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LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL.....

12/30/2016

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​LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met in special session Tuesday, December 27th after the regular meeting of December 20th had been cancelled.
Present were Council members, Brooks Mitchell and Ernie Teague and Mayor Mark Marin. This was Ernie’s last meeting as he was retiring. Pat Whitley was absent due to a doctor’s appointment and John Cussins had resigned his position.
Being his last meeting, Ernie made a statement thanking Kristin and Nancy for running when previously, Loyalton had had to appoint members. He told how half the voters did not vote and called it a “big, big job ahead.”
Jason Christian of Portola approached the Council about the tree mortality with the Loyalton co-generation plant and managing and directing a UC Loyalton initiative, being an advisor for the City. This will be agendized next meeting.
Payment of bills totaling $108,205.91 was approved after City Bookkeeper Kim Lombardi warned of a “very, very thin financial line.” She mentioned a policy of not spending over $200 without approval and adhering to that. She stated “surprise expenses” make it tough.
There was discussion and possible action regarding water and sewer rates which had been frozen five years ago. Brooks Mitchell talked of charges which should be up two percent for each year which would total $38.26 for water and $87.87 for sewer.  Brooks stated Mary Fleming Leslie, RDS Environmental working for the City from Rural Community Assistance Corporation, is working to see what should be charged.
Ernie questioned and was told the money is used for water and sewer. He called it “a very high amount,” and how most, two-thirds or more residents are “very economically challenged” and would have a hard time paying it. 
Brooks told of a problem with the City meeting the fee schedule and the City is losing more and more revenue sources. He said the 2008 loan required a 2% raise every year. 
Ernie stated it was the same issue as four years ago and the “same people won’t pay one cent.” He called it “something drastic” near $400,000 owed in delinquent bills at the trailer park which would not be allowed anywhere else. “Enough is enough,” he stated and said they would kick the can down the road. He said the park will not sell.
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SIERRA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

12/30/2016

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THREE PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS were made during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday, December 20th. Two of the current members’ terms expire on December 31st and one was a vacancy. The Board received six timely applicants: Jenna Endres of Calpine, Liz Fisher of Downieville, Janet Baldridge of Calpine, Sharon Dobija of Sierra City, Michael Miller of Alleghany, and Michael Filippini of Loyalton. 
Board Chair Lee Adams stated Sharon Dobija withdrew her application, so there were five applicants. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein made the motion to reappoint Liz Fisher, who would like to “continue working in a place to be part of a healthy, thriving community and county,” and appoint Mike Filippini, who has “a background in public administration and education that I think provides me with skills and insights that would be useful,” and Jenna Endres who believes “land use decisions are an important part of protecting our County’s quality of life and believe my professional experience can make a positive impact on Sierra County.” 
Supervisor Paul Roen was concerned about Endres, MPA, AICP, Senior Planner in Town of Truckee Community Development Department, formerly Senior Planner, Building and Safety Division Santa Barbara County Planning and Development, being a full-time 
Planner with the City of Truckee. County Counsel stated there would be no conflict of interest as long as Endres wasn’t employed in Sierra County as a Planner. 
Motion passed for Fisher and Filippini, but failed for Endres with Supervisor Peter Huebner, Chair Adams and Supervisor Roen voting no. Supervisor Roen made the motion to appoint Janet Baldridge, whose “30 years living in the Tahoe region has made me very aware of what can happen to an area without strong, directed and controlled growth.” 
Baldridge was appointed with Supervisor Jim Beard voting no.

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UPDATE ON MOBILE HOME PARK

12/30/2016

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​DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION regarding the status of the Loyalton Mobile Home Park was made at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday, December 20th. Sierra County Auditor Van Maddox stated the Park did not sell at auction. He received an email from the State that said it is looking at revoking the permit but won’t have anything definite until the middle of January. 
Maddox wasn’t sure what the process would be. Supervisor Paul Roen was hoping for some relocation opportunities with the State closing it and not the County. 
County Counsel said there was a possibility of some relocation funding, which is a benefit with the State taking the lead.  Maddox stated, how fast they move will be the question, and added that the County should go forward with the code violations, so the State is clear on all the problems. He concluded by saying at least they are starting and at that point he will be back to the Board about selling it not as a trailer park. 
Supervisor Scott Schlefstein wanted the public aware that the State of California is the only entity that can revoke the permit. He added the State is in complete control and Sierra County has no control over it. Board Chair Lee Adams thought maybe they should contact Assemblyman Dahle and Senator Gaines to move this forward. 
Maddox hoped he would have something more by the next meeting in Loyalton. 
Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals said they have 80% completion of inventory on the land use issues on the property. He stated there were building permit issues, land use issues and illegal dumping. Beals said he tried to engage the City of Loyalton and they have not responded. He felt the task would be done by the next board meeting. 
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GOVERNOR BROWN APPOINTS YVETTE DURANT TO SIERRA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

12/30/2016

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SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of Yvette Durant to a judgeship in the Sierra County Superior Court.

Durant, 51, of Truckee, has served as a commissioner at the Nevada County Superior Court since 2011. She was a sole practitioner from 1999 to 2011 and an associate at Tonon and Associates in 1999. Durant was an associate at Ashbaugh Beal from 1991 to 1993. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. She fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge John P. Kennelly. Durant is a Democrat.

The compensation for this position is $191,612.
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CALPINE CHRISTMAS - Photos by Michelle Reugebrink

12/27/2016

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Could you live on California's new minimum wage? - LA Times

12/27/2016

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Wow, talk about "cut to the chase" interesting - just plug in your county, and the # of working adults + non working children to see if you could afford to live, with a full time minimum wage job...  It's all spelled out...
Russell 




http://www.latimes.com/visuals/graphics/la-me-g-california-new-minimum-wage-20160328-htmlstory.html
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URGENT! 

12/21/2016

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PETA WARNS SIERRA COUNTY RESIDENTS: ANIMALS WILL DIE DURING SEVERE WEATHER
Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures Is a Deadly Criminal Act
 
Sierra County, Calif. — Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave animals outside in the cold. Cold temperatures and inclement weather spell extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Although they have fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from deadly frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. That's why PETA is working with law-enforcement officials across the country to get charges filed against people who illegally leave their animals outside to die or to shiver and ache in the cold all day and night.
 
As your area prepares for strong winds, heavy snowfall, and bitter temperatures, will you please share the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?


·       Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks. Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During cold weather, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
·       Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make them sick if ingested. You should also increase animals' food rations during cold weather because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
·       Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians, or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
·       If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
·       During extreme cold weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or whiteouts by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves, in order to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.
 
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WHAT DOES THE CHP WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?  SAFETY

12/20/2016

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants all motorists on the roadways to drive safely during their travel this holiday season.  As part of its upcoming Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), the CHP reminds motorists to buckle up, avoid distracted driving, designate a sober driver, and always travel at a safe speed for conditions. 


The CHP Christmas MEP will begin at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, December 23, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 26.  Although the focus of this MEP is on speed enforcement, officers will also be looking for distracted drivers and those who are not buckled up.  In addition, officers and drug recognition experts will be looking for all signs of impaired driving as well as assisting motorists wherever needed.


“The Christmas holiday is a wonderful time of year for family and friends to get together and enjoy lasting memories.  The CHP wants all motorists to slow down and arrive safely at their destination,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.


During the 2015 Christmas MEP, 35 people died on California’s roadways.  Among the
12 people who died in the CHP’s jurisdiction, 50 percent were not wearing seat belts.  Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of a traffic collision.  During last year’s MEP period, the CHP made 700 arrests for driving under the influence. 


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls impaired driving an immediate crisis in the United States.  The NHTSA reports that 35,092 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2015, ending a five-decade trend of declining fatalities.  Research shows almost one in three fatalities involved impaired drivers or speeding. 


“Making wise decisions, such as wearing your seat belt, traveling at a safe speed, and designating a sober driver, will help improve your safety on the roadways,” Commissioner Farrow emphasized.  “These choices could save your life or the life of someone you love.”


The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.
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A King's Ransom for 'Public Servants'?

12/20/2016

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By Jon Coupal
President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Once upon a time we called them “public servants.” Today, most taxpayers struggle to keep a straight face when this term is used to describe the well-paid, elite who govern us.
In a state where the median per capita income is just over $30,000, Gov. Brown, legislators and other state elected officials will celebrate the holidays with a four percent pay raise. The California Citizens Compensation Commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, decided the improved economy and healthy state budget justified the raise. California lawmakers, who were already the most generously paid in all 50 states, will now receive $104,115, earning them $14,774 more per year than the next highest. Of course, this does not count the additional $176 per day in “walking around money,” living expenses lawmakers receive for every day the Legislature is in session, amounting to an average of $34,000.
The governor, too, is now the highest paid at $190,100 — Pennsylvania’s governor is actually slated to make $723 more, but Gov. Tom Wolf does not accept the salary.
Do Californians pay their governor, the top executive of a state government responsible to nearly 40 million constituents, enough? The fact that there is never a shortage of candidates for this job is an indication that the pay is sufficient. So, the question arises, why do many government employees receive more than the governor?
At the local level, most cities have as their chief executive, a city manager. Of 479 cities – out a total of 482 – reporting to the state controller, 279 are paid more than the governor. Of these, 24 receive over $300,000 annually.
For some cities, paying their top administrator a high salary seems to be a matter of vanity. Councilmembers, who approve generous compensation, will take the position that their city deserves a highly-paid manager, the same way some car buyers justify the purchase of a luxury vehicle. Just as the neighbors may be impressed by the new Mercedes, neighboring cities will be impressed with their city’s ability to overpay the help. This, of course, puts pressure on surrounding cities to keep up with the Joneses.
While some city hall insiders will argue that higher pay is justified by a larger population, there seems to be no actual correlation.
Escondido, California’s most generous city, has been compensating its manager $413,000 annually to serve a population of 151,000. In slightly larger Palmdale, the manager receives $138,000 to look after 160,000 residents. And then there is Garden Grove with a population of 177,000 where the city manager gets $89,000.
A few years ago, the city manager in Bell went to prison for illegally compensating himself $800,000 per year. However, although it may not be illegal, the city of Vernon stands out as a candidate for the most profligate in the state. Its top executive is paid more than $328,000. The city’s population is only 210, which means that each resident is responsible for over $1,560 to compensate the manager. (The rumor that Vernon’s top executive insists on being called “Your Majesty” could not be verified.) Another small city, Gustine in Merced County, with a population of 5,482 gets the award for most frugal. It pays its city manager $909 annually.
While there are other areas of government employee compensation that beg examination, the range of pay for city managers seems to be the most irrational.
Still, none of these local administrators is close to the state’s top salary of $3.35 million. But since the program generates the revenue to pay UCLA football coach Jim Mora, he is more likely to be criticized for his record more than his salary.




Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association --


California’s largest grass-roots taxpayer organization, dedicated to the


protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers’ rights.

​
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REALTOR® Juli Thompson has joined the Graeagle office of Dickson Realty as a residential real estate agent.

12/20/2016

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Previously with Sierra Destination Realty in Clio, she has lived and worked in the Plumas County area for 23 years. Juli brings a wealth of local knowledge, experience and market knowledge to the Dickson Graeagle Team.
“I chose Dickson Realty because of its culture, support, superior reputation, as well as the exceptional resources the company offers to both agents and clients alike,” said Thompson. Her background includes office management in local county government with environmental health, real estate sales, marketing and land development. She has successfully worked as a resort and second home specialist throughout Eastern Plumas County for the past four years. 

Juli is a proud grandmother of two and enjoys everything the High Sierras have to offer including fishing, hiking, horseback riding and photography.

The Dickson Graeagle office is located near the intersection of Highways 89 and 70 at 8912 Highway 89, Blairsden, 96103. Juli can be reached at (530) 927-7058 or jthompson@dicksonrealty.com.
About Dickson Realty
Dickson Realty has offices in Caughlin Ranch, Downtown Reno, Sparks, Somersett, Damonte Ranch and Montrêux in Reno/Sparks, Nev., as well as Graeagle, Donner Lake and Truckee, Calif. Dickson Realty is the market leader and has been in business since 1973. For more information, visit dicksonrealty.com.
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PG&E Urges Caution as North State Reservoirs Spill and Rivers Run High

12/20/2016

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Several dams full in Shasta, Plumas, Butte, Lassen Counties
 
CHICO, Calif.— Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is cautioning recreationalists near rivers and streams to be aware of higher flows brought on by recent rains and spilling reservoirs.


Most PG&E’s reservoirs haven’t spilled this early in the wet season in years because of ongoing drought conditions, so recreationalists may be caught off guard by the higher water flows downstream. 


Four of PG&E’s six reservoirs along the Pit River are overflowing or expected to be soon, as are four of the six reservoirs along the North Fork Feather River.


Reservoirs spilling or about to spill include the Pit 4, Pit 5, Pit 6 and Pit 7 along the Pit River in Shasta County, and Belden, Rock Creek, Cresta and Poe reservoirs on the North Fork Feather River in Plumas and Butte counties. Mountain Meadows Reservoir in Lassen County and the Grizzly Forebay in Plumas County are also spilling.


It’s not unusual for PG&E ‘s reservoirs to spill during the wettest parts of normal winters, because they tend to have less storage and are located at much higher elevations than state and federal multi-year water storage reservoirs like Shasta Lake and Lake Oroville. PG&E’s reservoirs are designed to capture rain and snowmelt runoff in winter, spring and early summer to generate clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
 
Below are some water safety tips:
 
Water Safety Tips
·         Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
·         Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.
·         Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast moving water.


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Travel Management – Subpart A travel analysis report now online

12/20/2016

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Quincy, CA – December 19, 2016 - The Plumas National Forest (PNF) has published its travel analysis report, Travel Management – Subpart A, online, according to Daniel Lovato, Plumas National Forest Supervisor.

The report, an update of the forest’s 2003 roads analysis, includes information about various national forest system roads that may be unneeded and/or are posing a risk to other resources. “The report is not a decision document but is simply information to be considered in future project environmental planning processes,” said Lovato. He noted road status would not change unless determined in a site-specific project analysis.
The report may be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas/ . Click on Travel Management in the upper right-hand menu. Interested members of the community may share more specific information if and when the roads in question are analyzed in future projects. The Plumas National Forest schedule of proposed actions (SOPA) may be found by navigating from the forest webpage (see above) using the “Land and Resource Management” menu option or at http://www.fs.fed.us/sopa/forest-level.php?110511 .
Subpart A is different from an earlier effort completed in 2008. Travel Management - Subpart B, was a decision document focusing on identifying which unauthorized travel routes needed to be identified as motorized trails and added to the national forest road system.  Subpart B also required motorists to stay on authorized roads and trails, prohibiting cross-country travel.  Motorized trails and unauthorized routes analyzed in Subpart B are not part of the Subpart A report.
For more information, contact Dave Wood, PNF Public Services Staff Officer at 530-283-7772. 
 
 


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CHP REPORT: FATAL COLLISION ON US-395

12/20/2016

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​CHP  REPORT:
On December 18, 2016 shortly before 2:20 a.m., a male driver was driving a 2008 Audi northbound on US-395 north of mile post marker 395 LAS 7.50. At the same time a male driver was driving a 2002 Chevrolet southbound on US-395 approaching the Audi. For reasons yet to be determined, the driver of the Audi allowed the Audi to cross over the solid double yellow lines of US-395 into the path of the southbound Chevrolet. A portion f the front of the Audi collided with a portion of the front of the Chevrolet. Both vehicles were severely damaged during this collision, resulting in fatal injuries to four individuals. One individual was flown by Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) Care Flight to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada for treatment.
This collision is being investigated by officers from The California Highway Patrol Quincy Area. Employees from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, REMSA, Sierra Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Nevada Highway Patrol and Washoe County Animal Control responded to the scene of this collision to provide assistance.
The California Highway Patrol Quincy Area thanks all of the individuals from the many agencies who responded to the scene and provided invaluable assistance. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of thos involved in this tragic collision.
 
On December 16, 2016 Patrick Bonnett, 63 of Portola was driving his 1997 Dodge pickup truck at approximately 3:44 p.m. northbound on US-395 in the #1 lane at 55-60 mph. The roadway was icy and Bonnett lost control and the Dodge spun in a counter clockwise direction and traveled in a northwesterly direction as it left the west road edge. The Dodge rolled over and came to rest on its roof, facing west within the center divide of US-395. Bonnett had to be extradited from the vehicle by fire and medical personnel due to the extreme damage to the passenger compartment from the collision. Bonnett was transported to Renown Medical Center with spinal fractures.
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​SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 23, 2016

12/19/2016

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William Hall (73) Portola.  Loaded firearm in vehicle.  One year probation, fine $700.
 
Civillo Mallari Jr. (58) Union City.  Driving while suspended.  Three years probation, fine $1469.
 
Susan Burnett (50) American Canyon.  Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above.  Three years probation, two days jail, fine $2400, and must attend alcohol school.
 
Steven Bonavita (51) Sierraville.  Driving while suspended.  Three years probation, two days jail, and a fine $1469.
 
Shane Perkins (43) Oroville.  Perkins pled guilty to felon residential (first degree) burglary for burglarizing a remote vacation cabin. His sentencing is scheduled for January 24.
 
Valerie Robertson (59) Loyalton.  Robertson was sentenced after pleading guilty to felony preparation of false evidence to be submitted to a court when she was caught in possession of frozen urine which she intended to use to defeat a probation test for drugs.  She was also convicted of possession of methamphetamine.  Robertson was put on four years probation, served 195 days in jail, fined $2410, and ordered to attend and successfully complete drug court. 
 
Jonathan Kimpson (28) Loyalton.  Sentenced to three years probation, 117 days in jail and must complete drug court for possession of methamphetamine.
 

 
 
Shannon Brandes (48) Portola.  Driving under the influence with a prior conviction. She was placed on five years probation, served ten days jail, fined $2500, and ordered to attend alcohol school. 
 
Brandon Morrow (31) Loylaton / Reno.  Sentenced for violation of probation.  He was placed on felony probation for assault on a peace officer causing injury when he attacked former sheriff John Evans who was attempting to arrest Morrow on a warrant.  He was also convicted of being under the influence of methamphetamine.  Four years state prison.
 
Drew Kinzie (36) Downieville.  Kinzie pled guilty to felony false imprisonment during the involvement of a domestic violence matter.  He will be formerly sentenced on January 11, and he remains in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.  
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Prepare for Medicare Part A and B Price Changes in 2017

12/19/2016

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By Nathaniel Sillin
If you're eligible for Medicare, or will be in the coming year, there are a few changes you should know about for 2017.
An increase in the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI) means there'll be an increase in Social Security benefits and Medicare Part B premiums. For most recipients the increases almost offset each other, but those who aren't covered by the "hold harmless" provision (about 30 percent of recipients) face a larger Part B premium increase.
These changes, along with several others, will go into effect soon and you should consider how they could affect your budget.
A slight increase in your Social Security benefits. Since 1975, Social Security benefits have an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The adjustment depends on the CPI and helps keep your benefits in line with the rising cost of goods.
There wasn't a COLA for 2016 benefits, but there is a .3 percent adjustment for next year. Meaning, you'll get an additional $3 per $1,000 you receive in benefits. The estimated average monthly benefit for all retired workers is expected to increase $5, from $1,355 to $1,360.
Medicare Part B premiums will also rise. The COLA also affects Medicare Part B premiums, the part of Medicare that covers some types of procedures and medical equipment. However, for about 70 percent of Medicare recipients, the Social Security Act's "hold harmless" provision prohibits an increase to Medicare B premiums of more than the previous year's COLA adjustment.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, held harmless recipients will pay $109 per month, an increase of $4.10.
If you aren't held harmless, Part B premiums could increase by about 10 percent. The remaining 30 percent of Social Security beneficiaries will have their Part B premium increase by about 10 percent. You could fall into the non-held-harmless group if you:
  • Are a new enrollee
  • Enrolled in Medicare but don't receive Social Security benefits
  • Get billed directly for Medicare Part B
  • Receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits and your state Medicaid programs pay your Part B premium
  • Are a high-income earner subject to an income-adjusted premium


For the non-held-harmless group, the premium depends on the recipient's (or couple's when filing a joint tax return) adjusted gross income (AGI).
  • The lowest monthly premium, for individuals who have an AGI of $85,000 or less ($170,000 for couples), will increase from $121.80 to $134 a month per person.
  • On the high end, for recipients with an AGI over $214,000 ($428,000 for couples), the monthly premium will increase from $389.80 to $428.60 per person.


Medicare Part A and B deductibles will also increase. Most people don't have to pay Medicare Part A premiums, but you could still have to pay a deductible or coinsurance for some Part A benefits.
  • The deductible for inpatient hospital coverage, which helps cover the first 60 days of care, will increase from $1,288 to $1,316 per benefit period.
  • Daily coinsurance for the 61st through 90th day of treatment will increase from $322 to $329.
  • Daily coinsurance for day 91 on will rise from $644 to $658.
  • Each day past day 90 counts towards your lifetime reserve. You have a maximum of 60 lifetime reserve days; after which you could be responsible for all costs.
  • Skilled nursing facility care is completely covered for your first 20 days.
  • Daily coinsurance for day 21 to 100 of skilled nursing care will increase to $164.50.
  • You could be responsible for all costs beyond day 100.


The Part B annual deductible will also increase, from $166 to $183. Generally, after you've met your deductible, you'll pay 20 percent of Medicare-approved costs for services covered by Part B.
Bottom line: Social Security benefits, Medicare Part B premiums and Part A and B deductibles and coinsurance will increase in 2017. Whether you're held harmless or not, take steps to understand which changes could affect you and alter your budget accordingly.


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Nail Your 2017 Financial New Year’s Resolutions

12/16/2016

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Nonprofit credit counseling agency Take Charge America offers eight tips for making – and keeping – New Year’s financial resolutions
PHOENIX – (Dec. 14, 2016) – The New Year has become an opportunity to commit to new goals and rekindle hope. In fact, 40 to 50 percent of New Year’s revelers raise a toast to living better, healthier lives. Yet despite their optimism on Jan. 1, the majority end up missing their marks.
“Many of us come out of the gate raring to go, but our enthusiasm quickly dies because our goals are too lofty or because we haven’t established any sort of plan,” said Mike Sullivan, a personal finance consultant for Take Charge America, national nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “You’re more likely to stick with your resolutions if you focus on bite-sized goals, build a solid plan to achieve them, and celebrate each milestone.”
Sullivan offers eight tips on making and keeping financial New Year’s resolutions:
  • Review the past year: Start with a review of your current financial state. Did you earn more? Did you save more? Do you owe less? If so, take some time to celebrate. If you didn’t, ask for help. Talk with a financial advisor or credit counselor and explain your goals.
  • Make a budget: It’s an oldie but a goodie – and it’s at the top of every financial to-do list because it works. Take inventory of your income and spending to get a sense of necessary expenses, discretionary funds and potential savings. Putting pen to paper also will open your eyes to any worrisome spending habits and help you make smarter decisions in the future.
  • Automate and simplify: Take advantage of your bank’s bill pay feature to automate recurring payments like your mortgage, insurance, cable, utilities and even savings. In addition to saving you time each month, setting up auto payments helps you avoid late fees.
  • Organize your finances: The New Year is a perfect time to get your financial life in order. Establish a process and system for paying bills, review your credit report for accuracy, research financial software, set up auto deposits and shred old documents and receipts. This is also an ideal time to gather and organize your tax information for 2016.
  • Save for emergencies: If you don’t yet have an emergency fund, now is the time to build one. Aim to save enough money to cover three to six month’s expenses, but break this big goal down into smaller milestones – and celebrate each time you reach one.
  • Pay down debt: This may seem overwhelming, especially if you have multiple credit cards, student loans, car loans, etc. Start by tackling the debt with the biggest interest rate, and move down the list from there. If needed, enlist the help of a nonprofit credit counseling or student loan counseling agency for one-on-one guidance, an action plan and assistance negotiating with creditors.
  • Save for retirement: This is critically important to your financial health, but far too few people are focused on saving for their golden years. If you haven’t already done so, evaluate employer-sponsored retirement savings plans, or talk to a financial advisor about individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Commit to saving every month – even if it’s a small amount – and work to increase your contribution over time.
  • Make it a family affair: Don’t go it alone! Enlist the help of family and friends to help you stay focused on your financial goals and priorities. You can also aim to teach your kids a new financial lesson each month, or create savings goals as family.
For more tips on financial resources, credit counseling and student loan repayment, visit Take Charge America.
About Take Charge America, Inc.
Founded in 1987, Take Charge America, Inc. is a nonprofit agency offering financial education and counseling services including credit counseling, debt management, student loan counseling, housing counseling and bankruptcy counseling. It has helped more than 1.6 million consumers nationwide manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more, visit www.takechargeamerica.org or call (888) 822-9
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NO BIDS: LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES

12/15/2016

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​LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES, just outside the City, did not sell, receiving no bids in the most recent public auction.
There are three contiguous parcels and minimum bid was $265,700. The combined total for all  current and delinquent taxes total $412,259.59. 
The breakdown of the back taxes owed:
Solid Waste                       $ 192,328.31
Taxes                                 $   77,734.59
Penalties                            $   17,727.72
Interest                               $ 114,141.69
Costs/Tax Sale Costs         $   14,623.50
In addition, Loyalton water and sewer is owed in 
excess of $200,000.
According to Sierra County Auditor / Treasurer / Tax Collector Van Maddox, one person signed up but did not bid. 
Van said the next step, according to the State, is a number of building violations which the County has well documented and will hopefully be filed shortly. 
Van said the County needs to push the State as the County has complied with the State’s wishes and now needs to insist the State does its job. 
The State, according to Van, has the legal obligation to evoke the license and help those legitimately living there to relocate. But he said it will be 3-4 months before evictions because of it being winter.
It’s everybody’s hope the squatters will leave as Van states, they “came for an easy ride.”
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December 14th, 2016

12/14/2016

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Brysyn Simeral, local boy out of Chilcoot, attends Loyalton elementary (3rd grader) Races Outlaw Go karts. He finished his season out strong. He won the Championship at Rattlesnake Raceway and rookie of the year. He came in second place overall in Fernley, Nevada. Brysyn was interviewed on December 8th on ESPN radio. He got to co host the show and tell about his achievements this year. Brysyn also got to talk via phone to TJ Bell. TJ Bell is a NASCAR driver in all three NASCAR series   (sprint, nationwide and truck series) TJ Bell will be in Reno on December 26th at Need to Speed and he will go head to head with Brysyn on the track! Brysyn thinks it's super cool to be able to race a NASCAR driver at the age of 8 years old. Brysyn will be heading to California on January 7th to race the kart nationals. Brysyn would like to thank ESPN radio, his sponsors, his mom and dad (Kelly & Rebecca Herron) his grandma and papa (Don and Kelly Hughes) & The Cunningham's. To everyone who follows Brysyn's dream we thank you! ​
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​LOYALTON’S SNF RESIDENTS EVACUATED

12/14/2016

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The Skilled Nursing Facility Residents at Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Loyalton Campus were evacuated on Sunday, December 11th and transported by ambulances to Portola’s Skilled Nursing.
The Loyalton facility’s heater system has two boilers and a month ago, the main one failed. The Number Two boiler, described as bad or worse than the main one and having bad pipes and cracks,  was put online. 
According to Linda Satchwell, Recruitment & PR Coordinator of Eastern Plumas Health Care, a disaster/evacuation plan was put into place and all residents’ families were called in case of failure and what would happen with each resident.
With the Number Two boiler failure, that disaster plan was put into place Sunday morning. According to Satchwell, EPHC CEO Tom Hayes and staff members spent two hours in Loyalton that morning on an evacuation plan.
Satchwell stated on Monday how Plant Operations Director Stan Peiler has been working with architects and driving from Portola to Loyalton at 1 a.m. daily “nursing” the boiler prior to its failure. 
On Monday they were repairing and rebuilding one of the boilers and buying a forced air heat solution for backup in case the boilers fail again.  Hospital CEO Tom Hayes was hopeful this temporary solution will be complete by the end of this week at which time they can transfer all residents back to Loyalton’s Campus.  
The longer term solution is to replace the two boilers at the facility but this will take at least six months to a year because of all the permits needed from the State.  
Satchwell stressed their focus is on patients and their families. She described it as a “horrible situation,” acknowledged “transfer trauma” and said they are doing everything to get the boilers fixed with a lot of staff working around the clock since it happened. A new system will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Satchwell.
Seventeen of the 21 Loyalton Campus skilled nursing residents were taken to Portola’s Skilled Nursing Facility. Four residents were taken home. Satchwell described Portola’s facility at 1 p.m. on Sunday, which had had most rooms full, as “quiet and calm” after eight of the residents had been transferred to regular rooms, SNF rooms and into the library.
Sierra County Supervisor Jim Beard had been in contact with Tom Hayes and had offered information on USDA which may help with funding in grants or with no and low interest rate loans.
On Monday night, Hayes met with members of Sierra Valley District Hospital Board over possible funding options.


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LIBERTY UTILITIES CUSTOMERS TO SEE NEW RATES ON JANUARY 1, 2017

12/12/2016

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Lake Tahoe, CA. December 12, 2016. In 2015 and 2016, Liberty submitted a series of interconnected rate adjustment requests, for both increases and decreases, that will have an impact on rates beginning in 2017.
 
Effective January 1, 2017, the net effect of these requests will be that average residential and small commercial customers (A1) will see an increase of less than 1%, while average medium and large commercial customers (A2 and A3) will see increases of approximately 16% and 17%, respectively.
 
The rate adjustment includes increases based on capital improvements, including two major projects:
            Luning Solar Project. This 50 MW solar installation located in Mineral County, Nevada is the first-ever solar facility owned by Liberty Utilities. Once it is put into service in first quarter of 2017, it will supply about 25% of Liberty customers’ energy needs. Luning will provide clean, emissions-free solar power at competitive rates to customers for many years. Power generated from this new solar facility will replace energy currently purchased from other sources.  In addition, in the years following 2017 the capital costs associated with this project will decrease due to depreciation and customers will correspondingly pay a declining amount. This solar plant will also contribute significantly and cost-effectively toward Liberty meeting California’s mandated Renewables Portfolio Standard in 2017 and beyond.
 
            650 Electric Line Upgrade Project. Phase 1 of this project was completed in the fall of 2016, and consisted primarily of upgrading and replacing an aging power line between Truckee and Kings Beach to improve reliability. Old wooden poles were replaced with those constructed of a steel material that weathers with time to resemble wood, as well as replacing wire to eventually operate at a higher voltage.
 
It should be noted that other significant system improvements were made, including projects in Alpine and Mono counties, as well as the Portola area.
 
            Vegetation Management. Liberty’s annual investment of $2.5 million in vegetation management also contributed to the overall rate increase. Projects include trimming trees and branches around structures to reduce outage and fire-related risks. These efforts have proven to be significantly effective, especially given the multi-year California drought and resultant dead and diseased trees in the Sierra Nevada.
 
The rate adjustment also includes decreases due to savings in fuel and energy costs.
 
November Rate Notice. The CPUC requires utilities to notify their customers of any pending rate increase 30 days prior to implementation. Liberty Utilities sent a notice to all customers in late November to inform them about a PTAM increase effective January 1, 2017. After the notice was sent, the CPUC approved decisions in two other Liberty Utilities proceedings, both of which reduced rates resulting in the net impact detailed above.
 
What Makes up Rates? As a regulated utility, any expenses incurred to provide power to customers must be reviewed and approved by the CPUC, often involving extensive public review. Of the total rate customers pay for their Liberty Utilities0 service, 90 percent is a direct pass-through of our costs, with 50 percent of that covering fuel and energy costs alone.
 
What Can Customers do to Reduce Utility Bills? The best way to reduce your utility bill is to be energy smart. Liberty Utilities offers free advice and programs to help customers manage their electricity costs,  including offering a free energy audit by our energy expert. Customers may also be income-eligible for programs that help pay for utility expenses and make energy efficient improvements. Please visit www.libertyutilities.com and click on the “Smart Energy Use” link at the top of the screen or call one of our local Customer Care Representatives at 1-800-782-2506.
 
About Liberty Utilities
Liberty Utilities is a regulated water, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utility, delivering responsive and reliable essential services to nearly half a million customers across the United States. With a local approach to management, service and support, Liberty Utilities delivers efficient, dependable services to meet customer needs. Liberty Utilities provides a superior customer experience through locally focused conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. Performance is measured in terms of service reliability, an enjoyable customer experience, and an unconditional dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Texas. In California, Liberty Utilities serves nearly 50,000 customers on the California side of Lake Tahoe and adjacent areas to the south and north including the cities of Markleeville, Woodfords, Topaz, Coleville, Walker, parts of Truckee & Verdi, Portola & Loyalton. For more information, visit www.LibertyUtilities.com.
 
 
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Sierra Nevada Conservancy awards $3.1 million for projects that reduce tree mortality and protect watershed health

12/12/2016

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(AUBURN, Calif.) – Today the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Governing Board approved $3.1 million in grants for ten projects that will decrease wildfire risk, lessen tree mortality, and restore forest and watershed health in the Sierra Nevada region. Funding for these projects comes from Proposition 1, The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014. This is the fifth set of awards made under the SNC’s Proposition 1 grant program.
 
In addition to meeting the requirements of Proposition 1, the projects awarded support the goals and objectives of the Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program, a large‑scale restoration program designed to address ecosystem health in the Sierra Nevada. This program is being coordinated by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service, and is working to increase the pace and scale of restoration across the Sierra by increasing funding, addressing policy barriers, and increasing infrastructure needed to support restoration.
 
Sierra Nevada forests are facing a variety of challenges, and the need to increase the pace and scale of restoration across the Sierra Nevada region is more urgent than ever. According to the U.S. Forest Service, 102 million trees have died statewide since 2010. Ninety-five percent of those dead trees are in the Sierra Nevada region.
 
“Sierra forests are the source of more than sixty percent of California’s developed water supply, but these forests have experienced rapid and significant change,” says Jim Branham, Executive Officer for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. “The grants that were awarded by our board today are great examples of the kind of work we need to be encouraging across the entire Sierra to protect the source of California’s water.”
 
“It is important that we invest in projects like these through the Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program because they help make our forests more resilient to insects, drought, large, damaging wildfires, and disease,” says Randy Moore, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester.
 
The projects approved for funding include:
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]El Dorado County – Caples Creek Watershed Ecological Restoration Project, $476,709
This grant to the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) will complete forest management and restoration activities on 6,800 acres within the larger South Fork American River Watershed, which is the primary water supply for more than 110,000 people and businesses served by the EID. Project work will include prescribed fire, meadow restoration, and aspen enhancement, and will be implemented in partnership with the USFS, Eldorado National Forest over a four-year period.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Lassen County – Lassen Creek Watershed Restoration Project, $250,000
This grant to the Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District will complete mechanical harvesting of small trees, hand thinning, pruning, mastication, and slash disposal on 250 acres across two privately owned properties located just north of the Lassen National Forest and within the Wildland-Urban Interface zone for the City of Susanville. This work is part of a larger 325-acre project, and will enhance past Honey Lake Valley RCD projects and projects that are planned or underway by the Lassen National Forest and Lassen County Fire Safe Council. Lassen Creek, the main drainage within this watershed and located within the project boundary, is a tributary to the Susan River, an important supply of agricultural  water that drains into the 7,667-acre Honey Lake Wildlife Area wetland.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Madera County – Eastern Madera Wildfire Restoration Project, $488,320
This grant to the Yosemite-Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council will complete high-priority conifer reforestation on 350 acres burned in the 2014 French Fire in Madera County. Activities will include removal of fire-killed trees, piling or burning of dead standing trees, and herbicide treatments on 225 acres. Following completion of this work, 350 acres will be replanted in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Region 5 guidelines. Reforestation will improve watershed conditions by restoring severely burned areas to forested conditions, thereby reducing sedimentation and turbidity within the headwaters and improving water quality for downstream users. This is a joint project between the Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Sierra National Forest Bass Lake Ranger District, has been identified as a Sierra National Forest priority, and is associated with a number of collaborative efforts including the Sustainable Forests and Communities Collaborative and Willow Creek Landscape Assessment.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Mariposa County – Gentry Creek Watershed Restoration Project, $498,985
This grant to the Yosemite-Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council will treat approximately 300 acres of mixed-conifer timberland owned by 23 separate property owners, and is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service- and Bureau of Land Management-managed lands. The project area has suffered 80 percent visible bark beetle mortality, a figure that is expected to rise to 90 percent by 2017. The project will fall and remove all dead trees, and remaining slash will be masticated and spread on the forest floor. These activities will return the project area, which serves as the headwaters for Gentry Creek, a major tributary of the North Fork of the Merced River, to functional forest land that will aid in the protection of the downstream water supply.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Nevada County – Rice’s Crossing Preserve Nonindustrial Timber Management Planning Project, $74,550
This grant to the Bear Yuba Land Trust will complete a Nonindustrial Timber Management Plan for a 2,000-acre portion of the Rice’s Crossing Preserve, a 2,706 acre property owned by the Bear Yuba Land Trust. This project will guide future management actions that will reduce the threat of high-intensity wildfires, promote resilient and growing forests, and reduce the threat of watershed damage from erosion and large-scale tree mortality. The Preserve is located within both the North and Middle Yuba River watersheds, which eventually feed into the Feather River and eventually the Sacramento River to the Delta.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Placer County – Post-Fire Restoration in the Rubicon Watershed, $359,838
This grant to the Placer County Resource Conservation District will remove fire-killed trees and brush, restore approximately five acres of timber landings, and stabilize watershed slopes along a 13-mile stretch of the Rubicon River drainage between Hell Hole Reservoir and the Placer County Water Agency facilities at Ralston Afterbay. The entire project area burned at high severity in the 2014 King Fire. The project will be completed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and a private landowner on 208.5 acres. 
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Plumas County – Genesee Valley Watershed Improvement Project, $74,576
This grant to the Plumas Audubon Society will complete wildlife and botanical surveys, a cultural resource inventory, and soils and hydrological analyses that will support the completion of environmental documentation on 618 acres on the Plumas National Forest and 221 acres on the privately owned Heart K Ranch. The work completed under this grant will support the next phase of forest thinning and underburning, which will incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge recommendations from the local Maidu people. Both properties are identified as priority project areas in the recently completed Genesee Valley Wildfire Restoration Plan. The project location is within Genesee Valley on Indian Creek, a significant tributary to the north fork of the Feather River.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Plumas County – Tásmam Kojóm Restoration Management Plan, $73,312
This grant to the Maidu Summit Consortium and Conservancy will help complete an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to support future implementation of the Tásmam Kojóm Land Management Plan on Tásmam Kojóm, a 2,326-acre parcel that includes a meadow, streams, springs, and overstocked mixed conifer forest, and is a culturally important place to the Mountain Maidu.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Sierra and Nevada Counties – Forest Health and Watershed Improvement through Noxious Weed Management, $362,538
This grant to the Truckee River Watershed Council will survey 18,000 acres for high-priority noxious weeds, remove infestations of weeds on 1,500 acres, and revegetate native grasses, forbs, and shrubs on 450 acres on U.S. Forest Service- and CA Department of Fish and Wildlife-managed lands in Sierra and Nevada counties. The project area was designated as high-priority due to the habitat values and threat from potential wildfire to the municipal water supply at Prosser, Boca, and Stampede Reservoirs.
 
[if !supportLists]·         [endif]Tuolumne County – The Lyons-South Fork Watershed Forest Resiliency Project, $496,000
This grant to the Tuolumne Utilities District will complete forest thinning and fuel reduction treatments on 200 acres within the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County. These treatments will enhance forest health and resiliency, reduce fire hazards, allow for this forest to better withstand ongoing drought and bark beetle attacks, and protect critical ditch and flume infrastructure which act as the primary drinking water conveyance system for 90 percent of the residents of Tuolumne County. This grant will complete a portion of a larger project covering 733 acres of forestland across multiple landowners within the South Fork of the Stanislaus River watershed.
 
 
To date, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy has funded 32 Proposition 1 projects totaling $9,881,830 that support the restoration goals of the Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program.
 
About the Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Created in 2004, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) is a state agency whose mission is to improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region. The SNC has awarded nearly $60 million in grants for projects that protect and enhance the health of California’s primary watersheds by improving forest health, remediating mercury contamination from abandoned mines, protecting critical natural resources, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Funding for these projects came from Proposition 84 passed by voters in 2006 and Proposition 1 passed by voters in 2014.
 
The Sierra Nevada Region spans 25 million acres, encompasses all or part of 22 counties, and runs from the Oregon border on the north to Kern County on the south. The Region is the origin of more than 60 percent of California’s developed water supply.
 
 
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LIFE IN LOYALTON AT CHRISTMAS

12/4/2016

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The wonderful Girls Night Only at Sierra Valley Home Center on Friday night, December 2nd, followed by the two-story crafts fair, the free spaghetti feed with toys for Toys for Tots and the arrival of Santa on Saturday, December 3rd, were all highly successful and made for a fun community week end. Thanks to all the volunteers who donated time and effort.
Sierra Pacific Industries loaned their equipment to erect the massive blue spruce donated by Sue Camara of Sierra Brooks and Connor Heywood strung the lights on the community tree. Thanks to all! 

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CAL FIRE Announces Over $15 Million in New Grants

12/3/2016

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Projects Will Help Reduce Wildfire Threat

 
Sacramento – More than $15 million spread across 34 California counties will be used to remove dead and dying trees and thin fuels that could otherwise exacerbate wildfires, CAL FIRE announced today.  Using state funds and fees collected from homeowners who live in California’s urban-wildland interface, CAL FIRE awarded the $15.75 million in 107 separate grants to fire safe councils, resource conservation districts, cities, counties, park districts, fire departments, and other entities.  The funds will help reduce the public safety threat of trees at risk of falling on roads, homes, and other infrastructure.
 
These Fire Prevention and Tree Mortality Grants will help rural California cope with a tree mortality crisis connected to an ongoing five-year drought.  An estimated 102 million trees have died in California forests since 2010, according to the U.S. Forest Service, elevating the threat of wildfires. Since January 1, 2016 CAL FIRE has responded to over 5,700 wildfires, an increase of 23 percent over last year to date. The funds are targeted to communities in the State Responsibility Area (SRA), where the state is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfire.  
 
“Communities in high-risk areas for wildfire and tree mortality need assistance and support,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director and California’s state forester.  “These grants focus on reducing wildfire risk through education, planning, and the removal of dead trees and hazardous fuel. We look forward to seeing the results of these projects and the safeguarding effects they have on communities.”
 
Out of 264 submittals, a total of 107 projects were selected. The $15.75 million in funding includes $9.75 million from the State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund allowing local fire departments, fire districts, other local community districts and non-profit organizations to create projects that help to reduce the threat of wildfires around homes within the SRA. An additional $6 million from the state General Fund supports of local efforts to remove dead and dying trees that pose a threat to public health and safety and projects that reduce the wildfire threat to homes.
 
A full list of the grant projects can be viewed at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/Grants/downloads/2017_SRA_TM_GrantAwardees.pdf
Apart from these grants, CAL FIRE this year intends to treat 35,000 acres through prescribed burns and fuel treatments and complete 250,000 Defensible Space inspections across the state to ensure homeowners clear at least 100 feet around buildings. This includes removing all dead or dying grass, brush, and trees, removing tree branches up to height of six feet from the ground, and cleaning leaves, needles or debris off roofs and gutters. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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