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​SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 8, 2017

12/30/2017

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            David Slaughter (56) Sacramento.  Sentenced on guilty plea to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.  Seventeen years state prison.
 
            Stacey Hood (43) Loyalton.  Reckless driving, alcohol related. Eighteen months probation, two days jail, fine $1484.
 
            Sheri Wolverton (47) Yuba City. Felony setting a fire to forest land. Sentencing is set for February 8.
 
            Capuro Trucking, Sparks Nevada.  Spilling asphalt mixture on highway, fine $170, and paid damage to two vehicles.
 
            Paul Dority (42) Folsom.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Dority was ordered to stand trial on felony assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury.
 
            Peter Hatch (68) Sierra City.  After a contested preliminary hearing, Hatch was ordered to stand trial on felony possession of child pornography and being a registered sex offender on school grounds.  He is in custody on bail of $250,000.
 
            Shaun Gise (41) Doyle.  Failure to comply with control devices in a construction zone. L fine $352.
 
            Joseph Duncan (68) Reno.  Unattended campfire, fine $416.
 
           
 
 
Zachary Norden (24) Portola.  Violation of his probation for residential burglary.  He failed to keep in contact with probation.  Probation reinstated and he served 160 days in jail.
 
Eugene Wilkins (67) Grass Valley.  Hunting in the X – zone with D – zone tags.  Fine $470.
 
Jeffrey Foster (54) Sierra City.  Driving under the influence.  Three years probation, two days jail, fine $1885, and ordered to attend alcohol school.
 
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2018 - Look In The Mirror

12/29/2017

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By Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
How did 2017 go for you? Was it a good year or a not so good year? Regardless of what happened you can't change 2017. The year is behind us and 2018 is ahead of us.
 
What can you do to make 2018 a great year?
 
Make a list of what you want to accomplish in the year ahead. Don't make it so long that it's overwhelming. Most people's list can go on and on and then it becomes a daunting task.
 
Here are some ideas for you.
 
Focus on your health. You can do almost anything if you have your health. Go to your doctor for a physical. Have blood work done. Find our what your numbers are then adjust accordingly. If your cholesterol is high or your sugar level is high you will need to exercise a little more and eat a better diet with more fruit and vegetables and less red meat. Eating less sugar will probably be a good thing for you in 2018 as most Americans eat too much sugar. I had my blood work done about four days after Thanksgiving. Everything came back good except my sugar level was 106, which is a little high. It needs to in the nineties. However, I ate at least four pieces of pie over the Thanksgiving holiday. When you go to have your blood work done don't go right after a blowout-eating holiday.
 
Remember if you have your health you feel like doing something. You can work hard, sell pencils, work retail, work your garden, mow your grass and enjoy life. A lot of sick people have money but they can't enjoy their money because they threw away their health.  Things still happen. Our bodies are flesh and blood and you can lose your health even being a fitness nut. However, your chances are better if you at least try.  Keep walking, keep moving your body, be active. 
 
My father was actually very unhealthy in his eating habits. He was overweight and ate any and everything. He wasn't big on desserts but was big on anything fried, red meat and lots of squirrels and rabbits. He was a hunter. He made it to 85 and one of the reasons I believe he did was become he kept moving. He was out in the hills about three days before he died and shot a rabbit from his truck to eat for dinner.
 
Find ways to keep moving and things to keep your interest. Winter months are tougher for most Americans so be creative in your efforts to keep body and mind active.
 
Make and Save Money. You can't take money with you but you can enjoy it here and then leave some for your family. America's economy is coming back. There are more jobs now than we have seen in awhile. Some corporations who moved their work to other countries will bring some of their jobs back to America. Any jobs they bring back will be more than we have had the last sixteen or so years. There is work to be done in America. You might have to drive or move to another town but there is money to be made if you are willing to work. Even if you have to work two jobs you can earn a paycheck in America. Every time you get a paycheck put some money aside in your bank. Eventually buy some stock in a mutual fund or preferably an index fund. Unless you have a crisis in your life leave your saved money alone and keep adding to it. Eventually you will have enough for hard times and good times. Even if you can only save $20 a paycheck this is better than nothing and even a small amount will add up.
 
Pursue one or two interests in 2018.  Fourteen months ago I started taking violin or I should say fiddle lessons. I enjoy it.  It's something to do. I write these columns. It's something to do. I like to travel. It's something to do. I hope to write a book in 2018. It's something to do. I try to do only what I enjoy but that's not easy because not everything is enjoyable. There are some parts of life that are tedious, trying and just a pain. This is why you need to pursue a personal interest or two. Do something you want to do.
 
Of course there is always more. You have a closet or a garage you need to clean out. You have chores and more chores to get done and most everybody does.
 
Find time for God in 2018. Most Americans believe in God but spend very little time in spiritual pursuits. When all your friends have walked away and even your family and other loved ones are no longer there for you there is a friend who sticks closer than all others.
 
There is only one person who can make 2018 a great year for you. Go look in the mirror and look this person over. 


 
Dr. Glenn Mollette is President of Newburgh Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana
and his syndicated column is read in all 50 states. 


READ HIS  NEW BOOK - UNCOMMON SENSE 
 
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at 
www.facebook.com/glennmollette








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Dolly Parton Brings Her Imagination Library Program to Sierra County’s Youngest!

12/29/2017

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Reading to your child from the very first months of their life to their toddler years to preschool and beyond is truly one of the most important things you can do to help your child’s future success.  Reading to your baby every day helps their brain to develop greater capacity and connections than children who are not read to.
 
Dolly Parton knows how important reading to youngsters is!  She started her Dollywood Foundation to help all children have books at home, books filled with words, pictures, exciting stories, books ready for caring adults to read to a child, snuggling on the couch.  First 5 Sierra together with The Sierra Schools Foundation, have partnered with the Dollywood Foundation to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program to the youngest children of Sierra County!  The Imagination Library Program is a book program for children under 5 years old – register your baby, toddler or preschooler and Dolly will send them one new book a month, chosen just for their age, until their 5th birthday.  The Imagination Library Program is sponsored by First 5 Sierra and The Sierra Schools Foundation and the books come at no cost to families! 
 
If you have a child under the age of 5, come pick up a registration form on the door of the
First 5 Sierra office, 701 Main Street, Loyalton, (next to the Pharmacy), and register your child to begin receiving books from Dolly!  Curious?  Call us at First 5 Sierra at 993-4884. 
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LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL

12/29/2017

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LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL held  its regular meeting December 19th and announced the resignation of Jason VanDaam.

Under Public Comment, Brooks Mitchell verified the $236,000 to be spent on Church Street. Craig Fassbender questioned the archery club taking over the pool building and was told by Councilman Mark Marin they were getting a contract for a floor that won’t be permanent and can be removed and used for something else. The archery club pays for it all. Phyllis DeMartini told of the dishwasher leaking at the Senior Center. It was explained the dish sanitizer is being worked on. Ray Belli wanted to know if they could replace VanDaam speedier than the last vacancy. Mayor Nancy Rogers said they’ll fly the position 30 days and hope for a decision in 60 days. They will check to see if they can use the same candidate list as last time. Council member Joy Markum stated, “We’re looking  for good people.”

Fire Department Report
Chief Shawn Heywood told of a crew coming home from southern California after a 14-day assignment which was a good training opportunity. He said the fires are a benefit for volunteers and create a reserve account and next spring will allow the department to buy a “new to us” water tender. He told of quality trainings taking place. He didn’t know much about the annexation with Sierra County Fire Protection District #1. Markum stated there is paperwork and a letter of intent to LAFCO to start the annexation process and bring back to a meeting January 9th at 6 p.m. at the Sierraville Firehouse. Loyalton is not included; will be isolated but the department will always be Loyalton Fire Department.

Barn Quilts
There’s a new Barn Quilt on the City Center and Annie Fassbender questioned the locations of the Barn Quilts, which had been created from a contest and are now being placed by Brooks Mitchell.

CalPERS Retirement
Marin called this a “sore subject” and gave a history of  taking the nearly $5,000 a month out of contingencies, explaining it as “little by little dwindling funds” and how this council didn’t create this problem. Bookkeeper Tracy Smith said the 2017 total paid is $59,789.88, mostly funded by savings. She found it “sad the City general fund is at $16,000.”
There was discussion over meetings and agreements and attorney fees. Legal fees from July 1 – December 13, 2017 totaled $104,242.80. Marin continued to question where to get the money for another month.
Experience helps and former Council member Brooks Mitchell spoke from the audience, pointed out the $6,000/week paid the Enterprise Loan Account, suggesting they put $1,250 a week into the retirement account which would make the loan account short but any difference in the CalPERS payment of $4982.49 could be made up out of the general fund. 
Brooks further pointed out a Wastewater Construction Fund balance of $6,762 which had been set aside ten years not used and could pay the current charge.
Markum moved and it was approved to continue discussion and come up with an agreement and meet December 28th at 1 p.m.
​A second motion approved was to pay the $4982.49 monthly retirement payments out of the Wastewater Construction Fund.

City Services
Marin read proof of a letter he suggested the City send to Sierra County Board of Supervisors on returning service agreements for building inspection, planning, flood plain administration and other tasks to save money.
Brooks Mitchell gave history, with the City taking over planning when there were 12-16 permits still open at the County and it was no cost to the city, and having John Benoit as planner. He said contractors were happy the way it is.
Rebekah Perez of Sierra Brooks told of the Grand Jury report findings of a County backlog back to 1986 and with the City doing permits, “such a service for Loyalton.”
Sharon Dryden of Sierra Brooks spoke as a contractor and a concern with the City having no staff and not knowing the building processes. 
Markum’s concern was with snow plowing. After the first $5,000 the State pays 60% of the cost. Mitchell said the County will not plow for free and suggested they hire expert plowers and the city employee needs trained.
It was agreed to rewrite and discuss the letter to be sent to the County.                  
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RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION

12/29/2017

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​RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION were given at the December 19th Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton, to Mary Jo Rust, Department Specialist in the County Department of Transportation and to U.S. Forest Service District Ranger of the Yuba River, Karen Hayden.
Mary Jo retired effective July 27, 2017 and her seventeen year career with Sierra County commenced with her employment in the County Department of Transportation in November 2000 as Administrative Secretary and during the course of her career was promoted to positions of Administrative Secretary II and Administrative Secretary III before receiving her most recent promotion as Department Specialist performing administrative functions in the areas of solid waste disposal, waste disposal grant management in the topical areas of recycling, used oil and hazardous waste management, encroachment permit administration and administrative support to the County Department of Transportation.
Ranger Karen Hayden announced her retirement effective December 31, 2017. Karen devoted thirty two years to public service in resource management working on the Angeles, El Dorado, Plumas, Shasta-Trinity, Las Padres and Tahoe National Forests of California, caring, managing and protecting the natural resources of public lands and participating in regional and international assignments representing the U.S. Forest Service. During her four year tenure on the Yuba River Ranger District, she inspired trust and confidence of the Board of Supervisors and citizens of Sierra County by maintaining constant and consistent communication with County officials, by participating in community events and establishing a friendly and sincere presence in the community and by giving priority to serving the resource interests and unique challenges of the rural communities of western Sierra County.
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Pictures from Washington DC, courtesy Michelle Reugebrink

12/28/2017

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Michelle was working in Washington the week of December 15th and sent these photos of the National Capital and Christmas tree and the National Christmas Tree in front of the White house, wishing us all Merry Christmas!
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FIRE SERVICES UPDATE

12/28/2017

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EASTERN SIERRA COUNTY FIRE 

SERVICES was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in Loyalton. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals stated a committee of the Board met on November 16th. The meeting was conducted at the Loyalton Social Hall as a result of the April meeting to review the two contracts in place. Beals stated the agreements have some issues and were discussed. One of the tasks was to determine the progress that has been made for an alternative to substitute for these agreements. This meeting on November 16th followed a Sierra Brooks meeting held a week prior and was well attended. He stated another meeting followed the November 16th meeting by the Sierra County Fire Protection District. Beals explained this District was not related to Sierra County, adding it is an independent special district with no oversight from the Board of Supervisors. He continued by stating this District on the 12th of December took action to file a formal application with LAFCO for annexation of the unprotected areas in Sierra County, which would include Verdi, Long Valley, and everything east of the boundary of the existing Sierra County Fire Protection District in Sierra Valley. Beals said this was a Motion of Intent to bring the formal application back to the full District board for approval.
MOTION OF INTENT:  Following almost two years of public involvement and multiple community meetings, the Board of Commissioners of Sierra Co. Fire Protection District #1 hereby sets the following direction for resolving public safety concerns for structure fire and emergency medical service for those portions of Eastern Sierra County that are not currently offered service though an organized District. 
1.   Adopt a Sphere of Influence for all of that portion of North Eastern Sierra County (except the City of Loyalton).  Develop a Resolution to trigger the LAFCO process for this Sphere of Influence.
2.   Initiate processes through Sierra Co. LAFCO to annex all of the North Eastern portion of Sierra County that is not currently within a District.  Develop a Resolution to trigger LAFCO process for this annexation.
3.   Work with Sierra County to create a special assessment area to include all of Verdi, California to generate the additional resources necessary to cover the cost of fire protection service under the auspices of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (or another source).  
4.   Work with Sierra County to create a second special assessment area to include Sierra County portion of long valley to cover the cost of service VIA Truckee Meadows Fire (or another source).  
5.   Prepare a Formal Application of Annexation to include all unserved territories in the Eastern Portion of Sierra County, excluding the City of Loyalton. Anticipate development of a Service Agreement with the City of Loyalton for these services near Loyalton.
Beals felt this was good news and moving in the right direction, adding he had not heard anything further on a formation of a new district. He stated the issue before the Board of Supervisors was the recommended action with the two old agreements. Beals continued and said the committee of Supervisors Peter Huebner and Scott Schlefstein were recommending the old agreements be continued through the end of their
contracts on June 30, 2018 anticipating the Fire District will be in a strong position by that time. Supervisor Lee Adams said the end of the term was actually December 30th. He had two ideas: one was to extend it 90 days to see where they were or extend through June 30th but with an April 1st notice to terminate on June 30th. He wanted to keep some “feet to the fire” to get this done. Schlefstein said if this didn’t get done, there’s no fire protection in Sierra Brooks, adding why would they want to put anybody in jeopardy. Adams said because it puts the other taxpayers in the county in jeopardy. Schlefstein felt they were putting an “unnecessary cliff in front of the trail.” Supervisor Paul Roen encouraged Schlefstein to have someone from Sierra Brooks attend the next meeting to show support for this idea, adding it’s no given that this will happen. Adams made motion to extend though June 30th, but will revisit in April. The motion passed with Schlefstein and Supervisor Jim Beard voting no. 
 
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SIERRA COUNTY SUPERVISORS

12/28/2017

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​A FOREST SERVICE UPDATE was given by Sierraville District Ranger Quentin Youngblood at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on December 19th. He stated prescribed burning has accomplished 304 acres east of Little Truckee Summit and the Calpine area. Youngblood added the air quality has been pretty poor, and needed storms to allow them to burn more.
Youngblood stated the Christmas Tree Program sold out within 7-8 days and said they plan to increase what they have for sale next year.
He stated several employees were in southern California assisting with fires.
Youngblood said the recreational grooming program has not commenced yet, adding we are 72% of average right now.
He concluded by stating the Forest Service was to have a meeting with Nevada Irrigation District who manages Jackson Meadows campgrounds. He said last year’s storm damage didn’t allow them to open the campgrounds for the summer season. Youngblood stated Nevada Irrigation District wants to increase the campground fees up $6, but expressed the Forest Service does not support it.

A RESOLUTION authorizing County Director of Transportation to file appropriate and required paperwork with FEMA and OES for restoration of flood damage to the Division Dam on Coldstream at Sierraville was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in Loyalton.  Sierra County Director of Transportation Tim Beals stated it was a form resolution required if they are to file any claims for restoration and reimbursement from last year’s storm damage. He said it would authorize them to proceed with claims. The resolution was passed unanimously.
With regard to development of a maintenance agreement between the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and Sierra Valley Water Company for the Sierraville Division Dam on Coldstream, Beals stated there was significant damage done on the Division Dam, which splits the main channel. He said the damage was so significant the dam needed to be entirely reconstructed, adding if not reconstructed it poses a serious flooding impact to Sierraville. Beals assumed this would be a “slam dunk” project under the emergency watershed program (EWP), but received a letter stating it wasn’t a good project for EWP. He said they were able to convince FEMA and enter the process late. Beals was anticipating FEMA would accept responsibility for funding the reconstruction of the Division Dam. Beals said the County’s interest is in flood protection, and the Sierra Valley Water Company’s interest is in irrigation water so they share a common interest on the same structure. He stated in the past the two entities have had verbal agreements, but are now looking for a joint maintenance agreement, adding the rules have changed with FEMA and will need more accountability and responsibility for the paperwork. He said routine maintenance would be shifted to the water company, but with flood protection the role changes. From the audience, Rick Maddalena said the first two floods did a lot of damage to the right hand side through downtown Sierraville. He stated if it wasn’t for Al Pombo going in with his excavator and cleaning out the left side it would have been much worse, adding this was a serious thing for Sierraville. Motion approved unanimously for direction to staff.

A REPORT of the special committee meeting on the General Plan completion conducted on December 12th was given by Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held in Loyalton on December 19th. He stated the special committee consisting of Supervisors Paul Roen and Peter Huebner met on December 12th in Truckee to go over the status of the work that had been accomplished and what still needs to be done. The two supervisors met with Jim Harnish who is under contract to complete the General Plan. The original agreement was done in 2012 and Beals said Harnish had not increased the hourly charge. Now their contract needs to be renewed and an increase in fees is to be expected. He stated during the meeting they reviewed a revised scope and plan for it to be completed in the next 12-18 months. Beals continued the General Plan work would include the four major changes to State law since 2012: Policies regarding environmental justice, special attention to disadvantaged communities and housing conditions, new requirements with fire, and the sixth cycle of the housing unit will come about during this work. He said recommendations coming from the meeting were to bring the matter back to the Board in January for an extension of the existing contract for two years. He said $75,000 remains in the county budget, and there will be an appropriation request of $45,000 -$50,000 to complete the work. Beals stated one issue that will affect work was the resignation of a Planner and picking up their workload. He added Planner Brandon Pangman will take over the General Plan task and  ​everything else will take a second priority to complete the work. Beals said they are going to hire another planner, but training will take at least a year. Supervisor Huebner was impressed with Pangman’s involvement and being up to speed. He said the work will get done and was a priority for him. Huebner said he was also very impressed with the Consultant and his commitment. Supervisor Roen stated the full scope of work would come back in January. Beals wanted to make it understood that the 2012 Resolution, which established 45 amendments to the General Plan, 42 of those are editorial corrections to the plan, adding it is not a complete revision of the plan. 



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​‘TIS THE SEASON - DRIVE SOBER

12/28/2017

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The New Year is almost here and as the festivities continue, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants to remind motorists to celebrate safely and responsibly by designating a sober driver.
The CHP will observe the New Year with a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2018. All available personnel will be on duty. Not only will officers focus on keeping the motoring public safe by removing impaired drivers from the road, they will also be watching for distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt violations, as well as motorists in need of assistance.
During last year’s New Year’s Day MEP, 29 people died in collisions on California roadways. In addition, CHP officers made more than 750 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort.
“Impaired driving is a very serious crime that puts your life and the lives of others at risk,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Let’s end this year safely and start the New Year by designating a sober 
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Celebrate Holidays with a Safe Ride Home

12/21/2017

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AAA wants drivers to be safe this holiday season. The safety advocate is urging motorists to plan for a safe ride home before heading out to celebrate.
 
“Be sure you have a plan to get home safely if you're out celebrating this year,” said Michael Blasky, spokesman for AAA. “If that plan falls through, give AAA a call and we'll get you home."


AAA’s Tipsy Tow service will be offered on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and/or restaurant managers should:
  • Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31
  • State that they need a “Tipsy Tow.”
  • Provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location.
Tipsy Tow provides a free 10-mile tow and ride home, even if you're not a AAA member. For mileage beyond this, motorists are charged a standard towing rate. The service does not include roadside assistance.


AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago. Visit AAA.com.


WHAT: AAA aims to keep roads safe with Tipsy Tow on Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve.


WHEN: Service is available from 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve) until 6 a.m. the following morning.


WHO: Everyone! You do not have to be a AAA Member to use the service

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CHP NOTES NEW LAWS ADDRESSING HIGHWAY SAFETY ISSUES

12/21/2017

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – New laws approved by the Legislature in 2017 address many aspects of highway safety, including cannabis consumption, seat belts on buses, and other issues.  To support its mission of providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several of these new laws.
 
Alcohol and marijuana in vehicles (SB 65, Hill):  Smoking or ingesting cannabis while driving or riding in a vehicle is prohibited.  This is consistent with current law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
 
Administration of cannabis laws in California (SB 94, Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review):  This bill establishes a single system of administration for cannabis laws in California.  Among its many provisions is an appropriation of $3 million for the CHP to train state and local law enforcement officers in drug recognition and impairment.  SB 94 also prohibits the possession of an open container of cannabis or cannabis product when operating a motor vehicle.  An Impaired Driving Task Force, led by the CHP Commissioner, was created to develop recommendations regarding the best practices, protocols, legislation, and policies to address driving under the influence (DUI) of cannabis and controlled substances.  Law enforcement anticipates an increase in DUI resulting from the legalization of recreational cannabis.  SB 94 went into effect on June 27, 2017.
 
Pedestrian crossing signals (AB 390, Santiago):  This bill permits a pedestrian to begin crossing an intersection while facing a traffic signal displaying a flashing “DON’T WALK” or “Upraised Hand” symbol if the traffic signal includes a countdown timer and the pedestrian can complete the crossing before the traffic signal phases to a steady “DON’T WALK” or “Upraised Hand.”  The intent of this law is to provide clear standards for pedestrian behavior at intersections controlled by traffic control signals and countdown timers.
 
Seat belts on buses (SB 20, Hill):  Effective July 1, 2018, the driver and passengers of a tour bus are required to be properly restrained by seat belts if the bus is so equipped.  Passengers will be allowed to move about the cabin of the bus to use onboard facilities.  The operator of the tour bus will be required to ensure that the seat belts are in good working order and inform passengers of the legal requirement to wear a seat belt.  School buses and transit buses are excluded from this bill.
 
 
# # #
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CAL FIRE Announces Availability for Forest Health, Urban Forestry and Fire Prevention Grants

12/21/2017

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Sacramento – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is pleased to announce information regarding the 2017-2018 California Climate Investments (CCI) grant funds. CAL FIRE is administering CCI grant funds to partners through grant awards that will help the State reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.
 
Up to $200 million is available through CAL FIRE’s Forest Health grants (including conservation easements through the California Forest Legacy Program) and Fire Prevention grants. Up to $20 million in grant funds is available through CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry program. Additionally, CAL FIRE will continue to partner with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) by making $5 million available to the CCC’s for Forest Health and Fire Prevention activities.
 
Information on qualifying projects is available in individual Procedural Grant Guidelines and will also be provided at upcoming workshops planned for mid-January at areas around the State and via webinar. Specific information about these workshops will be shared on CAL FIRE’s social media accounts and on our grants page. More information and Procedural Grant Guidelines are posted at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/grants
 
Official Call for Concept Proposals:
 
Forest Health Grant: Concept Proposals will be due on February 21, 2018 by 3:00 PM.  This includes California Forest Legacy projects.
 
Urban and Community Forestry Grant: Concept Proposals will be due on February 26, 2018 by 3:00 PM.  There will be three types of projects for which Concept Proposals will be accepted. 
 
Fire Prevention Grant: CAL FIRE is working with the California Air Resources Board to finalize grant administrative requirements.  Additional information will be released later in the winter or early spring on these grant opportunities.  
 
The grants are part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/.
 




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2018 Plumas Sierra County Fair theme announced

12/18/2017

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The Plumas Sierra County Fair Board is excited to announce the theme for the 2018 Plumas Sierra County Fair; Welcome to the Neighborhood. Fair Manager John Steffanic noted that a common comment throughout both counties has been about how many new people live here. Besides wanting to welcome those people to the community, as well as the fair, Steffanic wanted to use the theme as a springboard to get these new residents involved; “If someone has kids in school, that's always a great place to get new community members involved. After that, it's sometimes a challenge to hook people up to a church, or service club, or any number of other activities that make our community special.”
 
Steffanic's intention is to reach out to each community and find people willing to create several events to get people engaged in something, anything, to enrich both the participants and the places they live. “I'm hoping to throw some block parties with the same as the fair theme; Welcome to the Neighborhood.” says the fair manager. At the very least, he wants find leaders that can show people how to welcome new folks. “I know in my town of Portola, I recognize people, but I don't always know people.” observed Steffanic. “I think we need to start thinking about walking up to these people, introducing ourselves and asking them about themselves. Where are they from? What do they like about living here? What are they interested in?” As older residents retire, or pass away, the fabric of the community becomes a little thinner. Steffanic thinks this fair theme will give the opportunity to strengthen that fabric by getting new blood woven into our towns.
 
“It makes perfect sense for the annual county fair to lead the way on this,” says Steffanic. “It is the one event that brings every community together, and we should make sure that anyone who is new to our area is welcome.” The fair is working on ways to showcase the efforts of the various communities working to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood. Steffanic will be looking for people willing to take on the role of “welcomers” in the different communities and invites anyone interested to contact him at the fair office in Quincy. He also points out that it doesn't have to be individuals, organizations are also welcome to fill the role of spreading the word; Welcome to the Neighborhood!
 
The 2018 Plumas Sierra County Fair takes place August 8-12, 2018 in Quincy, California
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FROM THE MERCURY NEWS:  Borenstein:Brace yourself taxpayers: CalPERS is about to bury you deeper in debt.

12/18/2017

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The nation’s largest pension system is expected to adopt a funding plan this week that anticipates shortfalls during the next decade and then banks on exceptional investment returns over the following half century to make up the difference.

It’s an absurd strategy designed to placate labor unions, who want more public money available now for raises, and local government officials who are struggling to make annual installment payments on past debt CalPERS has rung up.
And it highlights why the California Supreme Court, which is currently considering a key case on pension rights, and state lawmakers must do more to rein in public employee retirement costs. We can’t afford the current system.
That doesn’t mean that traditional pensions should be eliminated; it means future benefit accruals should be reduced to affordable levels that don’t continue saddling current and future generations with debt.
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System currently has a $153 billion unfunded liability, with only 68 percent of the assets it should have, largely because of similar, past hubris about investment returns.
The action this week will affect pensions for state workers, and hence all California taxpayers. In the Bay Area, it affects pensions for employees of Santa Clara County and most cities except San Jose and San Francisco.
Specifically, the CalPERS board will re-allocate its portfolio and make a critical forecast of the return on those investments. The higher the expected return, the lower the contributions required from employers and employees. But if the prediction doesn’t pan out, taxpayers must cover the shortfall.
CalPERS staff predicts the investment mix it’s recommending will earn 7 percent annual returns. That just happens to match the earnings forecast that CalPERS is already phasing in. Thus, the staff suggests the rate should not be lowered, and contributions should not be further increased.
But that 7 percent forecast is problematic. Ted Eliopoulos, CalPERS chief investment officer, estimates CalPERS will only earn 6.1 percent annually over the next 10 years. To reach 7 percent, the system’s actuaries “blended” the 10-year estimate with a projection for the subsequent 50 years of 8.3 percent annual returns.
That’s right. CalPERS, like many retirement systems, makes decisions about funding pensions today based on estimates of what market returns will be for the next six decades.
To do that, CalPERS assumes the future economy will eventually mirror the past. “But the future economy will be a lot different than the past,” says Bob Stein, a retired Ernst & Young managing partner and chairman of the national Society of Actuaries Blue Ribbon Panel on Public Pension Funding.
“It requires a belief that equity returns are going to jump back up to the 8 percent level or even higher in the out years here. I don’t think anybody expects (that).”
CalPERS’ portfolio includes stocks, bonds and real estate. Eliopoulos acknowledges the spread between CalPERS’ 6.1 percent annual forecast for the first decade and the annual 8.3 percent predicted for the following 50 years is “as wide as we’ve seen.”
Asked whether he thinks CalPERS’ portfolio can earn an average 8.3 percent annual earnings over a half century, Eliopoulos told me, “I don’t have a crystal ball. I think the projection for the next 10 years is reasonable.”
Exactly. He doesn’t have a crystal ball. Nor does anyone else at CalPERS.
Board members with a fiduciary duty to responsibly administer the pension system shouldn’t use highly questionable half-century forecasts to justify underfunding pensions for the next decade.
In the shorter term, if CalPERS sets contribution rates assuming 7 percent annual returns and Eliopoulos’ 6.1 percent 10-year forecast proves right, the pension system for the next decade will under-collect from employers and employees.



Whereas workers and employers share the upfront pension contributions, government agencies, and ultimately taxpayers, must cover the shortfalls. That debt is treated just like a giant credit card bill, paid off with decades of installment payments.

The escalating payments are already requiring cutbacks in government services and/or higher taxes. CalPERS’ expected action this week is designed to avoid additional immediate payment increases. But it adds to the shortfall that must eventually be paid.
Political pressure from unions and local governments makes it likely the CalPERS board this week will keep the earnings assumption at 7 percent. But if that’s the plan, board members should at least admit that easing the pain now will require piling on debt for taxpayers to cover in the future.
They shouldn’t claim that wishful speculation about market returns decades from now makes it all right.







Daniel Borenstein Dan Borenstein is an award-winning columnist for the Bay Area News Group and editorial page editor of the East Bay Times. He has worked for the Times and its affiliated newspapers since 1980, including previous assignments as political editor, Sacramento bureau editor, projects editor and assistant metro editor. A Bay Area native, he holds master’s degrees in public policy and journalism from University of California, Berkeley.
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The Constitution Deals with Sexual Abuse in Congress

12/13/2017

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By Harold Pease, Ph. D
 
According to the media members of Congress of both major political parties are dropping like flies to a fly-swatter in a barn: Senator Al Franken, Congressmen John Conyers, Ruben Kihuen, Blake Farenthold, Joe Barton, Trent Franks, Alcee Hastings, in the last 30 days.  All are accused of sexually abusing women, some recent, some years ago.  The Constitution deals with misbehaving members of Congress when followed fully?


Unfortunately with the disclosure of these seven also came the exposure of the existence of a secret funding source for members of Congress accused of sexual harassment and other work-place discretions created under the Congressional Review Act of 1995.  Since 1997, the fund has paid at least $15 million to settle complaints.  Congressman Blake Farenthold is the first member of Congress confirmed to have benefited from it receiving $84,000 in taxpayer dollars in 2014 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit with a former aide.  We will have many other disclosures to rise to the expenditure of $15 million.  A fund to potentially hide immoral activities is completely unconstitutional.  It also removes a deterrent to transgression.


So how does the Constitution deal with misbehaving members of Congress?  It begins with the morality of the electorate.  John Adams, a Founding Father and 2nd president of the United States, identified the first principle of a republic where a king does not dictate good or evil, but the participants in that government bridle their “human passions” through “morality and religion.” left unbridled, he said, they “would break the strongest cords of our Constitution.”  He ended a lengthy paragraph on the topic with, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” 
 
At least nine other Founders expressed similar opinions.   George Washington in his “Farewell Address” wrote: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports . . . And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”
 
In their time none denied the relationship between morality, religion, God and justice.  When morality is situational, as it seems to be for so many today, this link is broken and one depends upon his own wisdom alone.  There is no “appealing to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding,” as expressed by Benjamin Franklin in the Constitutional Convention.  As Washington once said, “Government is like fire, a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”  Unprincipled government can do much damage as it has to the Constitution for years. 
 
We expect those we elect to govern to have strong moral fiber and to have their human passions fully bridled.  If they are still struggling with the base, hedonistic, animalistic and adulterous elements of themselves, such as is reported of these members of Congress, how can we expect them to make laws for the people based upon righteousness and justice?  How can they discern such?
 
So the first constitutional principle is the election of persons to govern who demonstrate moral fiber.  Moral bankruptcy usually starts long before one is a member of Congress.   Al Franken demonstrated this by his choice of material as a professional comedian.  Women complained of the sexually abusive behavior of John Conyers decades ago.  Once this is known and confirmed, he should not be reelected.  When the people themselves are morally bankrupt and do not care about the philandering of their favorite, as in the second election of President Bill Clinton, then such, as Adams said, breaks “the strongest cords of our Constitution.”  Returning to the principle of electing only those with strong moral fiber, and zero tolerance for those who do not, will eliminate most, if not all, predatory behavior in Congress.


Once manifested two parts of the Constitution come into play to isolate the damage. Each House is to be the judge “of the Elections, Returns and Qualification of its own Members” making certain that it is the will of voters and that will was fairly derived (Article I, Section 5, Clause 1).   But neither House can constitutionally rejudge behavior that is known to voters addressed during the campaign after the expression of the people, should any of the seven run and win in 2018. 


Also, each House may “punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member” (Article I, Section 5, Clause 2).  In this they deal with behavior occurring after being seated such as sexual harassment.  So let the Ethics Committee of both houses deal with the accused. 


But the Constitution has one more check.  At least six of the seven accused of sexual abuse face their constituents in eleven months to be judged by them and reseated or not.  Their best behavior is likely pending that outcome.  Let these two constitutional filters do their work not media trials that only serve the vengeful and are too politicized to be fair. 


If the above does not end predatory sexual behavior in Congress the Constitution can be said to be broken, as Adams said, at least on curbing immorality of its leaders.  The disclosures are serious; still, we need to be reminded that there are 535 members of Congress and most bridle their “human passions” but the seven, who presumably do not, are seven too many.




Dr.


Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years at Taft College.  Newspapers have permission to publish this column. To read more of his weekly columns, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.


 

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Record 129 Million Dead Trees in California

12/12/2017

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U.S Forest Service and CAL FIRE Working Together to Address Forest Health

 
VALLEJO, Calif., December 11, 2017 – The U.S. Forest Service today announced that an additional 27 million trees, mostly conifers, died throughout California since November 2016, bringing the total number of trees that have died due to drought and bark beetles to an historic 129 million on 8.9 million acres. The dead trees continue to pose a hazard to people and critical infrastructure, mostly centered in the central and southern Sierra Nevada region of the state.
“The number of dead and dying trees has continued to rise, along with the risks to communities and firefighters if a wildfire breaks out in these areas,” said Randy Moore, Regional Forester of the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. “It is apparent from our survey flights this year that California’s trees have not yet recovered from the drought, and remain vulnerable to beetle attacks and increased wildfire threat. The Forest Service will continue to focus on mitigating hazard trees and thinning overly dense forests so they are healthier and better able to survive stressors like this in the future.”
Moore continued, “To increase the pace and scale of this important work, we need to fix how fire suppression is funded. Last year fire management alone consumed 56 percent of the Forest Service's national budget. As fire suppression costs continue to grow as a percentage of the Forest Service’s budget, funding is shrinking for non-fire programs that protect watersheds and restore forests, making them more resilient to wildfire and drought.”
Though California received record-breaking rains in the winter of 2016-2017, the effects of five consecutive years of severe drought in California, a dramatic rise in bark beetle infestation and rising temperatures have led to historic levels of tree die-off. The Tree Mortality Task Force (TMTF), with support from the Governor’s office and comprised of more than 80 local, state and federal agencies and private utility companies, continues to remove hazardous dead trees. To date, the TMTF members have collectively felled or removed over 860,000 dead trees; this includes over 480,000 dead trees felled or removed by the U.S. Forest Service.
The TMTF members are using a triage approach to this tree mortality crisis, first focusing on public safety by removing dead and dying trees in high hazard areas. To further improve forest health, the U.S Forest Service and CAL FIRE have increased their pace and scale of prescribed fire. The U.S. Forest Service has treated over 55,000 acres and CAL FIRE has completed over 33,000 acres in fuel treatment projects. By combining tree removal with prescribed fire, crews will be able to decrease overly dense stands of trees, reduce greenhouse gases, and protect communities across the state.
"Tree mortality at this magnitude takes on-going cooperation between public, non-profit and private entities,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director and California’s state forester. “California’s forests are a critical part of the State’s strategy to address climate change. By working together and using all the resources at our disposal we will be able to make more progress towards our common goal of healthier, more resilient forests that benefit all Californians.”
With record breaking levels of tree die-off, the TMTF has used this event as an opportunity to collaborate on several fronts: from public workshops about reforestation, public outreach in urban and rural areas, and awarding over $21 million in grants aimed to protect watersheds, remove dead trees and restore our forests. The TMTF continues to collaborate on the efficient use of resources to protect public safety and build consensus around long-term management strategies for California’s forest lands.
“The Tree Mortality Task force has provided an essential venue for coordination of response efforts, exchange of ideas, reporting, and accountability for the ongoing statewide response to this incident,” said Supervisor Nathan Magsig of Fresno County. “Leadership from the Governor’s Office, CAL FIRE and Office of Emergency Services has helped to ensure county issues are heard and addressed. Monthly coordination of the 10 most impacted counties has resulted in a more effective use of resources and has allowed counties to share ideas and successes.”  
With a staggering 129 million dead trees in the state, the work of the task force is far from over. The strong foundation built will continue to be an advantage as the TMTF continues to address tree mortality and its impacts. 
Learn more about tree mortality and the work to restore our forests in California at the Forest Service's web page Our Changing Forests. To learn about how to be prepare and protect your home against wildfire and bark beetles visit CAL FIRE’s web page Ready for Wildfire.
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LATEST ON THE REMAINS OF THE TRAILER PARK

12/8/2017

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Loyalton needs a Christmas present!
We'd been told and it was generally known there to be a court hearing in Downieville today, Friday, December 8th with the Receivers who had told us they would make a request for further funding.
Today we were notified there was no such hearing on the court calendar and Judge Ervin is out of town for a month.
In talking to Receiver Mark Adams, he called it "confusion." He said the current plan is to have a court hearing on or after January 12th.
Further, he stated the city and county of Sierra need to subordinate liens and he can't find a lender to fund the cleanup without a full subordination. He needs a blanket subordination.
This is the condition of the trailer park as it's been left:
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The Receivers stated they had to move the residents out for safety and health reasons.

IS THIS SAFE?

IS THIS HEALTHY?

Call your elected officials now and complain. We need this cleaned up before Christmas!
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MORE FIRE PHOTOS OF THE FORMER PARTS STORE, LOYALTON

12/5/2017

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PHOTOS BY ANNDREA WHITE, TAKEN OF THE BACK OF THE BUILDING
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LOYALTON'S FORMER PARTS STORE BURNS

12/5/2017

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PHOTOS BY SUE McILRAVY

The fire was spotted by a driver going through town at about 10:30 p.m. Monday night, said to be from Canada.
Local volunteer firemen fought the fire until 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, leaving a thick ice rink surrounding the former parts store.
Owners of the building are Sherry and Burt Howard, who ran a video business and have lived out of the area several years. Most recently, Timberline Auto Parts occupied the building. The business was sold a couple years back by Joanne Powers to Nancy Rogers' brother and Nancy operated the business until she closed it last summer. The building was cleared and has been up for sale. Dickson Realtor Bonnie Jessee said she had an offer on it and hopes of it being restored.
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Cannabis Sellers Must Register with theCalifornia Department of Tax and Fee Administration

12/4/2017

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Sacramento – Individuals planning to sell cannabis or cannabis products beginning January 1, 2018, must register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for a seller’s permit. Cannabis cultivators, processors, manufacturers, retailers, microbusinesses and distributors who make sales are required to obtain and maintain a seller’s permit as a prerequisite for applying for a license with the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, or the Department of Public Health. It is easy and convenient to register online with the CDTFA. Individuals who already have a seller’s permit (including a permit previously issued by the Board of Equalization) do not need to register for a new one.
 
In addition, distributors of cannabis and cannabis products must also register with the CDTFA for a cannabis tax permit – which is separate from a seller’s permit – in order to report and pay the two new cannabis taxes to the CDTFA starting in January 2018. Registration for the cannabis tax permit will be available on November 20, 2017.
 
Beginning January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes will be in effect:
 
[if !supportLists]·       [endif]A 15 percent excise tax is imposed on purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. Retailers are required to collect the excise tax from the purchaser and pay it to the cannabis distributor.
 
[if !supportLists]·       [endif]A tax on the cultivation of cannabis that enters the commercial market is imposed on cultivators, who are required to pay the cultivation tax to either a distributor or manufacturer depending upon the nature of the transaction. The cultivation tax rates are $9.25 per dry weight ounce of cannabis flowers, and $2.75 per dry-weight ounce of cannabis leaves.
 
Individuals who operate a cannabis business that does not make taxable sales will need to obtain a certification letter from the CDTFA indicating that their business does not require a seller’s permit. The certification letter will be available through the CDTFA online registration system beginning November 20, 2017. Individuals may also sign up for CDTFA Cannabis ListServ notifications for the latest information on how to comply with the new laws related to cannabis businesses.
 
More information about the permits necessary to collect these new taxes is available in this special notice and in the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses.
 
*                        *                       *                       *                       *
 
Important Notice: Recent legislation created the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to administer the taxes and fees previously collected by the Board of Equalization, with the exception of Property Tax, Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Insurance Tax. Additional information concerning this recent change can be found at www.boe.ca.gov and at www.cdtfa.ca.gov. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit the California Tax Service Center.
 
Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation, and is not considered written advice under Revenue and Taxation Code section 6596 or 55045. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release. For specific help, please contact the CDTFA at 1-800-400-7115.
 
###
 

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration • 450 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 1-800-400-7115
 

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December 02nd, 2017

12/2/2017

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​Our company is currently working with the Tahoe National Forest on a research project about the old Lewis Mill (also known as the Lewis Brothers’ Mill or Lewis and Peck Mill) located south of Loyalton along Smithneck Creek. The mill began operations in 1886 and ran into the early 1900s.
We would be interested in talking to anyone who had a family member who worked at the mill and are particularly interested in finding photos of the operation that we could reproduced for use in a technical report, a public document, and on a roadside sign. If you have photos or information about the mill, please contact me.
 
Thank you,
Sharon Waechter
Far Western Anthropological Research Group
2727 Del Rio Place, Suite A
Davis, CA 95618
SharonW@farwestern.com
530-304-4110
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