PRESS RELEASE
On March 21, 2019, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a local Downieville citizen regarding a phone scam. The scammer was using fake caller ID and the phone number displayed was the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office number (530) 289-3700. The caller identified himself as a Sierra County Deputy Sheriff and provided a fake name and badge number. The scammer possessed personal information about the individual called. Scammers often obtain information such as names, addresses, and vehicle registration information.
Scammers are telling would be victims they have an arrest warrant and to avoid going to jail they must pay money through the Cash Advance America system. The scammer also claimed the California Attorney General’s Office was involved, and if payment was not made, law enforcement officers will respond within thirty minutes to arrest them.
This style of scam is very similar to recent phone scams in Plumas County. If you receive unsolicited calls demanding money and payment is to be made through gift cards and or wire transfers it is most likely a scam. The best action is to just hang- up and not provide the caller with any information. As a general rule, law enforcement does not call and notify you if you have an active arrest warrant.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a possible scam, or if you believe you were the victim of a scam please contact the sheriff’s office.
SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (530) 289-3700 ### 

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Following several strong winter storms that brought snowpack and precipitation to above average levels, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced it will increase the 2019 State Water Project (SWP) allocation. Most SWP contractors will now receive 70 percent of their requests for the 2019 calendar year, an increase from the 35 percent allocation announced last month.
“Just ten weeks ago it looked like we may have been facing another dry year in California,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Fortunately, we’ve turned a corner and now it’s shaping up to be a great year for water supply. California’s hydrology varies year to year, which is why all Californians must work together to use water wisely.”  
The allocation is assessed monthly and the final allocation is typically determined in May. Last year’s final allocation was 35 percent.
As of March 7, the Northern Sierra 8-station index recorded above average precipitation for water year 2019. While the state has not reached record precipitation like that seen in 2017, February was the third wettest recorded in the Northern Sierra index since 1921 and the sixth wettest in the San Joaquin index since 1913. The statewide Sierra snowpack is 156 percent of average for this date.  
 
Most of the state’s major reservoirs are at or above their historical averages for this time of year. Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir, is currently at 76 percent of capacity and 103 percent of average for this time of year. Shasta Lake, the Central Valley Project’s (CVP) largest reservoir, is at 83 percent of capacity and 106 percent of average. San Luis Reservoir, the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States where water is stored for the SWP and CVP, is at 99 percent of capacity and 112 percent of average. In Southern California, SWP’s Castaic Lake is at 81 percent of capacity and 92 percent of average.
 
Reservoir storage, snowpack, precipitation, and releases to meet water supply and environmental demands are among several factors used in determining allocations.
 
DWR transports SWP water to 29 SWP contractors which serve more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland. The 2019 allocation of 70 percent amounts to 2,942,158 acre-feet of water.
DWR’s California Data Exchange Center website shows current water conditions at the state’s largest reservoirs and weather stations and measures current rain and snow precipitation.
 

For Immediate Release: March 20, 2019
 
Contact: Adeline Yee   I   Information Officer   I   (916) 651-8725
 

Deep Snowpack Expected to Create Dangerously High and Cold Swift Waters
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With the Sierra Nevada snowpack estimated at 153 percent of average, California’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is warning water enthusiasts including anglers to take extra precautions this spring. Rivers will continue to rise as snow melts and will be dangerously cold. Simple actions such as knowing the water conditions (is it too cold or swift?), knowing your limits, wearing a life jacket and simply not entering rivers during spring runoff, can save a life.
 
“Even the strongest swimmers can be stunned by cold water and become incapacitated,” said DBW’s Acting Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “You’re not only putting yourself at risk, but also your family and friends. You can avoid tragic outcomes by being aware of water conditions and taking some simple precautions.”
 
Rising waters often cover obstacles below the surface. Debris, trees and rocks combined with cold, swift water creates treacherous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers and hikers cooling off at the water’s edge. Temperature is also a factor. Swift water from snowmelt can be as cold as 35 degrees and trigger shock, paralysis and drowning.
 
At Auburn State Recreation Area (SRA), 45 people have drowned in the rivers since 1986. “Tragically, I’ve responded to these preventable incidents several times, especially when the weather is warm but the rivers are extremely cold and the water is running high,” said Mike Howard, Auburn SRA Superintendent. “My advice for this spring season is to not put yourself or your loved ones at risk of falling into the water and do not try to swim during the spring runoff. It is best to stay away from the river right now.”
 
Prevention is the best way to avoid drownings. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed. By the time a person is struggling in water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.
 
Here are some water safety tips:
 
Know the Risks

• Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning.
• Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.
• Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature, and causes impairment that can lead to fatalities.
  
  

Learn About Self-Rescue Techniques

• Do not panic if you fall into the water.
• Do control breathing. Do not gasp for air. A sudden unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than ½ cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. When someone remains calm, he/she has a greater chance of self-rescue.
• If you are in a boat and it capsizes, stay with your boat. Try to climb on top. It will help you stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers.
• Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket and regain control of breathing.
• If you find yourself in the river, aggressively swim to the shore. Do not swim against the current. This uses energy very quickly and nobody can swim upstream in swift current.
• If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as seat cushions or an ice chest.
• If you do fall into a river without a life jacket on, watch this video to help you survive.

 
Know your Limits

• Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface - this is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are strongly recommended.

                                                                                                                                                                  
Wear a Life Jacket

• Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming. Wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket can increase survival time.
• Anyone within 20 ft. of water should be wearing a life jacket in case of an unexpected fall. This is especially true with children.
• A life jacket can also provide some thermal protection against the onset of cold water shock and keep you afloat until someone else can rescue you.
• Need a life jacket? Check online to find a life jacket loaner station for a day or weekend use.

 
Whitewater Rafting and Paddling

• Most California rivers are fed by the mountain snowpack, so they are cold year around. Even on warm, sunny days, rafters and paddlers must be prepared to deal with the water temperatures. The dangers increase as water temperatures decrease below normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F).
• DBW offers whitewater enthusiasts informative safety videos online about the dangers of high, fast and cold water safety.

 
Parental Supervision

• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

 
For more water safety information, including boating laws, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.  

 
On 3/14/2019 at approx. 0648hrs Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a call of a fully involved structure fire at 69067 Mohawk Vista Drive, Blairsden Ca.
 
The first fire unit on scene from Eastern Plumas Fire Department, reported rescuing one subject from the garage area of the residence. It was also reported a second subject was still in the bedroom area of the residence.
 
The rescued subject was contacted by Sheriff’s Deputies and related the cause of the fire was arson and the person responsible was a temporary employee hired to work at the residence.
 
While additional agencies were responding to the scene, CHP reported contacting a male subject near the area of the fire scene on Hwy 89. The subject was wet and walking on the side of the roadway.
 
Sheriff’s Office personnel responded and contacted Nicholas Alexander Phillips, who was transported to EPDH.
 
Phillips was taken into custody and booked into the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office on Arson and Homicide charges.
 
The investigation of the scene continues at this time. The name of the victim will be released after identification and notification of next of kin are complete.    

​Agencies involved: Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Eastern Plumas Fire Department, Graeagle Fire Department, Plumas Eureka Fire Department, Sierra Valley Fire Department, Susanville Inter Agency, Eastern Plumas Ambulance, Cal Fire and PHI.      

 
SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Public Safety Committee Vice Chair Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement that he will unilaterally suspend California’s death penalty, in defiance of California voters who overwhelmingly rejected a measure to end capital punishment just three years ago:
 
“Governor Newsom just abandoned his promise to be a leader for all Californians by putting his own views above the will of the people. In 2016, Californians spoke loud and clear by rejecting a plan to repeal the death penalty by a decisive margin. It’s insulting that Governor Newsom would go back on his promise to honor the voters’ choice.
 
“It’s not just voters that Governor Newsom is disrespecting, but murder victims and their families as well. What do you say to someone who’s finding out from a press conference that their loved-one’s killer won’t face justice?
 
“Death row inmates are not ordinary criminals. They are kidnappers. They are cop-killers. They are rapists who murdered their victims. These are the monsters Governor Newsom is protecting.”

 
By Glenn Mollette 
 
Is it possible to have a "new" news story?  We now have a college admission's scandal.  Breaking stories of wealth and influence traded for admission to some of the nation's most prestigious colleges are just now unfolding.  Allegedly Hollywood stars to corporate CEOs are being named for spending hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to obtain a son's or daughter's admission to some of America's most prestigious universities. Some students have reportedly received athletic team and even academic recognition based on financial influence. There will be more to come from this story. 
 
"Whatever it takes to get ahead," is the philosophy of a segment of our culture. Sometimes this is seen on the Interstate when one motorist endangers hundreds of other drivers by driving a hundred miles per her while weaving in and out of traffic. Where does this put him and all the interstate drivers? In a very dangerous setting. The reckless driver takes on the attitude, "To heck with the world. The interstate is all about me." Too often this selfish attitude maims and kills others. 
 
Criminals have adopted this philosophy. Their attitude is, "Why work hard? Just rob a store or a bank?" This attitude hurts others and eventually lands the criminal in jail.
 
Job seekers who pad their resumes with false degrees and bogus glorious achievements have to live in fear that someone will check out their credentials. Their scam hurts the employer because they aren't really as competent as they profess and other employees and potential other real candidates are hurt by competing with liars. 
 
The attitude trickles down to the used car dealer who is not forthcoming about what is really wrong with the car you are buying or the maid who finds a way to steal something every time he or she cleans a room or someone's house. 
 
Can you imagine a high school graduate being placed on an athletic team who has never played the sport before? All for money? What is life really going to be like for that kid when the practice session starts?  What happens when the college professor starts grading papers at Yale for the kid who got accepted based on falsified information but can't write a paper or read see Spot run? Is someone going to keep the money flowing for the student to receive passing grades? What happens when the student is passed through graduation? How long will he or she remain employed? 
 
Being a celebrity and big money will obviously get you somewhere. Falsifying information and bribing people may move you further along the way. Eventually the way is a dead end if not a fast track to jail. 

California Treasurer Fiona Ma, Senator Steve Glazer, Assemblymember James Gallagher, and KCRA’s Kevin Riggs Among Featured Guests
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 12, 2019 – One week from today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in California, the voice of small business, will host its annual Small Business Day at the Capitol to engage with policymakers and advocate for small business policy priorities.
“Our small business members count on NFIB to advocate on their behalf throughout the year, but on March 19th policymakers get to hear from our members directly at our annual Small Business Day at the Capitol,” said John Kabateck, NFIB State Director in California. “We are excited to host NFIB members from across California who have taken precious time away from their small businesses to be in Sacramento for the day.
“We are also honored to host California Treasurer Fiona Ma at our luncheon program to discuss the state of California’s fiscal health and her top priorities to support small businesses. Following her remarks, Kevin Riggs will moderate a discussion between Senator Steve Glazer and Assemblymember James Gallagher regarding their legislative priorities and ideas to cultivate a more friendly small business climate in California.”
Additional speakers include Senator Scott Wilk, Senator Brian Jones, Senator John Moorlach, Assemblymember Vince Fong, Assemblymember Robert Rivas, and more! Click here for all the details and to register.
The event is complimentary for non-dining credentialed members of the media.
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For more than 75 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.

 
WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2019) — Almost 30 people in the United States die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes every day—that's one person every 48 minutes. In 2017, there were 10,874 deaths from alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Emergency physicians see firsthand the tragic consequences of impaired driving and urge you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely this year.
 
“Avoidable choices like drinking and driving can lead to lives lost or irreparably changed,” said Vidor Friedman, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Be smart and take public transportation. Or, designate a driver, before any celebration begins. If you are in an area where motorized scooters are popular, don’t drink and scoot. If you are a parent, talk to your teens about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s important to remember that no drink is worth risking your safety or your life.”

No safe level of alcohol can be consumed prior to driving. Impairment begins as soon as alcohol can be detected in the blood stream, which can happen after even one drink. Your ability to pay attention is affected and your reaction time is impacted. Peripheral vision and other cognitive functions are impaired at levels that vary from person to person. Anyone with a 0.08 blood alcohol level can show impairment in terms of critical driving tasks, including braking, steering, lane changing, making judgments, and maintaining attention.
 
Anyone who drinks and drives is a problem drinker. Young people are most at risk because their inexperience puts them at greater risk for traffic crashes at any level of blood alcohol. And, teenagers generally have lower tolerance for alcohol than adults.
 
Combined with other risk-taking behaviors exhibited by this age group, such as speeding and aggressive driving, alcohol raises the risk of crashes significantly. Currently, every state and the District of Columbia has 0.08 BAC laws in effect, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). 

Visit www.emergencycareforyou.org for more information.
 
ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. 

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today issued a reminder to consumers of the many resources and tools available from the California Department of Justice to help them protect themselves. These resources are available on www.oag.ca.gov/consumers.  
There, consumers can find a variety of helpful consumer tips:

• Money, Credit, and Debt – Consumers can learn how to protect their hard-earned money and watch out for financial scams, including how to deal with banks, credit card issues, loans, debts, and other financial issues.
• Housing and Vehicles – Consumers can find resources for landlords, tenants and other housing-related issues, as well as learn about auto-related issues including auto repair, insurance, and car rentals.
• Sales Offers, Purchases, and Returns – Consumers can discover how to protect themselves from scam sales offers, from checking a company’s background to spotting the warning signs for scams related to credit cards, zero-interest financing, crowdfunding, trial products, junk mail, magazine scams, sweepstakes, online purchases, and online privacy threats.
• Contractors, Consultants, and Other Companies – Consumers can learn how to vet – or report complaints about – contractors, immigration consultants, financial advisors, attorneys, investment professionals, estate planners, tax preparers and tax scams, tech support scams, travel agents, and healthcare providers.
• Commonly Targeted Groups – Unfortunately, scammers often target certain groups of consumers, including immigrants and limited-English consumers, seniors, veterans, students, and children. In addition, helpful information on military consumer protection issues including scam alerts, and resources and tips for financial readiness, is available on the Attorney General’s Military Consumer Protection page.
• Common Scams – Consumer can learn how to protect themselves from common scams, including charity scams, identity theft, living trust mills, loan modification fraud, and pyramid schemes.

Attorney General Becerra urges consumers to report complaints if they suspect misconduct. Complaints regulated by other government agencies should be reported directly those regulating agencies. Consumers can find the appropriate agency and contact information using the complaint referral table offered on the Attorney General’s website at www.oag.ca.gov/consumers/complaint-referral-table.
Consumers seeking to file a complaint against a business not regulated by another agency may file directly with the Attorney General’s office by calling (800) 952-5225 or visiting www.oag.ca.gov/complaint.

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Clint Snyder
March 7, 2019Phone: (530) 224-3213
 
SACRAMENTO – The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has fined Washoe Fuel Inc. $660,521 after its failure to clean up a former bulk fueling business caused chronic harm to the water supply in the Plumas County town of Quincy.
 
In a case dating back more than a decade, the Board found that petroleum products leaking out of large storage tanks at the company’s Allied Washoe site on Crescent Street in Quincy are negatively impacting the nearby groundwater supply, including a well once operated by the local water district and the Quincy Community Services District’s sewer system.
 
The Central Valley Water Board first alerted the company to the magnitude of the problem in 2007 when it issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order, which required Washoe Fuel to address the environmental threats at the site.
 
“The failure of Washoe Fuel to comply with the Cleanup and Abatement Order has resulted in a hardship to the town of Quincy by removing one of its supply wells from service,” said Clint Snyder, Assistant Executive Officer for the Central Valley Water Board.
Washoe Fuel’s failure to comply with the Board’s directives resulted in the contamination of well water and its negligence means a water supply well for the City of Quincy that remains out of commission.
 
In addition to the fine, Washoe Fuel. is still required to clean up the property until it is in compliance.
The Central Valley Water Board is a state agency responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the quality of California’s water resources. For more information, visit the Board’s website, https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley   
Below is a picture of the location.