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Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season with Christmas Cactus

11/30/2021

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Picture
by Melinda Myers
The holidays have arrived and so has the Christmas cactus. Set this favorite holiday plant in a basket, decorative pot or foil wrap and it will be ready to give as a gift or add to your holiday décor. With proper care this holiday favorite can flower for four to eight weeks and grow for decades, becoming a family heirloom handed down from one generation to the next.
The plant sold as a Christmas cactus may actually be a Thanksgiving cactus. The true Christmas cactus blooms later and has small segments with rounded edges. The Thanksgiving cactus, though often sold as the Christmas cactus, has toothed or jagged segments and typically blooms prior to Christmas.
Fortunately, their growing requirements and care are basically the same so the plants will do fine no matter the name on the label. These, or hybrids of the two plants, flower with cool nights and long uninterrupted dark periods.  A third holiday plant, the Easter cactus, sets flowers in spring as the days start to lengthen.
Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti are epiphytes that naturally grow on trees in shaded and humid forests along the coast of Brazil. They all prefer bright indirect light, high humidity and a thorough watering when the top few inches of soil begins to dry. Don’t over water but don’t let the soil dry completely. Water a bit more often when the plant is in bloom.
Grow them in an organic well-drained potting mix for best results. Water thoroughly and pour off the excess that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Reduce maintenance and improve the growing conditions with the help of gravel trays. Place a layer of pebbles, decorative stones or marbles in the saucer or bottom of the foil wrap or basket. The pot will be elevated above any excess water that collects in the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
Keep your flowering cactus in a cool bright location to extend its bloom time. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air, moisture stress and other changes in the environment that can cause buds and flowers to drop.
Fertilize with a dilute solution of flowering houseplant fertilizer once it has finished blooming and throughout spring and summer as needed. Grow your cactus in a north-facing window or set back from an east- or west-facing window where it receives bright indirect light throughout the year. Too much sun turns the leaf segments dark red.
Don’t be anxious to move these plants to a bigger container. They prefer to be somewhat potbound and can remain in the same pot for years.
Encourage a new flush of flowers with cooler night temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees and slightly drier soil. An uninterrupted dark period will also help promote flowering. 
Start the dark treatment in early to mid October for holiday flowers. Cover the plants or move them to a location free of any artificial light, indoors or outside, each night and provide bright indirect light each day. Any interruption in the dark period from outdoor, street or reading lights can delay or prevent flowering. 
Many experts find providing the same dark treatment as poinsettias, 14 hours of dark each night, promotes flowering. Michigan State University recommends providing 16 hours of total darkness and eight hours of light for at least eight days to promote flowering. 
Add a Christmas cactus to your indoor plant collection and share a few with friends and family over the holidays. These easy-care flowering beauties are sure to brighten the recipient’s mood and holiday décor.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook and 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. Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.
 

Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season with Christmas Cactus
by Melinda Myers

The holidays have arrived and so has the Christmas cactus. Set this favorite holiday plant in a basket, decorative pot or foil wrap and it will be ready to give as a gift or add to your holiday décor. With proper care this holiday favorite can flower for four to eight weeks and grow for decades, becoming a family heirloom handed down from one generation to the next.
The plant sold as a Christmas cactus may actually be a Thanksgiving cactus. The true Christmas cactus blooms later and has small segments with rounded edges. The Thanksgiving cactus, though often sold as the Christmas cactus, has toothed or jagged segments and typically blooms prior to Christmas.
Fortunately, their growing requirements and care are basically the same so the plants will do fine no matter the name on the label. These, or hybrids of the two plants, flower with cool nights and long uninterrupted dark periods.  A third holiday plant, the Easter cactus, sets flowers in spring as the days start to lengthen.
Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti are epiphytes that naturally grow on trees in shaded and humid forests along the coast of Brazil. They all prefer bright indirect light, high humidity and a thorough watering when the top few inches of soil begins to dry. Don’t over water but don’t let the soil dry completely. Water a bit more often when the plant is in bloom.
Grow them in an organic well-drained potting mix for best results. Water thoroughly and pour off the excess that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Reduce maintenance and improve the growing conditions with the help of gravel trays. Place a layer of pebbles, decorative stones or marbles in the saucer or bottom of the foil wrap or basket. The pot will be elevated above any excess water that collects in the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
Keep your flowering cactus in a cool bright location to extend its bloom time. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air, moisture stress and other changes in the environment that can cause buds and flowers to drop.
Fertilize with a dilute solution of flowering houseplant fertilizer once it has finished blooming and throughout spring and summer as needed. Grow your cactus in a north-facing window or set back from an east- or west-facing window where it receives bright indirect light throughout the year. Too much sun turns the leaf segments dark red.
Don’t be anxious to move these plants to a bigger container. They prefer to be somewhat potbound and can remain in the same pot for years.
Encourage a new flush of flowers with cooler night temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees and slightly drier soil. An uninterrupted dark period will also help promote flowering. 
Start the dark treatment in early to mid October for holiday flowers. Cover the plants or move them to a location free of any artificial light, indoors or outside, each night and provide bright indirect light each day. Any interruption in the dark period from outdoor, street or reading lights can delay or prevent flowering. 
Many experts find providing the same dark treatment as poinsettias, 14 hours of dark each night, promotes flowering. Michigan State University recommends providing 16 hours of total darkness and eight hours of light for at least eight days to promote flowering. 
Add a Christmas cactus to your indoor plant collection and share a few with friends and family over the holidays. These easy-care flowering beauties are sure to brighten the recipient’s mood and holiday décor.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook and 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. Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.
Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season with Christmas Cactus
by Melinda Myers

The holidays have arrived and so has the Christmas cactus. Set this favorite holiday plant in a basket, decorative pot or foil wrap and it will be ready to give as a gift or add to your holiday décor. With proper care this holiday favorite can flower for four to eight weeks and grow for decades, becoming a family heirloom handed down from one generation to the next.
The plant sold as a Christmas cactus may actually be a Thanksgiving cactus. The true Christmas cactus blooms later and has small segments with rounded edges. The Thanksgiving cactus, though often sold as the Christmas cactus, has toothed or jagged segments and typically blooms prior to Christmas.
Fortunately, their growing requirements and care are basically the same so the plants will do fine no matter the name on the label. These, or hybrids of the two plants, flower with cool nights and long uninterrupted dark periods.  A third holiday plant, the Easter cactus, sets flowers in spring as the days start to lengthen.
Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti are epiphytes that naturally grow on trees in shaded and humid forests along the coast of Brazil. They all prefer bright indirect light, high humidity and a thorough watering when the top few inches of soil begins to dry. Don’t over water but don’t let the soil dry completely. Water a bit more often when the plant is in bloom.
Grow them in an organic well-drained potting mix for best results. Water thoroughly and pour off the excess that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Reduce maintenance and improve the growing conditions with the help of gravel trays. Place a layer of pebbles, decorative stones or marbles in the saucer or bottom of the foil wrap or basket. The pot will be elevated above any excess water that collects in the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
Keep your flowering cactus in a cool bright location to extend its bloom time. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air, moisture stress and other changes in the environment that can cause buds and flowers to drop.
Fertilize with a dilute solution of flowering houseplant fertilizer once it has finished blooming and throughout spring and summer as needed. Grow your cactus in a north-facing window or set back from an east- or west-facing window where it receives bright indirect light throughout the year. Too much sun turns the leaf segments dark red.
Don’t be anxious to move these plants to a bigger container. They prefer to be somewhat potbound and can remain in the same pot for years.
Encourage a new flush of flowers with cooler night temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees and slightly drier soil. An uninterrupted dark period will also help promote flowering. 
Start the dark treatment in early to mid October for holiday flowers. Cover the plants or move them to a location free of any artificial light, indoors or outside, each night and provide bright indirect light each day. Any interruption in the dark period from outdoor, street or reading lights can delay or prevent flowering. 
Many experts find providing the same dark treatment as poinsettias, 14 hours of dark each night, promotes flowering. Michigan State University recommends providing 16 hours of total darkness and eight hours of light for at least eight days to promote flowering. 
Add a Christmas cactus to your indoor plant collection and share a few with friends and family over the holidays. These easy-care flowering beauties are sure to brighten the recipient’s mood and holiday décor.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook and 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. Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.
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LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL

11/29/2021

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HELP FOR LOYALTON was offered at the Loyalton City Council meeting November 16th in the form of California Rural Water Association as Circuit writers for water/wastewater.
Mike Busse is a Wastewater Specialist and travels to public water systems with less than 10,000 populations and offers oversight and recommendations along with helping with certification as well as technical review. He told of new and novel programs, being a “very good source of information,” and offered being available to help for free.
Tahnee Praiswater is an Apprenticeship and field Specialist with the Rural Water Association who works specifically on the water side and is very familiar with engineering, board training and budgets and told how the Association offers a lot of free and lower cost services. She spoke on a new program, a fast track way to get people trained. Under question she told of a 36-hour course requiring no training and a knowledge-based test.
Circuit Rider Daren McCosker told of the shortage of water operators nationwide. He stated operators have an “incredible career.”
Loyalton’s certified wastewater treatment operator John Cussins is remote with permission from the State but there’s no one to provide supervision. There was discussion over how to get one certified person and an operator in training.
More help came from the local mill, Cut to Length’s owners, Jeff Holland and Tom Beam who offered help as, “We do ours,” (water testing.) Talk turned to contracting versus employees with Tahnee stating it wasn’t open bid for certified water operators. Tom suggested they may help fill the position, then secondary help and to learn the sewer. Mayor Sarah Jackson called the wastewater “half the battle.” Tahnee stated the local contractors were experienced and noted, “You are part of the community.”
Council member Jerry Gerow has been doing the local water testing. He was eager to “get a wastewater professional to train at least 1-2 people for backup.”
Daren addressed the need to compensate a proper job and discussed new connection fees of $3-4,000 with only six vacant lots in the City. It was suggested the City partner with Portola for health insurance and Mike talked of a five-step salary range to want retention over competition of open positions. He talked of at least three bodies not necessarily all licensed who could be hired as maintenance, which the City has done in the past. The Association can help with certification review and tutoring and part of apprenticeship charges if the City buys their materials.
The mayor called it all “great information.” Resident Bill Mertton thanked Councilman Jerry Gerow and the mayor further thanked the Merttons.

BUILDING AND PLANNING
Regarding assistance with Building and Planning, former Planner John Benoit has offered part-time planning and will meet with Jerry and a timid Kathy LeBlanc and Jamie Stockdale.
On the process of issuing permits and review, Benoit will sign an engagement letter for an on-call basis since the County is not interested in doing it.  The City will continue to use Portola for inspections.
This brought more interest from Jeff Holland who identified himself as “been putting wood into this plant since the 1980s and been a major supplier of chips.”
He called it here, “Living in God’s Country.” Tom Beam called it “maybe late” but offered to try to get something to work and come up with “our own plans,” adding, “We gotta get new growth.”
Jeff told of 36 full-time employees between the mill and Golden West and 9-10 more employees with a large log mill. He stated they, “Can’t do anything but help this community.” He offered help with snow, “glad to plow streets, water line break help” and being part of the community. And, Tom addressed the City Center’s leaking roof.
Council member Joy Markum stated, “I’m pleased.” Jerry Gerow agreed and the mayor stated she’d set up a meeting.
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SCHOOL SPECIAL MEETING

11/29/2021

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OVER 100 parents, students, community members, and teachers attended the special meeting for the Governing Board of the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District held Thursday, November 18th at the Loyalton Elementary School to discuss the mask and vaccine mandates. Parents put shoes out in front of the school to signify kids who would be taken out of the District if they go forward with the mask and vaccine mandates. Four Board members were present at the public meeting with Board member Allan Wright attending by Zoom due to health reasons.  
Board Chair Lee Adams for the Board of Supervisors made a comment via Zoom in lieu of the Health Department, stating the County had “no roll in the daily operations of public schools”, to which the audience applauded.  
Public comment was held for items not on the posted agenda. Candy Corcoran said a lot of people from the community had asked President Mike Moore to resign and wanted a formal answer. Moore stated it was improper communication. The board passed a motion to have a Zoom meeting in October and one in November and stated as the board president, he couldn’t do that on his own. The board voted 5-0 to have a Zoom meeting, and he had no control over changing that meeting. Moore said there was a premise out there that he lied, adding he made a mistake and believed the Health Department advised them on a Zoom meeting because of the pandemic rising so much. He stated he hadn’t made a decision on whether he would resign but decided not to run again, adding he has been serving this school district for close to 50 years. From the audience, Kelly Champion told Moore he represented Loyalton and felt he was not backing the people he was representing. Moore replied Board members represent Sierra County.  
Discussion followed regarding vaccine and mask mandates. Board member Nicole Stannard told the audience this was a discussion and wanted to hear from the public. The board decided not to have either of the topics as action items until the next board meeting on December 13th. She stated they wanted to have an educated decision before voting. Comments were opened and many took the microphone during the 2-½ hour meeting. Mask comments talked about the amount of strep kids are getting. One parent stated her child already had strep three times  this year and asked how many in the audience have had kids with strep. Many raised their hands. Board member and Nurse Practitioner for EPHC Christina Potter was asked about strep cases. She said in 2019 during a three-month period she saw six strep cases. In 2020 during the same time frame she treated 100 cases and stated there were probably more this year, adding the numbers don’t lie. It was stated over and over how very difficult it is to talk, teach or do anything wearing masks and many felt it was detrimental to children’s learning. Many students spoke out against wearing masks and had been protesting that week at Loyalton High School. Parents had been called, students were sent home, and Superintendent James Berardi spoke to a group of them impressed with fighting for their rights. Berardi was happy to report they found out the day before that athletes could play basketball without wearing masks.
7th grader Bennett Stahl spoke and stated he had been kicked out of math four times because he won’t wear a mask. He asked the Board to come to the school and wear a mask seven hours, five days a week, and run a mile in the gym. Annie Siqueido reported from Zoom the favorite part of her 5 -year-old’s day was recess and lunch because they get to take off their masks.
One parent stated masks teach kids to live in fear and felt the board was living in fear of being sued, adding not a single lawsuit against COVID has won. She understood liability insurance and stated they still have monkey bars and many schools don’t based on liability. It was asked if parents sign a release of liability. Berardi said they couldn’t write away liability. He told the audience if they wanted to do something as a community to get together and write letters or call their legislators as those are the people they want to stop.  
Many speakers wanted the Board to recommend masks but not enforce it, stating other schools were doing it and it was working.  
Jane Roberti asked the consequences to the District if the mask mandate goes away. Berardi stated legally it’s not law and the Board could enforce it the way they want, but can’t opt out of it. He said there was no language on what would happen if they say no masks, adding it could be loss of money or ramifications but didn’t know.  
Champion handed out resolutions from other school boards. She stated these school boards were working in unison with their parents, adding they needed their school board to do the same.
Many also spoke out against the vaccine mandate and asked what the District was doing to research this mandate.  One parent mentioned data on long-term effects of this vaccine on children is non-existent and questioned how this was even a discussion.
Samantha Ingle felt they needed to be proactive so parents can make an informed decision and stated it
adds additional stress when it’s handled in the 11th hour. She asked if the District was accepting exemptions for religious, medical and personal beliefs. Berardi explained because it’s an executive order from the Governor there would be exemptions. He talked to Senator Dahle who is also against it and he stated coming in January they expect something to happen legislatively. Berardi said you don’t need exemptions right now because there is no vaccine mandate now and thought there would be a big push back. He stated if it goes forward they will have exemptions available to the public.
Stannard stated she struggled with wearing a mask and stated some counties were asking what  benchmarks needed to end the mask mandate and she concurred. She felt in moving forward the board needed to send surveys and piece what parents and constituents want to fight these mandates that are not constitutional. She will be investigating to see if they can have another special meeting to vote on these items before the 13th. Stannard said they’d also been getting letters from those who are on the other side of the fence and have staff members who have “flat out said if they do not enforce the mask mandates they will leave their job.”
Potter stated as a parent, board member and medical professional COVID is real but didn’t support the mandates. She wants her kids to have a choice not because someone told them to do it.  
Moore stated they have a collective bargaining agreement with the teachers association that states they will follow the State and Health Department and will take the most restrictive ruling. He added that he wasn’t saying they couldn’t change it, but they would have to work with the teacher’s association to get rid of this agreement.  
Moore said his personal opinion didn’t matter. It was what he has to do as a board member that mattered. Initially he was in favor of keeping the masks and now he was leaning in the other direction.
Board member Patti Hall thanked everyone for coming and appreciated everyone who spoke. She hated wearing masks as much as they did but had all these other pieces and wanted to “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” and make sure they know what they are voting on. Hall felt the vaccine mandate would go to the Supreme Court and thought they’d be in for a long fight.  
Loyalton Elementary Principal Andrea Ceresola told the Board the longer it took to make a decision the longer they had to deal with issues, adding they are the kicking post and makes their job harder and puts them in difficult positions.
Loyalton High School Principal Megan Meschery reported the kids protesting had been respectful and have amazing students here, but masks are “super hard.” She said they are suffering the masks and been experiencing chaos. Meschery needed the Board to make a decision as fast as “humanly possible,” adding they are on the front lines.  ​
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2021 REDISTRICTING PROCESS

11/29/2021

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FOR SIERRA COUNTY had its last public hearing on November 16th during a special Board of Supervisors’ meeting held remotely at 6 p.m. County Counsel Scott McCleran led the discussion and reminded everyone redistricting takes place every 10 years based upon the census data from the Federal Government. He talked about Voters Rights Act in which the law favors keeping the status quo unless there is a justifiable reason for the change. 2020 Census Population for Sierra County is 3,236. Allowable 10% deviation is between 582 to 712 residents in each district.
McCleran discussed the three options brought about by County staff and are as follows:

• Option 1 shifts the properties zoned residential on the north side of Hwy 49 from District 3 into District 2 (population of 10) and shifts 3 census blocks located in the southwest corner of the City of Loyalton which includes Hill Street, Gulling Ave., Taylor Ave., Granite Ave., and Patterson Ave. (population of 106) from District 4 to District 5. District 1 – 646 District 2 – 651 District 3 – 709 District 4 – 623 District 5 – 607 Total = 3236  

• Option 2 is identical to Option 1, except for shifting 100 Hill Street (Senior Apartments) from District 2 to District 5 (population of 60) District 1 – 646 District 2 – 591 District 3 – 709 District 4 – 623 District 5 – 667 Total = 3236  

• Option 3 shifts the properties zoned residential on the north side of Hwy 49 from District 3 into District 5 (population of 10); the residential properties south of Hwy 49 (Loyalton Pines area) from District 2 to District 5 (population of 36); and shifts 3 census blocks located in the southwest corner of the City of Loyalton which includes Hill Street, Gulling Ave., Taylor Ave., Granite Ave., and Patterson Ave. (population of 106) from District 4 to District 5. District 1 – 646 District 2 – 605 District 3 – 709 District 4 – 623 District 5 – 653 Total = 3236
Supervisor Sharon Dryden asked what happens to a Supervisor if moved out of their District with these options. McCleran stated any elected official would not be changed with any changes to redistricting during their term of office.  
The Public Hearing was opened and Cindy Ellsmore of Sierra City sent the Clerk a power point presentation. She felt District 2 was poorly drawn and understood the reason but thought it was time to change. Ellsmore came up with two options, adding it wasn’t an attempt to be political. She stated District 2 was a crazy configuration to include Sierra City with Verdi and Long Valley.  Solution 1 merged Calpine and Sattley with District 2. Solution 2 merged District 2 with Sierraville. Ellsmore felt they really needed to have fair maps and hoped to solve the problem for District 2.
Sylvia and Cig Ostrom of Sierra City appreciated Ellsmore’s effort adding it was a big district to try and help all the areas and a lot to put on one person. Sylvia felt some of Supervisor Peter Huebner’s health issues were due to this. She wanted Sierra City and Sierraville to come together and felt they had more in common as Big Springs was just purchased and plan to put in a yoga studio and Sierraville has the Globe Hotel and hot springs. Carl Butts commended Ellsmore on her hard work and felt either of her two options would be viable, and much better for representation.  
Supervisor Paul Roen stated these options would split the fire district. He attended multiple meetings with Huebner and felt he represented his district well.
John Mitchell of Calpine didn’t feel the existing map was unfair. He said there were logical reasons for why the map is drawn. Mitchell respected the different points of view, but added people needed to time to digest this before making a decision to significantly change a district. Ellsmore stated there was no census data to work with until last meeting. She said it was frustrating and would have liked to have something to work better, adding they have nothing in common with Verdi, and Long Valley. Planning Director Tim Beals explained Verdi and Long Valley are the only two areas that are in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, adding no matter what district you place them in they will feel remote. He felt there was a lot of common ground between those two regions and stated the reasons for drawing District 2 are being well served.  
Huebner  stated when first elected in 1998, he had Alleghany and Pike in his district. He said he always felt he was not just a supervisor for his district, but a supervisor for all of Sierra County. He felt his district was well represented, adding “you can do a lot today on the internet and phone. “ He believed Option 3 prepared by County staff had the best representation for District 2.  
Board Chair Lee Adams stated the law favored status quo he’d wanted everyone to keep that in mind. He said with the two maps Ellsmore presented, the districts would be split by three mountain passes and also split ranching communities.  Verdi and Long Valley both feel the pain of Reno and Washoe County pushing in on them. He added these districts are not created for our convenience and shouldn’t be creating lines to make it convenient for us. Verdi and Long Valley are always going to be outliers, and stated there was no perfect way to “split this pie”.
Ellsmore said it was about representing people not geography and thought t it would be better to be represented by two supervisors than one.
Dryden respected Huebner and felt he was a great public servant. She felt Option 1 and Option 3 prepared by County staff made the most sense.
Supervisor Terry LeBlanc added he had no problem giving some of his “marbles” to Dryden with the County prepared options and echoed Huebner’s comments they represent the entire county.
McCleran said the Board was not approving a final map at this hearing and Huebner made a motion of intent to adopt Option 3. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
McCleran stated the Board could consider Option 1 or Option 3.
Roen made the motion to have Option 1 or Option 3 to be considered by next meeting December 7th where a more deliberate action will be taken. Motion passed unanimously.  
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You Can Make the Holidays Brighter for Local Families

11/29/2021

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Area charities are working hard to make the holiday season brighter by collecting money, toys, bikes, new clothing and canned goods and non-perishables.
The following food banks, charities and local businesses are receiving items. Especially desirable are items for older children and teenagers. Please remember: all toys, bikes and clothing items must be unwrapped. All items donated are considered tax deductible.
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative is assisting local charities with toy, food and clothing drives for the upcoming holidays.
Our Mitten Tree will be available to decorate with “warm” ornaments from employees and the public. Mittens, hats, coats, snow boots, socks and scarves are welcome.
Join us in our “Co-op Coats-4-Kids” coat drive by dropping off new coats for children 0 to 15 years old. Help spread the warmth by dropping items at PSREC’s office, 73233 State Route 70, Portola.
Eastern Plumas Angel ProgramVisit angel trees at Leonard’s Market, Plumas Bank in Portola, Graeagle Store and Goodwin’s Country Market to pick up angel tags for children starting November 19. Drop off new, unwrapped gifts and NEW coats (with tags) for children by December 7 at locations below. For more information, call (530) 832-1827.
Drop off locations:
Plumas-Sierra REC
73233 State Route 70, Portola
Plumas Bank
120 N. Pine, Portola
Goodwin’s General Store
94139 State Route 70, Chilcoot
Mohawk Community Resource Center
8989 Highway 89, Blairsden
Plumas Eureka Fire Hall
200 Lundy Ln., Blairsden
Eastern Plumas Community Assistance Network Food BankEastern Plumas Community Assistance Network Food Bank is welcoming donations of non-perishable food items. Monetary donations can be mailed to 120 Nevada St., Portola, CA 96122 throughout the year.
For more information, call (530) 832-4570.
Portola drop off locations:
Plumas Bank
120 N. Pine, Portola
Portola City Hall
35 Third Ave, Portola
Plumas-Sierra REC
73233 State Route 70, Portola
Angel Tree, Sierra County Holiday Planners and Terry’s Toys for TotsProvide food baskets, new clothing and toys. They also accept gently used clothing and toys. They especially need teen items. Visit angel trees at various Loyalton businesses. For more information, call (530) 993-4228.
Loyalton drop off location:
Sierra Co. Health & Human Services
202 Front St., Loyalton
Lassen County Toys for TotsItems for older children and teens are in great demand. For more information, call (530) 260-4800.
Susanville drop-off location:
Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
1415 Sheriff Cady Ln., Susanville
Plumas County Sheriff’s Holiday Helping HandsWelcomes donations of new, unwrapped toys and clothing. For monetary donations, checks can be made payable to “Holiday Helping Hands.” For more information, call (530) 283-6375.
Main Sheriff’s Office
1400 E. Main St., Quincy
County Courthouse Clerks Office
520 Main St., Quincy
Portola Substation
Quincy Rite Aid
Plumas-Sierra REC
73233 State Route 70, Portola
Plumas Eureka Fire Department
200 Lundy Ln., Blairsden
Portola City Hall
35 3rd Ave., Portola
Plumas Bank (monetary donations and angel gifts)
120 N. Pine, Portola
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WORLD AIDS DAY IS DECEMBER 1ST

11/29/2021

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HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Although the world has made significant progress in recent decades,  important global targets for 2020 were not met.
Division, disparity and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis. Now, COVID-19 is exacerbating inequities and disruptions to services,  making the lives of many people living with HIV more challenging.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS”.  With a special focus on reaching people left behind, WHO and its partners are highlighting the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services. 
On 1 December 2021, WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to rally to confront the inequalities that drive AIDS and to reach people who are currently not receiving essential HIV services.
​
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Cal OES Reminds Wildfire Survivors to Sign Up for Free Debris Removal Program

11/26/2021

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SACRAMENTO – As the deadline for survivors of the California wildfire survivors to enroll in the state's Consolidated Debris Removal Program approaches, state contractors continue to make progress removing eligible debris from properties whose owners already have enrolled in the program.
To date, crews have removed burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from 458 properties.  The 458 cleared properties represent 30 percent of the 1,477 properties in 10 counties participating in the full debris removal program.  Another 212 properties are participating in the hazardous trees only element of the program.
Under the program, administered by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), in collaboration with county officials, participating property owners incur no direct costs.
Property owners opt into the program by submitting a Right-of-Entry form (ROE) to their county, which allows the state to begin work on their property and incur no direct costs for the removal of burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from their properties.
 
Interested homeowners in Alpine, El Dorado, Lake, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties can still sign up for the Program by November 30, 2021. Find more information about the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, including contacts and county-specific ROE forms here.
 
The Program is also now available to property owners with losses from the Hopkins Fire in Mendocino County, the Washington Fire in Tuolumne County, the Windy Fire in Tulare County, and the French Fire in Kern County.  The deadline for submitting of ROEs for these counties will be announced shortly.  Property owners should speak with their county government to learn more about the program.
 
 

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Ask the DMV - What You Need to Know for Holiday Travel Season

11/26/2021

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Intro: Whether you’re planning to travel by car or plane this upcoming holiday season, the last thing you need is added stress. In this edition of Ask the DMV, learn how you can expedite your travels with DMV online services, DMV kiosks and our Business Partner Automation (BPA) program, while also knowing what documentation is required for air travel.
 
Q1: I am planning to fly from my home state to another state this holiday season. Do I need a REAL ID to board domestic flights? What about to enter a federal facility, such as a military base?
A1: While you will not need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or to enter federal facilities this holiday season, there is no reason to wait. The enforcement date has been moved to May 3, 2023, but we highly encourage all Californians to get a REAL ID as soon as possible because of high demand. REAL ID appointments are available and you can also check DMV Office wait times online if you do not have an appointment. Even better – you can complete your REAL ID application online and simply finish the transaction in person at a DMV Office. 
To apply for a REAL ID, you will need to provide the following documents: ONE identity document that includes your date of birth and your full name – such as an original or certified birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. You’ll also need to provide TWO documents that show your name and address to prove you’re a California resident. You can use cell phone and utility bills, a mortgage statement, bank statement, or even your vehicle registration. Finally, you will need to provide your FULL social security number.
It's as easy as 1-2-3 to get your REAL ID. View a full list of acceptable documents and start your application online today at CaliforniaREALID.org.
 
Q2: My car registration is out of date and I don’t have time to visit the DMV before the holidays. Can I renew my registration online?
A2: Yes! Skip the line this holiday season and renew your vehicle registration online. The DMV offers a variety of online services that make completing your DMV business easy and efficient, from renewing vehicle registration to changing your address, or driver’s license renewal – and much more! You can find a list of online services at dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-online/.
In addition to online services, the DMV offers other methods for completing select transactions to help reduce your trips to the DMV and save you time this holiday season, including DMV kiosks and Business Partner Automation (BPA) locations:
 
DMV kiosks are freestanding self-service touchscreen devices that guide you through various DMV transactions, from registration renewal and payment to submitting proof of insurance. You can find a list of DMV kiosk locations at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/kiosks/.
 
Our Business Partner Automation (BPA) program authorizes qualified partners to process vehicle related transactions, including vehicle registration and titling, from their remote locations. Learn more about our BPA program and what transactions can be processed at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/business-partner-automation-program/.
 
For more information or answers to questions not listed here, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
 
 
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OR93 Found Dead in Kern County

11/24/2021

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On Nov. 10, OR93 was found dead near Interstate 5 near the town of Lebec, Calif. Following a full investigation and necropsy, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has determined that the wolf died from trauma consistent with vehicular strike and does not suspect foul play.
 
On the afternoon of Nov. 10, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife received a phone call from a truck driver who witnessed the deceased wolf along a dirt trail near a frontage road running parallel to I-5. A CDFW warden responded to the scene to collect the carcass which was quickly identified as OR93 because of its collar.
 
The carcass was transported to the Wildlife Health Laboratory in Rancho Cordova, Calif. where a complete necropsy was performed. The wolf had significant tissue trauma to the left rear leg and a dislocated knee as well as soft tissue trauma to the abdomen. The injuries were deemed to be caused by a vehicle strike.
 
Young gray wolves can disperse very long distances from their natal area and OR93 is no exception. Before his demise, he was documented traveling the farthest south in California since wolves returned to the state, which is historically wolf habitat. The last documented wolf that far south was captured in San Bernardino County in 1922.
 
OR93 was a male wolf born in 2019. He dispersed from the White River pack in northern Oregon. When his collar was providing information, he was tracked entering Modoc County on January 30, 2021. After briefly returning to Oregon, he reentered Modoc County on February 4. On February 24, he entered Alpine County after passing through portions of Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador and Calaveras counties. On February 25, he entered Mono County. In mid-March, he was in western Tuolumne County. By late March he was in Fresno County, and then entered San Benito County after crossing Highway 99 and Interstate 5. He was in Monterey County on April 1 and his last collar transmission was from San Luis Obispo County on April 5. Through April 5 he had traveled at least 935 air miles in California, a minimum average of 16 air miles per day.
 
CDFW strongly encourages the public to be aware that the wolf population continues to grow in California and to know the difference between wolves and coyotes. Though gray wolves are generally much bigger than coyotes, they can sometimes be misidentified. We encourage the public to review this page that provides tips for differentiating between wolves, coyotes and dogs.
 
Gray wolves are listed as endangered pursuant to California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA). It is unlawful to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap or capture gray wolves. Anyone who believes they have seen a wolf in California can report it to CDFW at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Gray-Wolf/Sighting-Report.
 
Gray wolves pose very little safety risk to humans. CDFW is working to monitor and conserve California’s small wolf population and is collaborating with livestock producers and diverse stakeholders to minimize wolf-livestock conflicts.
 
Gray wolf management in California is guided by CESA as well as CDFW’s Conservation Plan for Gray Wolves in California, finalized in 2016. More information is available on CDFW’s wolf webpage at: wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/mammals/gray-wolf.
 
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State Route 70 Update November 24, 2021

11/24/2021

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Caltrans District 2 and contractors conducted blasting operations at the slide location on State Route 70 in the Feather River Canyon near the Butte/Plumas County Line just before noon yesterday. The blasting was able to loosen fractured rock from the slope and near the roadway. Minor blasting operations are currently anticipated upcoming to remove and bring more debris closer to the roadway.  Scaling operations from above took place on Monday and are ongoing today. Following scaling and blasting operations, the site will be further assessed for safety prior to crews and equipment being placed underneath for continued debris removal.

There remains no current estimated time of reopening State Route 70 to one lane under 24/7 traffic control. Motorists should continue to use alternate routes. A better timeline for reopening will be provided following upcoming operations, pending safety, weather, and any future activity at the slide location.

Caltrans and contractor thank the traveling public and locals for their continued patience during this slide closure. 24/7 roadway conditions are available via QuickMap or by calling 1-800-427-7623. Please contact the Caltrans District 2 Public Information Office at 530-225-3426 or by email with questions.

Video of blasting operations from November 23rd
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6th grade Thanksgiving Day parade floats

11/23/2021

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Farm Bureau: Survey Shows Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up 14%

11/23/2021

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Enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends is a priority for many Americans, but paying attention to how the meal will impact the budget is also important. Farm Bureau’s 36th annual survey indicates the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $53.31 or less than $6.00 per person. This is a $6.41 or 14% increase from last year’s average of $46.90.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs more than last year, at $23.99 for a 16-pound bird. That’s roughly $1.50 per pound, up 24% from last year, but there are several mitigating factors.

Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Oct. 26 to Nov. 8, about two weeks before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. Although the survey timeline is consistent with past AFBF Thanksgiving surveys, 2021 brought some unique differences. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, grocery stores began advertising lower feature prices later than usual this year. Also, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys was $1.07 the week of Nov. 5-11 and 88 cents the week of Nov. 12-18, a decline of 18% in just one week. This means consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey should be able to find one at a lower cost than the Farm Bureau average.
“Several factors contributed to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. “These include dramatic disruptions to the U.S. economy and supply chains over the last 20 months; inflationary pressure throughout the economy; difficulty in predicting demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and high global demand for food, particularly meat,” she explained. Further, “The trend of consumers cooking and eating at home more often due to the pandemic led to increased supermarket demand and higher retail food prices in 2020 and 2021, compared to pre-pandemic prices in 2019.”

Expand ImageThe shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
“Taking turkey out of the basket of foods reveals a 6.6% price increase compared to last year, which tracks closely with the Consumer Price Index for food and general inflation across the economy,” said Nigh.


View a comparison of prices from the 2020 and 2021 AFBF Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Surveys here.







In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded holiday menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $15.41, to $68.72. This updated basket of foods also increased in price (up 14%) compared to 2020.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using 218 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
Cost in Selected States
State-specific data on the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner is available from select Farm Bureaus, including Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.

Credit: Getty Images    Individual Prices
  • 16-pound turkey: $23.99 or approximately $1.50 per pound (up 24%)
  • 2 frozen pie crusts: $2.91 (up 20%)
  • 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $3.64 (up 7%)
  • Half pint of whipping cream: $1.78 (up 2%)
  • 1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.05 (up 15%)
  • 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.98 (up 11%)
  • 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.30 (up 7%)
  • 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.54 (up 6%)
  • 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.56 (up 4%)
  • 1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): 82 cents (up 12%)
  • Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.45 (up 12%)
  • 14-ounce bag of cubed stuffing mix: $2.29 (down 19%)


Follow AFBF on social media: Twitter, @FarmBureau; Facebook, @AmericanFarmBureau; and Instagram, @AmericanFarmBureau.
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Anarchy in California

11/23/2021

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With California in the throes of a “State of Emergency,” Gavin Newsom is vacationing in Mexico for a week. You can see why he’d want to get away.

This last weekend, mobs of “smash and grab” looters wreaked havoc across the Bay Area. The new policy, apparently, is that either a vaccine card or a hammer is required to enter retail establishments.
Newsom’s bold response to the anarchy: “We cannot allow this to continue. Period. Full stop.” He then lamented his PlumpJack winery has been robbed four times. But Newsom has only himself to blame: he helped pass Prop. 47, the so-called “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act."
This was the measure that all but legalized retail theft. As a prosecutor, I saw the disastrous consequences. When I ran for the Legislature, I designed a “Prop. 47 Simulator” allowing voters to see those consequences by stepping into the shoes of a police officer. (Try it out here)
As crime predictably rose, our efforts to fix the law were snuffed out by Newsom’s allies at the Capitol. But Californians have had enough. When the Legislature returns, I am introducing a Constitutional Amendment to fully repeal Prop. 47.
Help me fight for sanity
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Kevin Kiley
California Legislator
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Caltrans Reminds Drivers to Prepare Their Vehicles for Winter Weather Travel

11/23/2021

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MONO COUNTY – The winter travel season is nearly upon us. But before you head to the mountains this year, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the road conditions heavy snowfall brings. In this Caltrans News Flash, Public Information Officer Christopher Andriessen shares the items every driver should consider packing before traveling to higher elevations, as well as the one item that is required by law.
 
View the News Flash video “Caltrans Reminds Drivers to Prepare Their Vehicles for Winter Weather Travel” on the CaltransVideo YouTube Channel.
 
This News Flash is the 234th in a series of videos highlighting Caltrans’ activities that present the wide-ranging and critical work that Caltrans does to enhance California’s economy and livability. To see more of these and other videos, search for #CaltransNewsFlash on Twitter or visit the Caltrans News Flash page.
 
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Privacy Issues Ignored While The Left & Right Vaccine-Shame

11/23/2021

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By Marc Ang 

There is a societal epidemic: pro-vaccine or anti-vaccine zealots who virtue signal by telling others what to do with their own bodies. Both sides are happy to shame those who either take or don’t take the vaccine. 
One anti-vaccine zealot tried to shame me for supposedly getting the vaccine, calling me a “coward”.  When I politely asked for clarification, she said “you took the jab to keep your job. My son is losing his job for standing up to medical tyranny”. Martyr, much? Also, very unresearched as I keep certain things private, especially my medical status. 
But her behavior did provoke some thought. Becoming an independent has truly been freeing as I reject political parties and by extension, blind tribes. Truth and intelligent debate matter to me more than partisan cheerleading so it is important I call out both sides of the vaccine debate.  But many times, both sides aren’t even talking about the right angles on an issue. 
The jab itself and whether or not someone is getting it or not getting it is what the media wants us to focus on while neglecting the elephant in the room: it’s not about the jab, it’s the mandates and the assault on our right to privacy. The latter is even more overlooked than the mandates. 
“The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge.” (Per the CDC website)
Though created in the early days of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, nothing has changed as far as the importance of privacy goes. It is simply not right to compromise the privacy of anyone’s medical information and especially of any disease that has stigma attached to it. One can argue that COVID with all the airplay it’s gotten, has even more of a stigma today than HIV. You can barely cough in public without people reacting around you these days. 
There are stigmas not only around COVID or HIV but also cancer, diabetes, Hepatitis or even people with food allergies. In this society which is constantly giving lip service to compassion, why can we not practice the same compassion around COVID to allow that same privacy?
“None of your business” comes to mind when it comes to vaccine passports, especially retail establishments trying to ask sensitive questions of their patrons.  And it certainly is poor form for private citizens to snitch on others for not getting vaccinated or conversely, to shame them if they took the vaccine.
Forgetting our rights to privacy in the name of safety is what allowed the PATRIOT Act to happen under Bush’s Republican administration.  Allowing wiretapping of private phone calls among other privacy-invading mechanisms was apparently acceptable in the name of safety. And here we are again, now with the fear surrounding COVID, privacy loses again. 
It is because we have become a complacent society that has taken for granted our rights? Yes, that’s bad enough but we also have become one of tribal blindness, never questioning our side, and then fighting over the wrong things while barely discussing the right things. 
Is it also a race to become the most extreme? Both expect blind allegiance to their tribe. And that is what’s destroying American society. Privacy and allowing people to make choices no matter how dumb you think it is... are sacred. 
Thankfully, many spoke up in defense of privacy on that thread. I’m heartened by these reasonable people and would like to think that most people don’t subscribe to this antisocial behavior. However, it is the extremes that are taking over politics and regular people need to get civically involved before it’s too late, especially on issues of privacy. 
Marc Ang (marc@aib2b.org) is a community organizer in Southern California and the founder of Asian Industry B2B. He is a community organizer who has thrown many events educating the community on health and wellness issues. Marc’s book “Minority Retort” will be released in late 2021.




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​Serving Up a Full Plate of Gratitude and a Side Dish of Energy Savings for Our Customers This Thanksgiving

11/23/2021

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PG&E Offers Tips to Stay Safe and Reduce Energy Use this Holiday Season
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — As we take time to feast and give thanks, the 25,000 coworkers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) want to express sincere appreciation for our customers. Our community only works when we support one another. We are honored to be a part of it and privileged to provide energy service to millions across Northern and Central California. 

This Thanksgiving, PG&E shares ways to gobble up energy savings to help reduce higher holiday energy bills.

“We feel fortunate to be able to serve the same communities where we live and raise our families. With this in mind, we encourage customers to put safety first at holiday gatherings and look for ways to reduce energy use this season,” said Aaron August, PG&E’s Vice President of Business Development & Customer Engagement.

Here are some simple tips for customers enjoying the holidays:
 
  • Start with a Clean Oven and Stovetop to reduce the risk of a grease fire.
 
  • Keep the Oven Door Closed when in use. Cut down your oven's energy consumption by using the oven light to check on food instead of opening the door. It will help maintain the correct temperature and minimize the oven having to reheat itself.
 
  • Use the Stove Instead of the Oven as range-top cooking uses less energy. Also plan side dishes that can cook simultaneously in the oven to reduce the amount of time it is running. Use the microwave to reheat or cook small portions.
 
  • Install a Dimmer Light Switch for dining room light fixture(s). Dimming a bulb’s brightness by 10% can double the bulb’s lifespan. Keep the lights off when not in use.
  • Use a Dishwasher and scrape plates instead of rinsing with hot water to save energy and money. Wait until there is a full load before starting the dishwasher. And be sure to stop the appliance before the heated dry cycle; open the door and let your dishes air-dry.
 
Fire safety is critical on Thanksgiving as it is the peak day for home cooking fires especially when frying foods. Turkey fryers can easily tip over spilling hot oil across a large area. Customers should only use turkey fryers outdoors on a sturdy, level surface away from things that can burn.
For more ways to stay safe this holiday season, visit www.pge.com/safety. For customers shopping for energy-saving appliances and electronics, visit PG&E’s Marketplace.
 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
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‘TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE SUSTAINABLY WITHTERRACYCLE’S ZERO WASTE BOXES

11/23/2021

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Give the Gift of Zero Waste This Holiday Season With TerraCycle
 
TRENTON, N.J., NOVEMBER 22, 2021 – Households everywhere have seen the pile-up of packaging accumulate over the past two years -- add discarded holiday gift wrap to the waste pile and, yes, household stress will begin to accumulate too. Industry data suggests that 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper is used in the United States each year. Once the holiday festivities start to wind down, nearly half of the used gift wrap will end its life in the landfill. 

Traditional wrapping paper is difficult to recycle because it is often dyed, laminated or made up of small, non-paper additives such as glitter or plastics. To address the environmental cost of the holiday season, TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box™ program offers convenient, turn-key recycling solutions for holiday gift waste not recyclable through conventional recycling facilities.
 
  • After opening presents, families can recycle wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, tissue paper and other decorative gift packaging with the Wrapping Paper and Gift Waste Zero Waste Box.
  • For any online purchases, the Shipping Materials Zero Waste Box can be used to recycle e-commerce packaging such as stretch and bubble wrap, packing peanuts, air cushions, and tape dispensers.
  • The Plastic Packaging Zero Waste Box can be used to collect all other flexible and rigid plastic packaging components including plastic clamshells, plastic windows and more.

When full, the boxes can be returned to TerraCycle for processing and the collected waste will be cleaned, melted and remolded to make new products.

“Every year, the holiday season brings joy, cheer, and unfortunately, an excess of waste into our homes,” said Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “With help from our Zero Waste Boxes, consumers can tackle this problem head-on in their households and outsmart holiday waste.”

TerraCycle, the world’s leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams, created the Zero Waste Box program to provide solutions for difficult-to-recycle waste that cannot be recycled through TerraCycle’s brand-sponsored, national recycling programs or via standard municipal recycling. To learn more about TerraCycle and its innovative recycling solutions, visit www.terracycle.com.


About TerraCycle
TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company with a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. Operating nationally across 21 countries, TerraCycle partners with leading consumer product companies, retailers and cities to recycle products and packages, from dirty diapers to cigarette butts, that would otherwise end up being landfilled or incinerated. In addition, TerraCycle works with leading consumer product companies to integrate hard to recycle waste streams, such as ocean plastic, into their products and packaging. Its new division, Loop, is the first shopping system that gives consumers a way to shop for their favorite brands in durable, reusable packaging. TerraCycle has won over 200 awards for sustainability and has donated over $44 million to schools and charities since its founding more than 15 years ago and was named #10 in Fortune magazine’s list of 52 companies Changing the World. To learn more about TerraCycle or get involved in its recycling programs, please visit www.terracycle.com.

 
 
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Three Indoor Trees for the Holidays by Melinda Myers

11/23/2021

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Add a small-scale living evergreen to your holiday celebrations. Consider one that is suitable for growing indoors so you can enjoy it throughout the year.
 

The Lemon Cypress makes a great miniature holiday tree, centerpiece, or gift for a friend. The fragrant chartreuse foliage of this dwarf evergreen continues to brighten your winter décor long after the holidays are over. You can find them as topiaries or in their more natural pyramidal form.
 

Grow them in a sunny window and turn the plants occasionally to ensure all parts receive equal sunlight and grow evenly. You’ll have the best results if you keep your plant in a cool location free of cold and hot air drafts. 
 

Water your mini holiday tree whenever the top few inches of soil are dry. Wait until spring when plants begin to actively grow and need a nutrient boost before applying fertilizer.
The Norfolk Island pine has long been a favorite of indoor gardeners. Its pine-like appearance makes it a great holiday tree.  Add a bit of garland and a few small ornaments for a festive effect.
Grow this plant in a cool, well-lit location free of drafts of hot and cold air. Avoid dry air and soil to keep the needles and branches green, flexible, and healthy. Water thoroughly whenever the soil is just slightly moist. Boost the humidity around this and other plants with a gravel tray. Place pebbles and water in the saucer. Set the pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
Switch out the ornaments when celebrating other holidays. Use hearts for Valentine’s Day, eggs for Easter and orange lights for Halloween.
Rosemary wreath and tree topiaries are festive as well as fragrant and edible. Give the leaves a pet to enjoy the fragrance and lift your spirits. Or pluck a sprig to add welcome flavor to your winter meals and beverages.
Rosemary was as popular a Christmas plant as mistletoe and holly until the 20th Century. It’s not clear why this plant fell out of favor, but it is growing in popularity as a holiday plant. You can find it in many garden centers and florists this time of year.
Rosemary represents love and remembrance, a great sentiment to share during the holidays. Growing Rosemary indoors can be challenging. Don’t let past failures stop you from trying. Just keep experimenting until you find the location and maintenance routine that keeps your Rosemary thriving. If the plant turns brown, move it out of sight to the back of your indoor garden. It still smells good when you give it a pet and no one, but you will know.

Change things up this season with the addition of one or more of these indoor evergreen trees. They are sure to brighten your spirits and holiday décor.
 
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook and 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. Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.
 

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State Route 70 UpdateNovember 23, 2021

11/23/2021

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Caltrans District 2 and J.F. Shea are preparing for blasting and scaling operations at the slide location on State Route 70 in the Feather River Canyon near the Butte/Plumas County Line. These operations are planned for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23. Following these operations, debris removal from the area is planned when the area is deemed safe to do so. While there remains no concrete date for the reopening of one lane with 24/7 traffic control in the area, crews will continue working towards getting access in the area, weather and safety permitting.

Caltrans and contractor thank the traveling public and locals for their continued patience during this slide closure. 24/7 roadway conditions are available via QuickMap or by calling 1-800-427-7623. Please contact the Caltrans District 2 Public Information Office at 530-225-3426 or by email with questions.
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THANKSGIVING WISHES FROM SIERRA KIDS: Conner, Raleighmae, Ida and friends..........and continued.....Photos submitted

11/22/2021

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​Wilk: Newsom Administration Fails to ‘Meet the Moment’ on State-Funded COVID Testing Lab Investigation

11/22/2021

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SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) released the following statement after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a long-awaited report about a troubling state-funded $1.7 billion COVID testing lab:
 
“It should not have taken 287 days for Californians to receive answers about this taxpayer-funded COVID testing lab. Especially when our vulnerable students are the ones at-risk. Parents and families deserve accountability and transparency from the Newsom Administration,” said Wilk. “The allegations exposed in February were troubling to say the least – swapped samples, inaccurate results, contamination, and beyond. Not to mention, private labs are producing the same results at a reduced cost. Looks like we can add this to the list of the times Newsom has failed to ‘meet the moment.’”
 
Click here to read the report released by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Last month, Leader Wilk sent two letters to CDPH requesting for the release of the report and the halting of the auto-renew of the $1.7 billion contract for Perkin Elmer. Click here and hereto read the letters. 
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November 21st, 2021

11/21/2021

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​2021 REDISTRICTING PROCESS FOR SIERRA COUNTY had its last public hearing on November 16th during a special Board of Supervisors’ meeting held remotely at 6 p.m. County Counsel Scott McCleran led the discussion and reminded everyone that redistricting takes place every 10 years based upon the census data from the Federal Government. He talked about Voters Rights Act in which the law favors keeping the status quo unless there is a justifiable reason for the change. 2020 Census Population for Sierra County is 3,236. Allowable 10% deviation is between 582 to 712 residents in each district. 
McCleran discussed the three options brought about by County staff and are as follows: 
Option 1 shifts the properties zoned residential on the north side of Hwy 49 from District 3 into District 2 (population of 10) and shifts 3 census blocks located in the southwest corner of the City of Loyalton which includes Hill Street, Gulling Ave., Taylor Ave., Granite Ave., and Patterson Ave. (population of 106) from District 4 to District 5. District 1 – 646 District 2 – 651 District 3 – 709 District 4 – 623 District 5 – 607 Total = 3236  
Option 2 is identical to Option 1, except for shifting 100 Hill Street (Senior Apartments) from District 2 to District 5 (population of 60) District 1 – 646 District 2 – 591 District 3 – 709 District 4 – 623 District 5 – 667 Total = 3236  
Option 3 shifts the properties zoned residential on the north side of Hwy 49 from District 3 into District 5 (population of 10); the residential properties south of Hwy 49 (Loyalton Pines area) from District 2 to District 5 (population of 36); and shifts 3 census blocks located in the southwest corner of the City of Loyalton which includes Hill Street, Gulling Ave., Taylor Ave., Granite Ave., and Patterson Ave. (population of 106) from District 4 to District 5. District 1 – 646 District 2 – 605 District 3 – 709 District 4 – 623 District 5 – 653 Total = 3236 
Supervisor Sharon Dryden asked happens to a Supervisor if they are moved out of their District with these options. McCleran stated any elected official would not be changed with any changes to redistricting during their term of office.  
The Public Hearing was opened and Cindy Ellsmore of Sierra City sent the Clerk a power point presentation. She felt District 2 was poorly drawn and understood the reason but thought it was time to change. Ellsmore came up with two options, adding it wasn’t an attempt to be political. She stated District 2 was a crazy configuration to include Sierra City with Verdi and Long Valley.  Solution 1 merged Calpine and Sattley with District 2. Solution 2 merged District 2 with Sierraville. Ellsmore felt they really needed to have fair maps and hoped to solve the problem for District 2. 
Sylvia and Cig Ostrom of Sierra City appreciated Ellsmore’s effort adding it was a big district to try and help all the areas and a lot to put on one person. Sylvia felt some of Supervisor Peter Huebner’s health issues were due to this. She wanted Sierra City and Sierraville to come together and felt they had more in common as Big Springs was just purchased and plan to put in a yoga studio and Sierraville has the Globe Hotel and hot springs. Carl Butts commended Ellsmore on her hard work and felt either of her two options would be viable, and much better for representation.  
Supervisor Paul Roen stated these options would split the fire district. He attended multiple meetings with Huebner and felt he had represented his district well. 
John Mitchell of Calpine didn’t feel the existing map was unfair. He said there were logical reasons for why the map is drawn. Mitchell respected the different points of view, but added people needed to time to digest this before making a decision to significantly change a district. Ellsmore stated there was no census data to work with until last meeting. She said it was frustrating and would have liked to have something to work better, adding they have nothing in common with Verdi, and Long Valley. Planning Director Tim Beals explained Verdi and Long Valley are the only two areas that are in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, adding no matter what district you place them in they will feel remote. He felt there was a lot of common ground between those two regions and stated the reasons for drawing District 2 are being well served.  
Huebner spoke up and stated when he was first elected in 1998, he had Alleghany and Pike in his district. He said he always felt he was not just a supervisor for his district, but a supervisor for all of Sierra County. He felt his district was well represented, adding “you can do a lot today on the internet and phone. “ He believed Option 3 prepared by County staff had the best representation for District 2.  Board Chair Lee Adams stated the law favored status quo he’d wanted everyone to keep that in mind. He said with the two maps that Ellsmore presented, the districts would be split by three mountain passes and it would also split ranching communities.  Verdi and Long Valley both feel the pain of Reno and Washoe County pushing in on them. He added these districts are not created for our convenience and shouldn’t be creating lines to make it convenient for us. Verdi and Long Valley are always going to be outliers, and stated there was no perfect way to “split this pie”. Ellsmore said it was about representing people not geography and thought t it would be better to be represented by two supervisors than one. Dryden respected Huebner and felt he was a great public servant. She felt Option 1 and Option 3 prepared by County staff made the most sense. Supervisor Terry LeBlanc added he had no problem giving some of his “marbles” to Dryden with the County prepared options and echoed Huebner’s comments that they represent the entire county. 
McCleran said the Board was not approving a final map at this hearing and Huebner made a motion of intent to adopt Option 3. The motion failed due to a lack of a second. McCleran stated the Board could consider Option 1 or Option 3. Roen made the motion to have Option 1 or Option 3 to be considered by next meeting December 7thwhere a more deliberate action will be taken. Motion passed unanimously.
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RCRC Joins Others in Petitioning the CPUC to Modify the Existing BioMAT Program to Support Bioenergy Generation

11/19/2021

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On Tuesday, the Rural County Representatives of California, the Bioenergy Association of California, and California Association of Sanitation Agencies submitted a joint petition to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requesting modifications to the existing BioMAT program, under which the state’s three large Investor Owned Utilities (IOUS) must procure a total of 250 MW of energy from small bioenergy projects. 
Under the program, if generators offer electricity under specified price points, the three IOUs must procure: 
  • 110 MW of power from biogas from wastewater treatment, municipal organic waste diversion, food process, and co-digestion
  • 90 MW from dairy and other agricultural bioenergy 
  • 50MW from bioenergy using biproducts of sustainable forest management 
 The Joint Petition seeks to: 
  • Extend the BioMAT program from 2025 to 2030
  • Allow smaller IOUs to participate in the BioMAT program, if they so choose
  • Modify the apportionment of the buckets among the IOUs  
The petition seeks to address several looming issues.  
First, the petition seeks to extend the program’s sunset date.  While the statutes creating the program did not include a sunset date, the CPUC created one, which it extended to 2025 in mid-2020.  With the phase-out of agricultural burning in the Central Valley and the opportunity for local governments to use small bioenergy facilities to comply with new CalRecycle organic waste procurement requirements, the 2025 sunset is impractical and should be extended to at least 2030. 
Second, under previous CPUC decisions, the state’s smaller IOUs cannot participate in the BioMAT program.  The petition seeks to allow those smaller IOUs, like Bear Valley Electric Service, Liberty Utilities, and PacifiCorp to participate if they so choose. 
Finally, the petition seeks to modify the allocation of the three buckets among IOUs so that PG&E can procure more ag-based bioenergy.  PG&E covers a large portion of the San Joaquin Valley, which must phase out the open burning of agricultural waste.  Small bioenergy facilities could play a role in managing those materials, but PG&E is quickly approaching its cap for dairy/agricultural bioenergy.  The petition seeks to give PG&E additional capacity for that bucket without increasing overall statewide obligations or costs. 
Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Legislative Advocate, with any questions or if you are interested in supporting this petition. 


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Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Advisory

11/19/2021

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REDDING - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans District 2) wishes the traveling public a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend. Motorists are reminded that while most construction projects are wrapping up for the season, some motorists may experience delays as emergency work, due to fires and slides in our district, continue.

Historically, peak travel dates and times surrounding this holiday weekend are:

  • Wednesday, November 24 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.


While many crews will not be working from Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28, work will be in effect on Wednesday, November 24 and again on Monday, November 29. In addition, Caltrans District 2 would like to alert the public to the following long-term work zones, rest area closures, and areas of traffic congestion.

STATE ROUTE 299, MONUMENT FIRE EMERGENCY WORK: On Wednesday, November 24, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., motorists will be simultaneously escorted through the closure area via pilot car at 7:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24 to 6 a.m. on Monday, November 29, the closure area will be shortened to a section just west of Del Loma (PM 18.3 to PM 19.3). Traffic will be continuously directed through the closure area by flaggers, pending any debris that may need to be cleared. On Monday, November 29, a new schedule will go into effect with additional opening times. Beginning at 6 a.m., traffic will be simultaneously escorted through the closure area via pilot car at 7:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the closure area will be shortened to a section just west of Del Loma (PM 18.3 to PM 19.3) and traffic will be continuously directed through the closure area by flaggers.

STATE ROUTE 70, BETWEEN JARBO GAP AND THE GREENVILLE WYE:State Route 70 remains closed to motorists between Jarbo Gap and the Greenville Wye (Butte/Plumas County) due to a large, active slide. Residents in the area east of the slide (between the Butte/Plumas County line and the Greenville Wye) should plan for up to 15 minute delays for permitted PG&E Dixie Fire emergency work along State Route 70 at various locations, seven days a week.

STATE ROUTE 89 BETWEEN CANYONDAM AND THE GREENVILLE WYE (PLUMAS COUNTY): Through Wednesday, November 24, motorists can anticipate one-way traffic control at various locations with up to 1-hour cumulative delays during daytime hours. No work or lane closures are planned from Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28. Beginning Monday, November 29, motorists can plan for up to 1-hour cumulative delays again in the corridor during daytime hours (Monday-Saturday).

STATE ROUTE 70 BETWEEN THE GREENVILLE WYE AND QUINCY (PLUMAS COUNTY): Through Wednesday, November 24, motorists can anticipate one-way traffic control with up to 15-minute delays during daytime hours. No work or lane closures are planned between Thursday, November 25 and Sunday, November 28. Beginning Monday, November 29, motorists can plan for up to 15-minute delays again in the corridor during daytime hours (Monday-Saturday).

STATE ROUTE 36 BETWEEN STATE ROUTE 32 AND STATE ROUTE 89 JUNCTIONS (TEHAMA/PLUMAS COUNTIES): Through Wednesday, November 24, motorists can anticipate one-way traffic control with up to 20-minute delays during daytime hours. No work or land closures are planned between Thursday, November 25 and Sunday, November 28. Beginning Monday, November 29, motorists can plan for up to 20-minute delays again in the corridor during daytime hours (Monday-Saturday).

STATE ROUTE 36 BETWEEN FOREST GLEN AND THE JUNCTION WITH STATE ROUTE 3 (TRINITY COUNTY): Through Wednesday, November 24, motorists can anticipate one-way traffic control with up to 1-hour delays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for slide work. While no work is planned for Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28, motorists should plan for 24/7 one-way traffic control with up to 15-minute delays as only one lane is available in the area. Beginning on Monday, November 29, motorists can plan for up to 60-minute delays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Monday-Friday).

SAFETY ROADSIDE REST AREAS: For up-to-date information on which safety roadside rest areas are currently open in District 2, please use QuickMap.dot.ca.gov (also available by free app for smartphones).

Motorists are urged to monitor roadway conditions often for any possible new incidents or weather conditions that may cause traffic control or areas of closure. Up-to-date California highway conditions are available 24/7 through QuickMap.dot.ca.gov. Motorists are also advised to tune to 1610 AM (97.9 FM in Modoc County and 1580 AM in Butte County for State Routes 70 & 191) when flashing lights are operational on Highway Advisory Radio signs and to immediately call 911 if they find themselves in an emergency situation.

Traveler resources include:
  • QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ (also available by free app. for smartphones)
  • One-Stop-Shop (Western U.S.): http://oss.weathershare.org (mobile version available at: http://oss.weathershare.org/m)
  • District 2 Project Information: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2/d2-projects
  • District 2 Facebook and Twitter pages with updated project and incident information


 
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America Needs Thanksgiving

11/19/2021

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Dr. Glenn Mollette 

America has been through a tough time.  A national election separated friends and family, divided churches and took over our media. We’ve been intoxicated with poisonous rhetoric and toxic street gatherings that led to more division, injuries and even death.

Americans horrifically viewed the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and said we aren’t going to take that anymore. 

Over 762,000 people have died from Covid-19 in America. Over 47 million of us have been sick. Families who have buried loved ones don’t need convincing about the realities of Covid-19. Americans who have spent weeks in hospital intensive care units know they are fortunate to be alive. However, in the midst of America’s pandemic nightmare, Americans have debated with each other over vaccinations, masks, school and business closures. We have watched our businesses suffer.  Our government’s finances have been further strained to supply money to hurting unemployed people. 

Americans watched our departure from Afghanistan in horror. We argued among ourselves about how we should have left, the timing of our departure, and whether we should have left at all. 

We continue to struggle with racism in America. People who have experienced it know the reality. At all levels of society we must rise above any and all words or actions that denigrate others.

We continue to have other crises impacting our nation. People pouring over our border illegally, an ongoing drug epidemic, homelessness, rising costs of medical treatment and insurance, unaffordable college tuition, unaffordable housing and unaffordable and sometimes unavailable groceries. Americans are now facing the fire of growing inflation. Groceries are becoming even more unaffordable for poor Americans. The cost of living adjustment coming for America’s retirees in January, which is reported to be 5.9 percent, might buy a small bag of groceries, maybe. 

America has gone through a tough time, maybe better said, we are going through a tough time. This is why we desperately need Thanksgiving.
   
In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days.

That first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the Mayflower ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from a member of the Abenaki tribe who greeted them in English. 

Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans. (from History.com) 

The early settlers who came to America suffered hardships that few Americans can comprehend. In the midst of so much death, sickness and starvation they found a way to stop and express gratitude. The friendship and humanitarian aid given to them by native Americans stand out as to what really makes America great. We all need to learn from the first Thanksgiving. This year maybe we all could take time to be grateful, and do something to help each other. 



Hear Glenn Mollette every weekday morning EST at 8:56 on XM radio 131


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