior also offers fee-free entrance days for everyone throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration including the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day and the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act. Dr. Glenn Mollette 2020 will be remembered for more than we what to remember including the painful November 3, election. Our country was already suffering from the Pandemic and all its spin-off problems. Unemployment, business closings, demise of the travel industry, struggling houses of worship, massive national depression to name a few of the problems. However, great news Pfizer has come up with a vaccine that has been 90% effective in preliminary trials. At this writing this is great news with the stock market on the verge of setting an all-time high. This vaccine has the potential to bring this country out of the house and back to work, school, church, and more. We also need a vaccine to get us over this election. Most Americans would gladly take a shot in the butt to relieve this pain in the neck election we have just endured or, enduring? Whoever heard of an election going on for days? Some of the states are still counting. The media has called the election for the states but some states have not verified the vote totals. This is insane. Most of the states got it right on November 3. They counted the votes that made it to the post office on November 3. No one knows when a letter will show up when mailed on November 3. The letter could show up November 4 or November 10 or later. Regardless of how you feel about the outcome of the election states like Nevada, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Arizona did our country a disservice. Even if you are happy about Joe Biden being elected, surely you aren't happy about the long delay in counting the votes. For many weeks we have been hearing about swing states that would be allowed more days in getting their mail ballots back to count. But the changes did what everyone knew would happen and that was delay the reporting of election results with the possibility of court fights later. In North Carolina, the State Board of Elections said ballots postmarked by Election Day would count as long as officials received them within nine days after the election. Nine days! In Wisconsin, a federal judge similarly ruled that ballots postmarked by Election Day would count as long as officials had them in hand within six days after Nov. 3. A Michigan state judge ruled that absentee ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 would be counted if they arrived up to two weeks after Election Day. All this is crazy. Go to the courthouse to verify your voter registration. Receive your one ballot obtained only by showing your identification. Put your ballot in the mail in plenty of time to arrive by November 3. It only takes some planning. Better yet go early and vote and forget the mail if at all possible. Between now and the next election we have to come up with a federal election policy that requires counting the votes received by election day and not ten days or two weeks later. Sierra County Public Health received notification of a eighth and ninth positive COVID-19 test result for residents of Sierra County. The individuals are isolating in their homes and the households are quarantining. The case investigation is on-going. All close contacts identified will be contacted by a member of Public Health. A close contact is defined by the CDC as within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes 2 days prior to symptom onset. If you believe you have been a close contact of somebody testing positive, 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 in our 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. Limit visiting to family and friends from a cohort or bubble and avoid larger gatherings. If you have to attend a gathering, wear a face covering. Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you have been in a public place. Wear a face covering when in businesses, at school, or unable to maintain 6 feet distance. When feeling sick stay home. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we stand together to beat this disease. 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) 993-6700www.sierracounty.ca.gov November 9, 2020 – San Francisco – As California and the nation sees the daily rate of COVID-19 infections soaring, California Poison Control System (CPCS), the largest single provider of poison control services in the U.S., has launched an initiative to deliver educational PSAs, masks with COVID-19 poison prevention messaging, as well as educational information in English and Spanish. The goal is to provide the public with COVID-19 poison prevention information, as there has been a 20 percent increase in fatal and non-fatal poisonings in California since the pandemic began.
“Over the past months, we have seen many confusing or inaccurate messages about COVID-19 cures or treatments,” said Rais Vohra, MD, FACEP, FACMT, Medical Director, California Poison Control System Fresno-Madera Division and Interim Health Officer, Fresno County Department of Public Health. “The information is not only dangerous, but has been deadly. Our primary goal is to reach both the general public as well as underserved communities in California that still do not have masks available.” Dr. Vohra says mask distributions are planned for both farmworkers and Indigenous people, two groups suffering from COVID-19 and lack of resources within their communities. The program, funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), improves the capacity of California Poison Control to respond to COVID-19 related poisonings and includes:
About California Poison Control CPCS www.CalPoison.org is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information regarding poison prevention. In case of an accidental poisoning, consumers should immediately call the nationwide number from any state at 1-800-222-1222. Pharmacists, nurses, physician-toxicologists and poison information providers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help. Weekly tips about safety are available by texting TIPS to 20121 for information in English or text PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish. Follow California Poison Control System on Facebook and on Twitter @poisoninfo. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority. # # # CALIFORNIA VOTERS REJECT COMPUTERIZED NO-MONEY BAIL SYSTEM;AFFIRM STATE'S FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO BAIL11/9/2020 Lakewood, CO (November 4, 2020) – California's Proposition 25 went down to a resounding defeat in Tuesday's general election. The fight over the state's move to a no-money bail system, which dragged on for four years, was rejected by voters despite major support by wealthy backers. The measure had its roots in Senate Bill 10, which was pushed through by state lawmakers two years ago without input from the public. That piece of legislation was built on the argument that if a person arrested for a crime is unable to afford their bail, it is fundamentally wrong. Therefore, a computer algorithm should be used instead to determine who gets out with no monetary conditions at all -- and who is forced to remain in jail with no further recourse. A referendum effort was subsequently launched, teaming up groups not traditionally aligned, in an effort to defeat the bill which would have eliminated the constitutional right to bail. They included the NAACP, Crime Survivors Resource Center and Crime Victims United, along with a large number of law enforcement organizations. In addition, the passage of Proposition 25 would have implemented preventative detention policies based on the results of a computer algorithm. Opponents were also concerned that innocent defendants would be caught-up in a dragnet of supervision created by local governments. “This is a generationally significant moment in the history of the Eighth Amendment. Voters have declared that they will not tolerate any effort to deny them the fundamental constitutional right to bail,” said Jeffrey J. Clayton, Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition, the organization that sponsored the referendum effort. “It was truly an honor to fight shoulder to shoulder with civil rights groups and law enforcement against this misguided legislation. Voters recognized that while we don’t often agree on criminal justice reform, when we do, it’s because all of us consider watching out for the best interests of the people our highest priority." The Yes on Proposition 25 campaign was spearheaded by several top-level public officials, most prominently state Senator Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys). A cavalcade of billionaires hopped aboard the bandwagon, as did public employee unions eager to pocket union dues from the creation of county-level jobs supervising innocent defendants. Few if any progressive civil rights groups, including the ACLU, supported Proposition 25 or Senate Bill 10. Despite their continuing argument that the current criminal justice system is in need of reform, none believed that Senate Bill 10, or by extension, Proposition 25, offered a viable solution. The effort for the referendum drive, as well as the No on Proposition 25 campaign, was funded largely by private bail agents and the insurance companies that back them. "The bail agents and licensed insurance corporations who funded this effort always knew that the issue was far greater than just the future of their industry. It was about the fundamental principles behind every citizens' rights," Clayton said. "When you can overrule a bill supported and passed by the legislature, governor and chief justice by appealing directly to the people -- a difficult, if not nearly impossible task -- it proves that we were on the right side of history all along." With the defeat of Proposition 25, the outlook for bail reform in California is unclear. What seems certain for the immediate future is that the state legislature cannot move once again to eliminate monetary bail. Clayton said, “We hope the state respects the will of the voters, and instead, looks to other reasonable pathways to bail reform. We look forward to being a part of that conversation as we move forward.” About the American Bail Coalition The American Bail Coalition is dedicated protecting the Constitutional right to bail and the promotion, protection and advancement of the surety bail profession in the United States. Comprised of the nation’s largest surety insurance companies, ABC works with local communities, law enforcement, legislators and other criminal justice stakeholders to utilizes its expertise and knowledge of the surety bail industry to develop more effective and efficient criminal justice solutions. www.ambailcoalition.org # # # Will California’s Election Day victories hold through the ballot harvest? Californians seem to have rejected Proposition 15, a massive property tax increase on Golden State employers that would make many low-margin small businesses unprofitable, reduce job opportunities when they’re needed most, and raise consumer prices when so many are struggling to get by. The tax would force some businesses to relocate out of state.
Despite overwhelmingly uncritical media support of Prop 15, Californians have rejected it by 52 to 48 percent margin… so far. After all the mail-in votes and harvested ballots come in, Prop 15 may still pass. Californians have seen this movie before. The ending is not a good one. In 2018, numerous House seats in and around Orange County flipped from red to blue after Election Day when all the ballots were counted. This great tax victory may still turn into a defeat. Prop 15 could follow the current nationwide precedent: President Trump and numerous Republican House and Senate candidates have seen their election night leads evaporate due to late counted mail-in ballots. On Thursday afternoon, President Trump claimed the election results have been infected with widespread fraud. Standby for the evidence, which so far has been anecdotal and unverified (though fishy nonetheless). Unfortunately, Philadelphia and Detroit don’t have the best reputations when it comes to election integrity. Of course, this fight is not an issue in California, which pulled the lever for Biden by a margin of two-to-one. Other proposition leads seem more durable: California voters supported Prop 22, which legalizes hundreds of thousands of contracting jobs. They rejected Prop 16, which would have reinstated explicit affirmative action for government hiring and university admissions. They rejected Prop 21, which would have expanded rent control and worsened the affordable housing crisis. They rejected Prop 23, which would have added new regulations to dialysis centers. And they rejected Prop 25, which would have replaced the cash bail system, which is a fundamental part of maintaining the rule of law. California’s electorate is more complex than politicos think: Often derided as a liberal bastion, California demonstrated it holds more nuanced political views with these ballot measure outcomes than its caricature suggests. The left-wing news outlet Politico said these ballot measure election results demonstrate the state’s “libertarian streak.” As CPC President Will Swaim explained in an Election Day post-mortem: How to explain this phenomenon [of ballot measure victories and political candidate losses]? One possibility is that the Republican brand is damaged – not (as it would be convenient to suggest) because of the relatively recent arrival of Donald Trump. For decades, the GOP opposed not just many but all of the more libertarian (not say libertine) impulses of Californians. We’re a freedom-loving people, we Californians, and the Republican party’s opposition to gay marriage or legal weed, for instance, looked increasingly bizarre to younger Californians. But the most powerful reason for the disaffection of Californians for the Republican Party is the relentless clanging and horn-honking of the leftist union machine. Government unions earn nearly $1 billion each year in dues they collect from government workers. They pour that cash into campaigns to elect candidates who, once in office, rubber-stamp the demands of union leaders for higher wages, richer benefits, and greater control over our government. Government union-backed pickups in the State Senate demonstrate the dichotomy of California’s electorate. In contrast to their votes on the ballot measures, Californians supported State Senate candidates who will further cement government union dominance in the state legislature. While the political makeup of General Assembly looks like it will remain unchanged, government unions may succeed in flipping four seats in the Senate, expanding Democrats’ current 29 to 11 seat majority. These seats include:
The blue wave machine: In his post-election analysis, CPC cofounder Edward Ring explains how public unions have achieved this elected officials dominance: As it is, from the results so far, the one-party state may actually pad its dominance in the state legislature. Half of the state senators face reelection this year, and of the 20 seats, GOP candidates are only leading in two races, with both of those too close to call. One of the brightest GOP Senators, John Moorlach, may be headed for defeat. His story exemplifies what Republicans are up against. Moorlach, the only certified public accountant in California’s state legislature, made the mistake of explaining to that handful of financially literate Democratic senators (a few do exist) how to reform public sector pensions before they bankrupt the state. For that, and despite his strong record of support for law enforcement, Moorlach earned the enmity of the prison guards union, which poured money into the campaign of his Democratic opponent. Moorlach stepped on the wrong toes, and in California politics, that’s a sure path to oblivion. GOP should pick up U.S. House seats in California: Four California congressional races won by Democrats in 2018 are very close as national Republicans look to add to their small Congressional delegation in the Golden State. (If 2018 and the current national trend is any indication, after all the ballots are harvested, Republicans will be in tough to hang on to any of these):
How much do California’s state workers make? In his latest analysis, CPC contributor Edward Ring uses just released 2019 data to reveal that average full-time California state workers are paid $97,000 annually, not including generous pension and healthcare benefits. No wonder higher taxes are perennially needed in the state. Writes Ed: The reasons that California’s politicians have an insatiable need to raise taxes are many and complex. But principal among them is the fact that California’s state and local government employees enjoy rates of pay and benefits significantly greater than that of the citizens they serve. This report is Part 3 in a series. In earlier reports, he compiled the average 2019 public-sector compensation for select cities and counties. Knocking down the teachers union “defunding” excuse: In his latest analysis, CPC contributor Larry Sand highlights the latest terrible test scores for American students. He refutes teachers unions’ excuse that these F grades are a result of school defunding. As the chart below indicates, per-pupil, inflation-adjusted spending has increased by about 40 percent over the past two decades. TAHOE, Calif., November 9, 2020 – Liberty has joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) to support the market expansion for fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen and to promote a clean, energy-diverse future for the state with zero emission vehicles. Liberty is the first electric utility to earn membership in the CaFCP.
Liberty provides water, wastewater, gas and electric services to more than 800,000 customers in communities across the United States and is actively engaged in renewables, including the advancement of hydrogen. This wealth of utility experience will provide additional perspective to help advance the CaFCP’s efforts. “Protecting our environment is an important priority for Liberty, and we want to continue finding opportunities like CaFCP to be at the center of the sustainability and energy transition conversation,” said Travis Johnson, P.E., Vice President, Operations, “Joining the CaFCP gives Liberty a seat at the table to engage in important discussions about decarbonization and clean, sustainable energy with other like-minded organizations. We value collaboration and look forward to working with fellow members of CaFCP to create a more sustainable environment for future generations of Californians.” Liberty is one of the nation’s most trusted utility providers and operates with the purpose of “sustaining energy and water for life.” The utility’s sustainability plans and initiatives are embedded into its broader organizational strategy and woven throughout every aspect of operations, working to make positive and long-lasting contributions to the communities it serves. Liberty is actively involved in sustainability efforts as a member of the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition, Gas Technology Institute, American Gas Association and National Association of Water Companies. The CaFCP is a collaborative of auto manufacturers, energy companies, fuel cell technology companies, government agencies and others that work together to further the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure. To learn more about Liberty or the California Fuel Cell Partnership, please visit LibertyUtilities.com or CaFCP.org. About Liberty Utilities Liberty Utilities Co. owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utilities in 13 states and New Brunswick. We deliver responsive and reliable essential services to over 807,000 customers. With a local approach to management, service and support, we deliver efficient, dependable services to meet the needs of our customers. Liberty Utilities provides a superior customer experience through walk-in customer centers, locally focused conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, an enjoyable customer experience, and an unwavering dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Brunswick, Canada. For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com<http://www.LibertyUtilities.com>. -Closure area reduced to fire perimeter-
QUINCY, Calif. – Plumas National Forest officials have sharply reduced the closure area for the North Complex (Claremont/Bear Fire). The new closure now follows (generally) the actual fire perimeter and affects all national forest land, roads and trails within the fire closure area. Persons exempt from the fire closure order include: 1) any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty; 2) persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order; 3) owners or lessees of land in the Claremont-Bear Fire Closure Area, to the extent necessary to access their land; and, 4) Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited acts or omission. A map of the closure area, and similar fire closures for the Sheep and Walker Fires, are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices . ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Winter Weather Anticipated in the Sierra this Weekend
Motorists Should Prepare for Snowy Conditions and Travel Delays MARYSVILLE – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Sierra Winter Storm Watch beginning Friday morning through Sunday afternoon in anticipation of the first winter storm of the season this weekend. Sierra travel will be impacted with intermittent chain control periods anticipated Friday through Sunday on Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and secondary area highways. Motorists are advised to be prepared for winter travel and carry chains as permitted chain installers do not sell traction devices. Up to a foot of snow is anticipated over the weekend on I-80 at Donner Summit and U.S. 50 at Echo Summit. Snow levels may also fall to the 2,500 or 3,000-foot elevation by Saturday morning. In addition, rain in valley areas will cause slick roads throughout the weekend. Motorists are reminded to slow down based on weather conditions and to use headlights, even during daytime hours, when rain is falling. Caltrans reminds drivers to winterize vehicles by ensuring tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and to stock vehicles with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips. The California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe division also recently released an informational video with useful winter travel tips that can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=276014520442477. Motorists are also reminded of highway speed limits during chain controls: 30 mph on Interstate 80 and 25 mph on U.S. Highway 50. Driving slowly for weather conditions is crucial to avoid collisions on snowy and icy roads. Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). ### A Cold Front from the Gulf of Alaska is Forecasted to Arrive on Thursday, Bringing the First Chilly Temperatures, Rainfall and Snow to Portions of Northern California by Friday SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Fall’s first real cold front is forecast this week for Northern California and it’s expected to cause temperatures to drop by 15 to 20 degrees and perhaps bring showers and snow to some locations by Friday, so Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is urging customers to be cautious when heating their homes. Electric heating devices, such as space heaters, are a fire hazard when not properly used or monitored. Fuel-burning appliances, such as gas furnaces, stoves and water heaters, can increase the risk of carbon monoxide when they are not working properly. High levels of carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, can be generated by appliances that are defective or improperly installed or maintained. It’s also a good time of year to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. According to PG&E meteorologists, a weather system will move into the region out of the Pacific Northwest Thursday night into Friday, and it will bring precipitation and significantly cooler temperatures with it. The National Weather Service forecasts that the high temperature in Chico will drop from 81 degrees on Thursday to 58 degrees on Friday. Predicted low temps on Friday will be 44 degrees in San Jose, 43 in Sacramento, 45 in Fresno and 39 in Santa Rosa. In the Lake Tahoe area, by Sunday, the high will be near 35 degrees with a low around 13 degrees. PG&E urges customers to focus on safely heating their homes as temperatures drop and offers the following tips:
If customers suspect there is a problem with a natural gas appliance inside their home, they should call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. A gas service representative will be dispatched to do a thorough inspection at no cost to the customer. If you detect carbon monoxide in your home, you should get out immediately and call 911. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news. Motorists Should Plan for Guided, Round-Robin Escorts Through the Construction Zone
FARAD – Caltrans is set to resume rock excavation and blasting work on Interstate 80 near Farad next week with 30-minute delays anticipated for east- and westbound motorists. For the safety of the traveling public, Caltrans and Q&D Construction will require temporary traffic holds of up to 30 minutes for rock blasting between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 through Thursday, Nov. 12. The California Highway Patrol will be escorting westbound traffic from the Nevada state line and eastbound traffic from Hirschdale Road through the construction zone in a round-robin fashion. Blasting is required to reduce large boulders to a more manageable size for slope stabilization work along the highly traveled interstate. The work is part of a $12.9 million slope stabilization project that will restore the Farad Ditch by extending the collection area. The project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2021. Caltrans reminds motorists to Be Work Zone Alert and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements. Weather or unexpected events may delay or prolong the work. The department will issue construction updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans’ QuickMapquickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. ### On November 4, 2020, Sierra County Public Health received notification of a seventh positive COVID-19 test result for a resident of Sierra County. Under the direction of the Public Health the symptomatic individual is isolating at home and the household is quarantining. The case investigation is on-going. All close contacts identified will be contacted by a member of Public Health. A close contact is defined by the CDC as within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes 2 days prior to symptom onset. If you believe you have been a close contact of somebody testing positive, stay home and monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days since last contact. Consider being tested. 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 in our 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. Practice physical distancing of 6 feet from others. Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you have been in a public place. Wear a face covering when in businesses, at school, or unable to maintain 6 feet distance. When feeling sick stay home. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we stand together to beat this disease. 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 ### SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, and many of these tragedies could have been prevented. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will address this issue with the assistance of a yearlong campaign to ensure children are properly restrained while traveling California’s roadways. The California Restraint Safety Education and Training (CARSEAT) IV grant, which provides funding through September 30, 2021, will enable the CHP to present seminars and new parent classes to help reduce the number of deaths of unrestrained and improperly restrained children involved in crashes. “Passenger safety, especially when it comes to children, is a primary concern for our Department,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Using a correctly installed safety seat that is suitable for the age and size of a child is the best way to keep them safe.” California law requires a child be properly secured in a safety seat in the second row of a vehicle, when available, until they are at least 8 years of age. Children age 8 and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt. Children under the age of 2 must ride rear-facing or until they reach 40 pounds or 40 inches in height. Contact the CHP Area office nearest you for more information about child passenger safety or to schedule a free safety seat inspection. During the pandemic, classes and seminars are being conducted both online and in-person in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidelines. In addition to educational efforts, the CHP will conduct enforcement operations concentrating on occupant restraint violations throughout the year, with a special emphasis during the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, November 9-29, 2020. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. LOS ANGELES, CA – California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks issued the following statement on the pending 2020 presidential election results:
"California Democrats believe every vote counts. We will continue to work to ensure every vote is counted fairly, accurately and thoroughly - a process that simply takes time. While we patiently await the final results, we honor the service and sacrifice of so many California Democrats who stepped forward in this important moment in our nation’s history to connect with voters across California and around the nation. One of our democracy’s most fundamental truths rests in the power of our collective voice through our right to vote - ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard." Nevada City, Calif. – The Tahoe National Forest is now hiring enthusiastic, highly motivated individuals for temporary seasonal positions as wildland firefighters for the upcoming 2021 season. Positions are available in hotshot/handcrews, helicopter helitack crews, engine crews, fuels management, fire lookout, and dispatch. Duty Locations: Truckee, Sierraville, Loyalton, Soda Springs, Foresthill, Camptonville, Downieville, Grass Valley, Nevada City For temporary seasonal positions, submit applications October 30 through November 9, 2020. For a quick glance and information on the hiring process, please visit: https://go.usa.gov/x7kSh For more in-depth information, including application tips, please visit: https://go.usa.gov/x7kSA To ask question, please email us at TNFfirehire@gmail.com for information on temporary seasonal fire positions. For more information about the Tahoe National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Join the conversation by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF. EASTERN PLUMAS HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
CandidatePartyVotesPercentage Paul Swanson, MD 659 41% Linda Satchwell 419 26% Jason E. Christian 322 20% Tessa Clawson 219 14% Total1,619 Min:0%Max:100% SIERRA COUNTY MEASURE E Yes 1,376 74% No 474 26% Total1,850 Min:0%Max:100% SIERRA COUNTY MEASURE G Yes 176 70% No 75 30% Total251 Min:0%Max:100% SIERRA COUNTY MEASURE H Yes 154 76% No 49 24% Total203 Min:0%Max:100% It’s a Great Time to Be a Woman (Leader): Why Women Leaders Excel During Times of Crisis…Plus Some Tips for Women Execs and Rising Stars
In the age of COVID-19, the skills women leaders bring to the table are in demand like never before. Senior healthcare executive and speaker Jackie Gaines, MS, RN, shares advice for helping women leaders embrace their unique talents and put them to good use during the pandemic and beyond. Pensacola, FL (November 2020)—Today’s leaders have their work cut out for them as they navigate their way through the pandemic and face unprecedented levels of chaos. There’s little room for mistakes, uncertainty lurks around every corner, and employees are anxious and worried. This is the perfect time for women leaders to let their skills shine bright, says Jackie Gaines. And that’s not just because of the COVID situation. Now that the more masculine, ego-driven command-and-control style of leadership is on its way out and is being replaced with a culture of collaboration, creativity, emotional intelligence, and engagement, it’s never been more important for women executives and up-and-comers to embrace the characteristics and abilities that women bring to the table. “Women leaders don’t need to mimic masculine behaviors to do a great job,” says Gaines, author of Wearing the Yellow Suit: A Guide for Women in Leadership (Huron|Studer Group Publishing, 2020, ISBN: 978-1-62218-110-0, $24.00). “Not only do we have everything we need to lead on our own terms, our natural abilities and characteristics are exactly what organizations need now more than ever.” Here’s some advice to help rising women leaders as well as veteran executives bring out their best qualities and help their organizations thrive during difficult times. Act like the leader you strive to be. If you aren’t in a leadership role yet (and even if you are), think of each day at work as an audition for your future career as an executive. The better you act the part, the more likely you will be “cast” in the role someday. This includes not only your attitude, accomplishments, and work ethic, but how you present yourself each day. Go big or go home. Don’t confuse busyness with productivity or progress. Even if you’re the world’s greatest multitasker (and many women excel at this skill), resist the urge to get lost in distracting activities such as cleaning out your inbox or organizing files. You may pat yourself on the back afterward, but meanwhile you’ve put off that important but complicated project that you need to deliver. Remember, going after significant projects is what gets you noticed—and now more than ever, your concentrated efforts could make a lasting impact on the success of the organization. Don’t put yourself in the slow lane! Focus on the task at hand. “Women executives are more than just leaders,” says Gaines. “We are also wives, mothers, teachers, caretakers, disciplinarians, housekeepers, chefs, and more. And when we go to work, we bring our whole selves with us. That means it is crucial to learn to focus on the task in front of us and to compartmentalize the demands of our personal lives—especially when we are working from home. This takes a lot of self-control, but anyone can master the skill with practice. We must also push our ‘self-awareness button’ so that we know when our personal life is spilling over into work. We have to know when it may be time for a quick walk to regain our focus, or phone a friend, or leave ‘the office’ early.” Be a woman, phenomenally. (In other words, be who you are.) Whatever you do, don’t try to act like a man. Mimicking the attitudes (and dress codes) of your male counterparts won’t get you where you want to be. But stepping into the “real you” is freeing and enhances your effectiveness in any role. So be yourself—from your personal style to your personality—and let it show, even if only over a Zoom call! Speak your mind. You don’t have to be aggressive to make your point of view known. For leaders, assertiveness is an essential skill for success, and it’s a skill every woman can develop. Gaines recommends what she calls “respectful truth-telling,” which simply means expressing your feelings and needs in a direct and honest way. This is a good way to get the respect you desire along with what you want. For example, here are a few ways to ask for what you need using respectful truth-telling:
“Don’t hesitate to be your warm, encouraging, uplifting self at work,” says Gaines. “A nurturing leader can unlock that human potential in an organization and take it to a whole different level.” Keep cultivating strong relationships. Women are naturally great relationship-builders and give their all to most every relationship they have—whether with a team member, a partner, a child, or a friend. This willingness to engage with others sets us up for great success. You can even do this in the age of COVID by scheduling periodic virtual chats or phone calls to catch up with your network. This keeps your connections strong even when you cannot regularly meet face to face. “When the going gets tough, surround yourself with positive relationships in the workplace as well as in your personal life,” says Gaines. “Your network will inspire you and recharge your batteries when you feel burned out or discouraged. And they will celebrate with you when you and your organization achieve new milestones.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help… “Women are typically very comfortable reaching out to friends for advice, company, or someone to listen,” says Gaines. “This serves us well in business because we are more willing to say, ‘I need a hand,’ or, ‘Can I please get your input on this?’ After fighting for our career advances, asking for and receiving help when we need it is a common practice.” …And help others in return. Because women are wired to nurture others and help them succeed, roles like mentoring and helping employees integrate meaning and purpose in their work come naturally. They also offer a safe place to vent frustrations and work through challenges as a woman executive. “Mentors can play a significant role in the successful onboarding of new female executives,” says Gaines. “New female leaders are usually in the minority and bumble around for months, sometimes years, before they connect with other female leaders in the organization. A planned connection could increase the comfort level in the early phase of employment and ease the transition into and understanding of organizational culture.” “Women should feel proud of the attributes they bring to any organization,” concludes Gaines. “Our touch is unique and doesn’t have to be masked or perceived as a sign of weakness. We are effective leaders being fully who we are…leading our way.” # # # About the Author: Jackie Gaines is the author of Wearing the Yellow Suit: A Guide for Women in Leadership. She is an award-winning senior executive with more than 40 years of sustained leadership experience. She dedicated most of her career to the advancement of quality health care programs throughout the U.S., helping organizations improve their leadership skills and performance. Today, Jackie works for Studer Group|Huron as an executive-level coach, senior director, national speaker, and best-selling author. Monday evening November 2, 2020 - - - If you have any symptoms that could possibly be from COVID-19, please get tested. Call us at 530- 694-2146 for evaluation. If you do not have any symptoms, but would like to get tested, please utilize our drive through testing events, in Bear Valley, Kirkwood, and Woodfords. If you are receiving this, you also receive notification of testing sites and times. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance, stay home if you are sick, minimize exposure and participation in gatherings of any size, and get tested! YOUR ACTIONS SAVE LIVES! KEEP ALPINE HEALTHY For other questions, call our Warm Line at 530-694-1011. Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer Office: 530-694-2146, Ext 249 You May Want to Sit Down Before Reading This! Alpine County has been cruising along with 3 cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic – until this last week. We are now at 16 cases and counting, with 13 new cases in the last 7 days. 10 (ten) of these cases are active (in isolation), and one is hospitalized. Our staff are diligently working on targeted case investigations, contact tracing, and testing, making every attempt to limit the spread and new cases among residents of Alpine County. The cooperation of the public in responding to our requests for information is much appreciated. All of us need to be working together to protect our households and community. If you have been asked or ordered to isolate or quarantine, please follow all instructions. As a community, we are considering additional measures to protect our community members, especially those at highest risk (elderly and those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart and lung disease, cancer. We get requests every day as to “who” and “where”? Citizens in our small communities have the right of privacy, but you may respond and say you have the right to know. However, the right to privacy is greater. You have a right to know only if you would be advised to alter your behavior in order to reduce your risk of infection. If it has been determined that you are a close contact of a confirmed case, you have been or will be contacted by our staff within 24 hours of our testing or notification. Otherwise, what should you do: SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Having survived a tough season of wildfires, many California property owners must now contend with the risk of flooding and mudflow as a consequence of the compromised landscapes in the burn scares. Wildfires destroy vegetation that supports and strengthens hillsides. Without plants to hold the earth in place, even a small amount of rain can start a mudflow. This can happen quickly and with little warning.
Property owners don’t have to bear all the risk themselves, because mudflow coverage is part of a standard policy from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Mudflow is covered subject to the definition of flooding in the NFIP Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP). The SFIP defines mudflow as "a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water.” A complete copy of the NFIP policy, including the definition of flooding and mudflow, is available here. Mudflows are sudden, costly and destructive. Unfortunately, the recent wildfires have increased the risk of mudflow for anyone whose home is downhill from a fire-scorched area. That increased risk lasts for several years until enough new vegetation takes root. Take action now and protect yourself with an NFIP policy, which offers flood insurance coverage to property owners, renters and business owners. The maximum coverage available for a residential building is $250,000 and $100,000 for contents. Non-residential (commercial) structures are eligible for maximum coverage of $500,000 on the building and $500,000 on contents. For additional information and to purchase an NFIP policy, contact your insurance agent today. Generally, there is a 30-day waiting period before an NFIP policy becomes effective. Those at risk of flooding or mudflows are encouraged to buy flood insurance now as winter rains will soon be here. For more information on the NFIP or to locate an insurance agent, you may contact the Help Center at: 1-877-336-2627 or visit: FloodSmart.gov. Nov. 21 is the aid registration deadline for survivors of wildfires in 13 counties included in an Aug. 22 federal disaster declaration or subsequent additions to it. The counties are Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo. Even if you have insurance, please consider registering with FEMA before the deadline. Federal assistance may be available to meet outstanding needs not met by insurance. For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion9. ### |