Sierra County, as part of the Greater Sacramento Region, has been under a Regional Stay Home Order since December 10, 2020. The Regional Stay Home Order has impacted our local businesses and inhibited many activities. The Greater Sacramento Region’s ICU capacity has been monitored by the State since we entered the Regional Stay Home Order. The State continues to review regional ICU capacity data and uses ICU capacity projections into the future for four weeks to inform their decisions. The State will notify Sierra County if the Regional Stay Home Order is lifted. There has been no communication to allow the current Regional Stay Home Order for the Greater Sacramento Region to expire.

At this time, Sierra County Public Health Department does not know if the Regional Stay Home Order will end or be extended. While we anticipate hearing from the State soon, we cannot guarantee this. We advise all businesses and organizations to continue to be patient and not preemptively accommodate activities that would go against the current Regional Stay Home Order. Once the County receives notification from the State, all businesses in Sierra County will be notified via an emailed press release to update the status of the Regional Stay Home Order. Until then, please continue to follow all restrictions outlined in the Regional Stay Home Order.
For more information, please visit www.sierracounty.ca.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please email COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov.
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LOS ANGELES, Calif. (December 31, 2020) – A coalition of agricultural and business employers has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court challenging the COVID-19 related emergency temporary standards (ETS) recently approved by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Board). The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Board lacks statutory authority to impose many of the sweeping measures of the ETS on California employers.

For California’s multi-generational farmers, the health and safety of their employees and the consumers they serve is their top priority.

“In the weeks and months following Governor Newsom’s emergency declaration in March, California farmers and processors moved quickly to implement dramatic new safety practices aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace,” said Dave Puglia, President & CEO of Western Growers. “While these measures helped reduce transmission in workplaces, this virus has swept through communities large and small in spite of lockdown orders and mask mandates, and through every sector of the economy as well despite extraordinary efforts by employers and employees alike. The Board imposed unrealistic, unfounded and economically harmful standards in total disregard of these realities. We have no choice but to seek judicial relief.”

The standards promulgated by the Board are unprecedented and sweeping. They were adopted with little public notice or opportunity for comment based on a purported “finding of emergency” and a declared need for immediate action, even though it took the Board nine months to enact these rules. Furthermore, Cal/OSHA staff insisted the ETS were not necessary for the agency to enforce the continually evolving general and industry-specific guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19. As stated in the complaint, “the ETS does not solve a crisis as much as it creates one.”

“We take this unfortunate yet serious action because we believe there are unconsidered mitigation steps that have and would continue to better protect farm workers while allowing our farmers to continue to produce a consistent supply of fruits and vegetables,” said Christopher Valadez, President of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. “As this pandemic has shown us over the last several months, it is imperative that science and data drive policy. That is at the core of what we seek in this lawsuit.”

The ETS create significant new obligations and liabilities for employers, and subject well-meaning California farmers and other businesses to additional enforcement actions and substantial penalties. The practical effect of these emergency standards is to shift the public health and economic costs of COVID-19 monitoring, investigation, compliance and remediation onto employers, all without any consideration of the financial damage inflicted on businesses already struggling to recover from the pandemic.

“These regulations will disrupt food supply operations all along the line, but it will be especially hard on our 20,000 small family farming members,” said Jamie Johansson, President of the California Farm Bureau. “They and their employees are the unsung heroes of the pandemic but once again, they must react to a rule handed down by fiat instead of going through a deliberate regulatory process where the voices of farmers would be heard. We hope the court forces government to follow the law.”

It is important to note that the ETS will have a disproportionate impact on California farmers and their employees since one aspect of the regulations is to substantially reduce and eliminate vitally needed agricultural housing during a statewide housing crisis. A reduction in already-scarce housing will directly impact farmworker communities and harm rural economies across the state that depend on agriculture.

The lawsuit filed by lead attorney David A. Schwarz, Kent R. Raygor and Barbara Taylor, with Sheppard Mullin, argues that in enacting the emergency regulations without due process, the Board failed to explain the causal link between the ETS and the emergency situation to be addressed, or to adequately justify the necessity of the new rules. Additionally, the complaint contends that many of the regulations have nothing to do with workplace health or occupational safety but are designed to address non-work-related COVID-19 exposure risks.

Click here for a fact sheet that details the basis for the legal challenge.

The six plaintiff organizations and media contacts are listed below:

• California Association of Winegrape Growers: Michael Miiller, (916) 204-0485, Michael@CAWG.org or Meredith Ritchie, (916) 708-3364, Meredith@CAWG.org
• California Business Roundtable: Brooke Armour Spiegel, (916) 553-4093, brooke@cbrt.org
• California Farm Bureau: Dave Kranz, (916) 719-2056, dkranz@cfbf.com
• Grower-Shipper Association of Central California: Christopher Valadez, (831) 422-8844, chris@growershipper.com
• Ventura County Agricultural Association: Rob Roy, (805) 388-2727, Rob-vcaa@pacbell.net
• Western Growers: Cory Lunde, (949) 885-2264, clunde@wga.com

About California Association of Winegrape Growers:
The California Association of Winegrape Growers protects and promotes the interests of California winegrape growers by providing members a unified voice, effective advocacy and strong leadership. CAWG promotes the winegrowing industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies, and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment and California communities.

About California Business Roundtable:
The California Business Roundtable is a non-partisan organization comprised of the senior executive leadership of the major employers throughout the state – with a combined workforce of more than half a million employees. For more than thirty-five years the Roundtable has identified the issues critical to a healthy business climate and provided the leadership needed to strengthen California’s economy and create jobs.

About California Farm Bureau:
The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 32,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.

About Grower-Shipper Association of Central California:
Grower-Shipper Association of Central California is a regional trade association, offering advocacy, programs and services to over 300 members. Founded in 1930, today the organization’s membership consists primarily of growers, shippers, harvesters and processors of vegetables and fruits produced in the Central Coast region of California, encompassing Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara Counties; united around a core mission of advancing solutions benefitting families, food and farming.

About Ventura County Agricultural Association:
Ventura County Agricultural Association is a trade association dedicated to supporting agriculture businesses in the California counties of Ventura and Santa Barbara. The association provides a wide variety of services to its members, but most significantly in labor relations and employee safety training programs.

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation's fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America's fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the first Phillips Station snow survey of the season. The manual survey recorded 30.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 10.5 inches, which is 93 percent of the January 1 average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. While conditions were positive at Phillips Station, statewide the snowpack is just 52% of average for this date.

“The snow survey results reflect California’s dry start to the water year and provide an important reminder that our state’s variable weather conditions are made more extreme by climate change,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We still have several months left to bring us up to average, but we should prepare now for extended dry conditions. The Department, along with other state agencies and local water districts, is prepared to support communities should conditions remain dry.”

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs and the snowpack is an important factor in determining how DWR manages the state’s water resources. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California's “frozen reservoir.” As spring sets in, the snowpack begins to melt. Water that’s not absorbed into the ground, called “runoff,” trickles into mountain streams, which feed rivers and eventually aqueducts and reservoirs, where it can be stored for use throughout the dry season. Climate change is affecting California’s snowpack, however, as more precipitation falls as rain and less as snow.

More telling than a survey at a single location are DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the State. Measurements indicate that statewide, the snowpack’s SWE is 5 inches, or 52 percent of the December 30 average.

“Today’s survey brought a first glimpse of how the state’s snowpack is shaping up, but there is a lot of winter still ahead,” said Sean de Guzman, chief of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Section. “While the dry conditions during late summer and fall have led to a below average snowpack, it is still encouraging to have the amount of snow we already have with two of the three typically wettest months still to come.”

DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May.

Additional Resources

Video of today’s Phillips survey (Expected between 2-3 p.m.)

Digital photos of today’s Phillips survey (Expected between 2-3 p.m.)

Snowpack readings (View readings for current regional snowpack and historical snowpack comparison)

CDEC precipitation data (View current charts for the Northern Sierra 8-station index for updated rainfall readings in the critical northern portion of the state, as well as the San Joaquin 5-station index and Tulare Basin 6-station index.)


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​

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced the availability of nearly $27 million in grant funds to help local communities combat impaired driving.
The funding is the result of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which provided specified cannabis tax funding to the CHP to administer local grants for education, prevention, and enforcement programs regarding impaired driving.  Funding for the grants comes from a tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis products sold in California since January 2018.
For the current grant cycle, the CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program will be awarding grants based on a competitive process to California law enforcement agencies and local toxicology laboratories meeting the eligibility requirements described in the 2021 Request for Application, available on the CHP website.   
The CHP will hold a virtual workshop on January 6, 2021, to answer questions from potential grant applicants regarding the application process, the 2021 Request for Application, administrative program regulations, and other general questions.
Applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2021, through February 23, 2021, for programs beginning on July 1, 2021.  These grants will enhance existing efforts to address impaired driving.
“These grants represent an opportunity for the CHP to work collaboratively with local traffic safety stakeholders to strategically address impaired driving issues while making California’s roadways a safer place to travel,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.
Those interested in this grant opportunity can learn more about the program, obtain workshop updates, and view the 2021 Request for Application by visiting the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program page on the CHP’s website, under the Programs and Services tab.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
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Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
2021 is here, and will it be just another year? If it's just another year then that won't be bad at all because too many will not have another year. The opportunity and privilege to have another year is the gift of life. Being alive and living your life is about as good as it gets. Aim for being alive this time next year. 
 
Make some decisions about 2021. Where do you want to be this time in 12 months? Would you like to be ten pounds heavier? Maybe you would like to be ten or twenty pounds lighter? If you cut back on your portions and get off the couch you can lose a pound a week on average. This is daunting but just think about where you can be the first of March if you start today? Don't start tomorrow. Start right now. Today. This minute. Throw all that junk cake and pie in the trash. This is a tough decision because we hate to say goodbye to all those holiday cookies and candies. Your body will thank you and you will feel so much better very soon.
 
Decide about financial habits. Millions of Americans carry credit card debt. Minimum payments on $3,000 of credit card debt is like swimming up river. If you have missed a few payments your credit card company may be anxious to hear from you. Ask them if they will consider a settlement payoff. A friend of mine owed $5,000 and his credit card company settled for a $2800 payoff. Your company might or might not but it never hurts to negotiate. You might be able to sell some things in order to erase that back breaking high interest debt. 
 
Make some money in 2021 - if you want to. Most Americans need to make money in 2021. Work on job applications. Peruse the newspaper. Search online. Consider places you have heard about and call them, go see them. Knock on doors of opportunity. You get nowhere if you do not try. You might complete 20 or 30 applications to get one job interview. Complete the application thoroughly. Give them a reason to consider you. Put together a good biographical sketch, resume. Have a friend or two to review and edit because two heads are better than one. Have some good trusted references. Wherever you work do a good job because you want them to say a good word about you. A good word may seal the deal on your next job opportunity. 
 
Jobs sometimes are scarce. Consider your personal knowledge and abilities and what might you do to make a dollar or two? What do you know that others need to know? What can you offer that others need or might want? Can you make something? Can you fix things? How can you help others?  Creating your own life and business might be the financial and mental sanity answer for you. If you create your own work and are good at what you do, you will not run out of something to do. 
 
Our decisions determine our destiny. Whatever decision we make we have to put into action. Faith without works is dead. May your life be good, healthy and filled with wonderful love, family and friends in 2021. Let's work together for a good year. 


Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
  
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette
     additional biographical, Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. He is the author of 12 books including Uncommon Sense. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. 

 
San Francisco, CA, December 28, 2020—Whoever coined the phrase “actions speak louder than words” did not live in the age of instantaneous communication: social media, email and texting. We watch politicians polarize citizens and countries just with one Tweet. Most of us have watched as one email or Facebook post severed a personal relationship. These negative actions can be avoided if we treat words like gold and not like weapons. Here, as we embrace the holiday season—a time of forgiveness and giving—award-winning writer, Joan Gelfand, author of the new book Extreme, shares five simple rules to employ healing words:
 
1. Get Your Grammar and Spelling Straight: There’s nothing worse than being on the receiving end of a misspelled, badly organized communication. Not only does it diminish the sender’s gravity, it shows that little care has been devoted to the writing—which literally is what we’re all doing … writing texts, emails and e-cards.
 
2. It’s All About the Tone: Have you ever had a “bad email day” where one was misinterpreted? If your gut says that your writing might be misunderstood, sleep on it until you can read it again with fresh eyes. Unless your note is time-sensitive, there is tremendous power in waiting until tomorrow.
 
3. What’s the Takeaway? Writing should always be clear and concise. In many ways, your note, email or letter is a pitch to the recipient. Whether you’re writing a love note, looking to break up or apologize, don’t wait until the last paragraph to do so. State your reason for writing right up in the first paragraph!
 
4. The Power of Writing a Real Note: Many millennials didn’t get the chance to learn how to physically write script or handwrite a note. That’s a shame because sending a handwritten note shows thought, time spent on behalf of the recipient, and a tactic that will stand out above and beyond an e-version. Mailing a letter or card with a stamp can get the positive result you hope for.
 
5. Honor the Format You Choose to Write On: Writing on social media is different than writing a greeting card. If you are writing to apologize or reach out to a long-lost friend, a quick note on social media is fine. If your recipient is more formal, then a longer note or formal letter can work wonders.
 
6. Add a Quote to Make Your Point: Enhance your position, thoughts and feelings by adding a famous quote. The reason that people choose one card over another is because of a catchy phrase, a clever hook or tagline; in other words: content. If Walt Whitman says it better for you, it’s OK for you to pull a short passage to make your claim. Not only will the reader be impressed, but they will also know you’ve taken the time to do some research. If you’re going down that path, remember to always credit the author of the quote.
 
Joan Gelfand is a writer, poet and critic whose stories, poetry and reviews have appeared in national and international publications, including the Los Angeles Review of Books, Rattle, Huffington Post, PANK! and California Quarterly. She coaches writers around the country and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and a juror for the Northern California Book Awards. She is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, Adam Hertz, and two beatnik kitties, Jack Kerouac and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. For more information about Extreme: A Novel, please visit www.extremethebook.com.
 
Extreme: A Novel
Publisher: Blue Light Press
ISBN-10: 1421836513
ISBN-13: 978-1421836515

 
 
People v Brady Allen Cardin (20CR0071)
 
On November 13, 2020, Brady Allen Cardin, age 50 of Kings Beach, was convicted of violating Health and Safety code section 11550(e) a felony, being under the influence of a methamphetamine and in possession of a loaded firearm.  He was sentenced to2 years in State Prison.    
 
People v. Carl Andy Salyer (CR3972X)
 
On November 13, 2020, Carl Andy Salyer, age 24, of Butte County, was found in violation of his felony probation.  He was ordered returned to probation.
 
People v. Darrryl Daniel Higginbotham (20CR0031)
 
On November 23, 2020, Darryl Daniel Higgenbotham, age 32, of Verdi, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 243(e)(1), spousal battery, following a court trial.  He was sentenced to 3 years summary probation, ordered to complete a 52 week batterer’s program, pay a fine and perform community service.
 
 
People v. Brody James Smith  (20CR0005))
 
On December 8, 2020, Brody James Smith, age 39, of Downieville, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 12500, driving without a valid license.  He was ordered to pay a fine.
 
 
People v.Spencer George Ward (20CR0046)
 
On December 8, 2020, Spencer George Ward, age 21,of Reno, NV, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103, reckless driving.  He was placed on one year summary probation, and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Charles Wesley Telford, Jr.  (20CR0062)
 
On December 8, 2020, Charles Wesley Telford, Jr, age 73, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 415(3), disturbing the peace.  He was placed on two years summary probation, ordered to complete 20 hours of community service, and pay a fine. 
 
 
People v. Larissa Ranae Twiss (20CR0079)
 
On December 8, 2020, Larissa Ranae Twiss, age 35 of Sparks, NV was convicted of violating Penal Code section 647(f), drunk in public.  She was placed on one year summary probation and ordered to pay a fine. 
 
People v. Lee Ann Polastrini (20CR0084)
 
On December 8, 2020, Lee Ann Polastrini, age 48, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103.5, reckless driving involving alcohol. She was ordered to spend 2 days in jail, one year summary probation, and to pay a fine.
 
People v. Francisco Ortiz (20CR0092)
 
On December 8, 2020, Francisco Ortiz, age 30, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 14601.1(a), driving with a suspended driver’s license.  He was placed on one year summary probation and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Jeffrey Allen Johnson (20CR0096-B)
 
On December 8, 2020, Jeffrey Allen Johnson, age 64, of Colfax, was convicted of violating Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, section 708.1, hunting deer without a license.  He was placed on one year summary probation and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. James Kenneth White (CR04006)
 
On December 8, 2020, James Kenneth White, age 40, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 14601.1, driving with a suspended license.  He was placed on 2 years summary probation and ordered to pay a fine.
 
 

REDDING – The National Weather Service is forecasting a series of winter storms to move through Northern California, starting on Christmas morning and continuing through early next week. Snow levels are forecast to begin at 2,500- 3,500 feet locally on Friday, rising to 4,000 – 6,000 feet for Saturday through Monday. Motorists should check weather and road conditions prior to higher elevation travel during this time period.

Motorists that must travel into higher elevations are advised to carry chains, be prepared for winter driving conditions, expect delays and possible closures, and follow instructions of Caltrans personnel and law enforcement. Truck and/or vehicle screening may go into effect for northbound Interstate 5 traffic at Fawndale Road, approximately ten miles north of Redding, prior to or during storm systems.

For more information, please contact the District 2 Public Information Office during business hours at (530) 225-3426. 24/7 updated highway conditions are available via QuickMap (also available by free app for smartphones) or through the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623. Motorists can also follow Caltrans District 2 on our Twitter and Facebook pages for important traffic updates.  

Other helpful resources include:

Caltrans District 2 Website

One-Stop-Shop for Traveler Information (Western U.S.)

Winter Weather Driving Tips

National Weather Service

California Highway Patrol - Tire Traction Devices (PDF)

Hard Copy of Winter Travel Advisory
​

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As 2020 comes to a close, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants to highlight some new roadway safety laws that take effect in 2021.
 
License points for distracted driving (AB 47, Daly; 2019):  Using a cell phone in a handheld manner while driving is currently punishable by a fine.  Beginning July 1, 2021, violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.  This applies to the violations of talking or texting while driving (except for hands-free use) and to any use of these devices while driving by a person under 18 years of age.
 
Unattended children in motor vehicles (AB 2717, Chau):  Exempts a person from civil or criminal liability for trespassing or damaging a vehicle when rescuing a child who is 6 years old or younger and who is in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or other dangerous circumstances.  The law takes effect January 1, 2021.
 
“Move Over, Slow Down” amendments (AB 2285, Transportation Committee):  Extends the provisions of the “Move Over, Slow Down” law currently in place on freeways to also apply to local streets and roads so drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying emergency lights, including tow trucks and Caltrans vehicles, must now move to another lane when possible, or slow to a reasonable speed on all highways, not just freeways.  The law is effective January 1, 2021.
 
Emergency vehicles (SB 909, Dodd):  Allows authorized emergency vehicles to use a “Hi-Lo” warning sound.  This distinctive sound, different than a siren, would be used to notify the public of an immediate need to evacuate an area in an emergency.  The CHP is currently developing regulations to standardize the Hi-Lo warning sound statewide.  Until the regulations are adopted, law enforcement agencies can use the Hi-Lo warning sound by obtaining a permit from the CHP.  The law went into effect September 29, 2020.
 

By: Stanley Popovich
Do you know a friend or loved one who suffers from fear, anxiety, and depression and do not know what to do?
It can be frustrating to watch someone you know suffer and not be able to help them.
Here are 6 ways to help the person cope in these kinds of situations and the best way to deal with anxiety.
1.Learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression: There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with the person who is struggling with their mental health issues.
2. Be understanding and patient with the person struggling with their fears: Dealing with depression and anxiety can be difficult for the person so do not add more problems than what is already there. Do not get into arguments with the person who is having a difficult time with their anxieties.
3. Talk to the person instead of talking at them:  It is important not to lecture the person who is struggling with anxiety and depression. Talk to the person about their issues without being rude. Most people will listen if you approach them in a proper manner.
4. Get Help: Seek help from a professional who can help your friend or relative with their mental health struggles. A counselor can give you advice and ideas on how to overcome anxiety, fear, and depression. Getting help from a professional is the number one priority in helping your loved one deal with fear and anxiety. Joining a local mental health support group can also be helpful. Talk to your doctor to get more information about potential groups in your area.
5. Talk to the person on what will happen if they do not get help:  Another way to convince the person who is struggling with fear and depression is to tell them what may happen if they don’t get some assistance. Anxiety and depression can make things worse and usually it won’t go away by itself without some kind of treatment.
6. Find Out The Reasons Why The Person Won’t Get Help: Address the issues on why the person will not get the necessary help. Many people who are struggling are fearful and frustrated. Try to find out the reasons why he or she won’t get the help they need and then try to find ways that will overcome their resistance of seeking assistance.
BIOGRAPHY
Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide To Managing Fear”. For more information about Stan’s book and to get some free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com
​

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As Californians prepare for the Christmas holiday during the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone the rules of safe driving are just as critical as ever.  Although traffic may be lighter this holiday season, it is not an invitation to speed.  The rules of the road still apply, and motorists should avoid driving tired, impaired, or distracted. 
 
California has instituted a Regional at Stay Home Order throughout most of the state and is advising residents to stay close to home as much as possible and not travel significant distances.  If you must travel, the CHP wants to remind you of some important traffic safety tips to help you arrive safely:  drive sober, avoid distractions, always buckle up, and leave plenty of time to get to your destination.
 
“The CHP wants to ensure your safety throughout this unprecedented year,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.  “We are hopeful that the public will do their part and remember to make safety a priority.”
 
Safeguarding California’s roadways through the upcoming Christmas holiday, the CHP will implement a Maximum Enforcement Period, which begins at 6:01 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 27.  During that time, all available officers will be on the road for enhanced enforcement and to assist any drivers in need of help. 
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
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- Judy DePuy, Forlorn Hope PR Representative
 
On December 16th 2020, four Californian ultra runners left Donner Lake on snowshoes to cross the Sierra, in a reprise of the 1846 winter journey of the Donner Party’s ‘Forlorn Hope’. Recreating one of the most renowned journeys in American pioneer history, the team wanted to establish the exact route taken by the ill-fated group, attempt to change the known narrative of this moment and tell the story of  “these ‘normal’ people who accomplished extraordinary feats and embodied the core characteristics and tenets that became the backbone of America.”
 
The story of the Forlorn Hope has captured the imagination of friends and trail runners, Bob Crowley and Tim Twietmeyer, for over 7 years leading them to spend much of their spare time delving into every aspect of the story. With Elke Reimer and Jennifer Hemmen completing the expedition team, the group set off on the route researched by Crowley and Twietmeyer, starting with considerably less snow than faced by the pioneers, 174 years prior.
 
In the winter of 1846, eighty or so members of the Donner Party became snowbound and trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains. They were among the first pioneers seeking a better life in California. On December 16th, 17 of the emigrants set out on snowshoes in a desperate attempt to reach a settlement 100 miles away and find help. After enduring punishing physical, mental and emotional hardship, only seven survived. The rest met a terrible fate. Together, this brave group became known as the Forlorn Hope.
 
Carrying cards featuring details and photographs of each member of the original Forlorn Hope party, the team aimed to spend time reflecting on the enormous ordeal faced by the group, in an appreciation of history and human nature in the struggle to survive.
 
“This will be an opportunity to honor and reflect upon the seventeen souls who dared this selfless and desperate act,” commented Bob Crowley.
 
The team planned for their journey to take them 5 days, camping out for 4 nights – it had taken the Forlorn Hope group 33 days to reach help in the Central Valley.
 
Although far better prepared and equipped than the fated pioneers, the expedition did face a number of obstacles nonetheless, from river crossings to a snowstorm and almost impassable thick whitethorn and manzanita undergrowth. The steepest climb after their crossing of American River involved 1.5 miles up a 40% slope with 2000 feet of elevation gain.
 
Followers of the expedition were able to track the team’s progress via GPS tracking on their website (forlornhope.org). The tracker itself was almost lost close to the site of the Camp of Death – spotted in the snow by Bob Crowley, when he turned back momentarily to search for his lost phone (not found!).
 
The journey of 100.7 miles was completed over 5 days, and all arrived at the trail’s end safe and well, holding the cards representing the members of the Forlorn Hope. The group held a short commemoration ceremony to the pioneers, after being met by a small number of family and friends.
 
The expedition members aim to further document their experiences via various media – with articles, exhibitions, possible material for schools, and plans for a documentary film. They are in contact with several descendants of the original pioneers, and hope to meet with some of them in the coming year.
 
Comments from the team
 
Bob Crowley:
"We are proud and honored to have been able to do this and bring attention to the Forlorn Hope and the hope, the positive side, of what they inspire in people which is ordinary people doing absolutely extraordinary things. We can all do it. It is inside us and at this time of year and what we've been through, this can bring us all back together as a country and as a world."
 
Jennifer Hemmen:
“We still don't know how the 7 Forlorn Hope survivors did it but now we know why they survived. They survived because they had love, they had family, they had each other and had something greater to live for. Along the way they had to make some unsavory, difficult decisions but we can all agree that what these people did was the best of human nature."
 
Elke Reimer:
"This was not about us. This was about helping others. For the Forlorn Hope it was about those they left behind and bring back the help that they needed. This was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a series of events to save those left at Donner Lake."
 
All photos please credit: Keith Sutter /Forlornhope.org
 
For further information contact:
Judy Depuy    judy.depuy@gmail.com                    t:650-492-0935
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FURTHER DETAILS & DAILY BREAKDOWN
 
Day 1
The team completed 20 miles of their 100 mile journey. They camped overnight next to the Yuba River.
 
From Bob Crowley:
“We traveled 20 miles in one day, it took Forlorn Hope 4 days to reach the same place.  These were days of hope for the party. Stanton, their leader, was failing but still with them. They’d made 6 miles one of the days - very good progress.  The sun was shining, skies clear. Little did they know in the next 48 hours it would all change.
 
We discussed how hard it must have been to trudge through deep snow, with crude snowshoes and scant provisions. We were on snowshoes 85% of today. It was exhausting!


The scenery was jaw dropping. A light fog settled over Donner Lake at sunup when we departed. As we ascended to Donner Pass, we turned around to see a magical sight of light, serenity and calm. The still lake with a layer of rising fog lifting to the blue heavens above. A few tears may have been shed.


We witnessed the same features and topography as the Forlorn Hope: Donner Pass, the snowy meadow of Norden, the boulder field with Devil’s Peak looming behind. Kidd and Cascade Lakes and the Yuba River where we camped.
 
The cloud arrived in the evening followed by rain, then heavy wet snow which accumulated upon our tents. Everything was soaked, it was cold, miserable. As it should be since those were precisely the conditions Forlorn Hope encountered. But we had warmth, shelter and provisions - minimal suffering.

Around our fire pit we swapped stories of the Forlorn Hope and Donner Party for hours. Then, with our bellies full (we burn an average of 12,000 calories a day each) and tongues tired, we crawled into our tents fir a long winter’s nap. And dreamt about hope, and what tomorrow would bring.”
 
Days 2 & 3
The team woke to snow on the morning of day 2, which made for a cold damp start to the day, just as it was for the original pioneers. The day was more challenging than the team had anticipated, with heavy snow and a lot of white thorn and Manzanita plants to make their way through.
 
Day 3 was the longest day of the journey, with over 6,000’ elevation gain.
The expedition passed through the ‘Camp of Death’ where Bob Crowley reported:  “I lost my phone near Camp of Death. I am pretty sure Franklin Graves wanted it so we could communicate in the future. The karma at Camp of Death, when we took a team moment of silence, was stirring. Words cannot express the gratitude and humility we feel from all of your heartfelt messages, stories and support. Onward!”
 
The group continued across Sawtooth Ridge and downhill to the American River.
The river has no footbridge and the water is swift and cold with water 3-10 feet deep in this area. They luckily found a fairly shallow area of the river and safely made it across.
 
The section on the other side of the river is extremely steep and difficult going.
With no trail to follow, they forged a path straight up the canyon. It is believed that no-one has hiked this area since the Forlorn Hope Party (with the possible exception of solitary prospectors 100 years ago). It took nearly 4 hours to travel 1 mile. This steep, rough section called for slow, careful trekking, as they pick their way through poison oak, manzanita and over slick rocks. Travel was easier along the ridge where they finished the day, 10 miles later, at Camp Night 3.
Elke Reimer reflected: “It is simply unfathomable to imagine the Forlorn Hope party making this journey after so much dispute at the Camp of Death, especially the climb up from the North Fork of the American River.”
 
Team photographer Keith Sutter reported: “Today was intense and gritty. The team did around 26 miles over the toughest terrain they expect to see. They literally ran into camp in the dark."
 
From Bob Crowley:
“We traveled 26 miles in one day, it took Forlorn Hope 9 days to reach the same place. Over the next 9 days, five members of Forlorn Hope would perish.
 
As we descended upon Camp of Death we paused and stood silent in a moment of prayer and reflection. How could we begin to understand the sacrifices these souls made on behalf of their families and the future of American society?”
 
“On Christmas Eve and Day, Antonio and Franklin Graves are the first to succumb to hypothermia and exhaustion.  Next Camp of Death would claim Patrick Dolan and young (age 12) Lemuel Murphy. What a horrendous place to be trapped by a raging snowstorm, no fire, chilled to the bone, surrounded by death.
Days later the sorry troupe emerged and pressed on, completely lost and having crossed the thin veil of civility. Yet Fate wasn’t through with this band of pioneers.

After emerging from Burnett Canyon and cresting Sawtooth Ridge, they managed their way along heading generally WNW. Then it happened. As they rounded a corner, to their left the thick forest of trees opened briefly to reveal a most magnificent view: the Sacramento Valley! Oh sweet Lord, we see our destination. 15 days after departing the lake they’d laid eyes upon terrain that was green and lush - the promised land they had sacrificed so much to see. Now it  laid before them, many, many miles and canyons away. How their emotions must have swung from euphoria for the sight to despair for the massive distance they still must travel.”
 
“As we began our descent from Sawtooth Ridge into the jagged jaws of NFAR, another sign: we came upon a dead deer right u the middle of our trail. What in the...?
In all the years we’ve been scouting in the North Fork (NFAR), we’d never encountered  any large animals.”
 
Day 4 as described by Elke Reimer:
“Day Four of our expedition is done! We began our day in Iowa Hill, descending into the canyon again before crossing the North Fork in the fog. It was beautiful, but by far the coldest experience we have had the entire way. It’s hard to imagine the Forlorn Hope making that cold descent & crossing the river in layers of heavy clothing, completely starved. We warmed up as we climbed out of the canyon, finally meeting the sun. From there, made our way toward Hwy 49 where we will spend our final night. Tomorrow, it’s about 23 miles to Johnson’s Ranch. What an incredible experience this has been.”
 
On the morning of day 5, Keith Sutter reported:
“They had a brisk starts with the temperature at 26º. They ran to stay warm and cherished the first rays of sunlight. They were on cloud nine”
 
Bob Crowley posted an update from the trail:
“In about one hour we will set foot on the Johnson Ranch property. Then, 1.5 miles later we will end our journey precisely on the site of the Johnson Ranch adobe house where the seven Forlorn Hope were brought, ending their 33 day journey. There we will pay a final tribute to these courageous American pioneers.


God bless the Forlorn Hope. God bless all of you who have supported us. And God bless America.”
 
The team arrived at Johnson’s Ranch at around 3.30pm as planned, and held a small celebration to honor the Forlorn Hope.

 

SACRAMENTO – A growing number of counties have passed the Healthy Communities Resolution – a product of a collaborative meeting of 15 Northern California counties earlier this year – rejecting Governor Newsom's Blueprint for a Safe Economy as unscientific and counterproductive. The counties are insisting on a more data-based approach to the COVID-19 pandemic tailored to local communities.
 
The latest counties to pass a version of the Resolution are Placer, Orange, Siskiyou, San Luis Obispo, Lassen, and El Dorado. Several more are expected to consider the Resolution in the New Year.
 
The Healthy Communities Resolution was drafted by Assemblymembers James Gallagher, Kevin Kiley and Megan Dahle, and Senators Brian Dahle and Jim Nielsen. Today, these Legislators released the following statement:
 
"We are encouraged to see different counties pass variations of the Resolution that are right for them. The consensus emerging across the state is that lockdowns from Sacramento cannot stay with us in the new year. California must take a different approach to the final phase of its COVID-19 response."
 
Link to model Healthy Communities Resolution
 
Link to LA Times story on Orange County Resolution
 

 
Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
Years ago, our church group was out Christmas caroling. We weren't far from the church and our leader led us out to the back of Mr. Castle's house to sing to he and his wife. His wife came to the door and greeted us with a smile and was gracious. We sang to her when suddenly through the window we saw her husband appear in the family room with a big towel around his body. He obviously had just gotten out of the shower. He came into his family room unknowing that 20 carolers had all eyes on him. Several of the women began to chuckle. I just knew we were all about to see something we had not planned on. Sitting down on his sofa he put his feet up and was preparing to relax. The volume of laughter from a couple of his adult friends grew louder when Mr. Castle looked up and saw us. He immediately made an "Oh no" expression while shaking his head a bit and jumped up and departed to another part of the house. We sang to his sweet wife and moved on down the street with a new visual that I still remember to this day. I'll always remember what a good spirit he and his wife had and that we all left feeling uplifted by them.
 
This week I walked to the back of a local nursing home to look through a window to see a friend. Ms. Southard is 99. My wife and I visited in her home recently.  She was agile, mentally sharp and dancing around like she always does. Her attitude always lifts us up. She did say on that very day we were there, "I don't want to end up in a nursing home. "I told my son I don't ever want to be in one," she said. Two weeks later while closing her curtains she made an awkward step, fell and broke her leg. Surgery was required and also rehabilitation. Her insurance plan would not pay for her to go to the local rehabilitation hospital but instead put her where she never wanted to be, a nursing home. 
 
I found out from a nurse which room she was in and how to find the right window to look through. The nurse said she would meet me at the window and let Ms. Southard know I was there. I dreaded what I might see but wanted to wish her a Merry Christmas. Knocking on the window I was delighted that she was sitting up and started laughing and waving at me. We exchanged Merry Christmas the best we could yelling through a window. While I almost wanted to cry seeing her there, I was so encouraged by her good spirit. 
 
The spirit of Christmas is inside you. This spirit is greater than you and I and pulls us through the awkward and the very difficult times of life. 
 
The Christmas season we celebrate is one of hope and celebration. The story of Jesus is the story of God's hope coming to us in the little baby a long time ago.  2020 has certainly been a year we've needed hope. 
 
2021 is going to be a better year. Vaccines for Covid-19 are coming. May your spirit be rekindled. Share your spirit with others and may the year ahead be one of the best ever for us all. 

    
Sierra County District Attorney
Main Office
100 Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 457
Downieville, California 95936
(530) 289-3269
FAX  (530) 289-2822
sgroven@sierracounty.ca.gov
Loyalton Office
513 Main Street
P.O. Box  886
Loyalton, California  96118
(530) 993-4617
FAX (530)993-1667


Sandra A. Groven
District Attorney
Sandy Marshall
Administrative Assistant
Victim Witness

 
                                                                              
CRIMINAL CASE UPDATE NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2020
 
 
People v Brady Allen Cardin (20CR0071)
 
On November 13, 2020, Brady Allen Cardin, age 50 of Kings Beach, was convicted of violating Health and Safety code section 11550(e) a felony, being under the influence of a methamphetamine and in possession of a loaded firearm.  He was sentenced to2 years in State Prison.    
 
People v. Carl Andy Salyer (CR3972X)
 
On November 13, 2020, Carl Andy Salyer, age 24, of Butte County, was found in violation of his felony probation.  He was ordered returned to probation.
 
People v. Darrryl Daniel Higginbotham (20CR0031)
 
On November 23, 2020, Darryl Daniel Higgenbotham, age 32, of Verdi, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 243(e)(1), spousal battery, following a court trial.  He was sentenced to 3 years summary probation, ordered to complete a 52 week batterer’s program, pay a fine and perform community service.
 
 
People v. Brody James Smith  (20CR0005))
 
On December 8, 2020, Brody James Smith, age 39, of Downieville, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 12500, driving without a valid license.  He was ordered to pay a fine.
 
 
People v.Spencer George Ward (20CR0046)
 
On December 8, 2020, Spencer George Ward, age 21,of Reno, NV, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103, reckless driving.  He was placed on one year summary probation, and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Charles Wesley Telford, Jr.  (20CR0062)
 
On December 8, 2020, Charles Wesley Telford, Jr, age 73, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 415(3), disturbing the peace.  He was placed on two years summary probation, ordered to complete 20 hours of community service, and pay a fine. 
 
 
People v. Larissa Ranae Twiss (20CR0079)
 
On December 8, 2020, Larissa Ranae Twiss, age 35 of Sparks, NV was convicted of violating Penal Code section 647(f), drunk in public.  She was placed on one year summary probation and ordered to pay a fine. 
 
People v. Lee Ann Polastrini (20CR0084)
 
On December 8, 2020, Lee Ann Polastrini, age 48, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23103.5, reckless driving involving alcohol. She was ordered to spend 2 days in jail, one year summary probation, and to pay a fine.
 
People v. Francisco Ortiz (20CR0092)
 
On December 8, 2020, Francisco Ortiz, age 30, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 14601.1(a), driving with a suspended driver’s license.  He was placed on one year summary probation and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Jeffrey Allen Johnson (20CR0096-B)
 
On December 8, 2020, Jeffrey Allen Johnson, age 64, of Colfax, was convicted of violating Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, section 708.1, hunting deer without a license.  He was placed on one year summary probation and ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. James Kenneth White (CR04006)
 
On December 8, 2020, James Kenneth White, age 40, of Loyalton, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 14601.1, driving with a suspended license.  He was placed on 2 years summary probation and ordered to pay a fine.