Easy-to-Access Trash
is #1 on the list of what attracts bears to homes and communities.


It’s garbage to us. It’s dinner for days for bears. Trash attracts bears because it’s a smelly, highly concentrated and dependable source of easy, high-calorie meals.
 
Bears are very practical: venturing around people places is risky; if it produces no reward, bears will put their energy into foraging in the wild. Preventing bears from getting their paws on your trash helps keep people and businesses in bear country safe and bears wild.

New BearWise Bulletin

Bears are very smart and will work hard for the food that’s in our trash. Ordinary cans with simple lids, flimsy sheds and typical fences won’t keep bears out. But people are smarter than bears. Download our new bulletin and learn about storage solutions that work, from bear-resistant containers and bear-proof trash enclosures to electric fencing.

​Tips for Homes & Businesses

Homeowner tips include close, latch and be careful where you stash your trash. Hint: open truck beds and screened-in porches are not safe places in bear country. Something as simple as putting your trash out in the morning instead of the night before makes a big difference.
 
Businesses in bear country have a big job. Besides providing ways to deal with the trash that don't attract bears they must educate employees, residents, renters and visitors about why securely stashing the trash every time, every day is so important.   BearWise provides practical tips and many free resources that can help.

Congressman Kevin Kiley, 3rd District California, pictured with Kelly Champion at the Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip

Kelly Champion, Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School Board President, traveled with the California School Board Association (CSBA) to their Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip in Washington, D.C., April 28th through April 30th, to discuss policies, funding, and meet with congressional representatives. The group went to Capitol Hill to meet with Congress members and their Legislative Assistants to discuss federal funding for students with disabilities and school meals, impacts of technology on schools including broadband and cybersecurity, the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Act and teacher workforce issues. 
 
"The Secure Rural Schools Act is particularly important to areas like ours where federal land ownership prevents tax collection that would otherwise be used to pay for public schools. Students in rural schools who often face great challenges already, would suffer from decreased educational services, staffing and support if these funds were to lapse. LaMalfa and Crapo have sponsored bills to reauthorize this funding through 2029 (HR 1383 LaMalfa and S 356 Crapo). Sierra County is over 70% federally owned land between the Tahoe National Forest, Plumas National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Our neighbors in Alpine County have over 90% federally owned land, Kelly states. 
 
"I was fortunate to have a special meeting with Jamieson Greer, our US Trade Ambassador and graduate of Paradise High School, where we discussed work force development programs.  
 
"I also sat in at the House of Representatives and listened to Doug LaMalfa and Kevin Kiley speak in support of the three Congressional Review Act resolutions to overturn California's EV mandates. If passed by the Senate, the resolutions would overturn the state's plan to phase out gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035 and mandate 100% EV sales. 
 
"It was great to connect with education leaders from all over California. We shared stories of what it was like in our area and collaborated to find solutions to the many challenges of today. Some, to note: Jana Hanak, Chief Business Official from Alpine County Office of Ed/Alpine County Unified School District; Michael Greer, Board Member from Del Norte USD; Brooke Van Komen, Board Member from El Dorado Unified High School District; Craig Deluz, Board Member from Robla School District, and Bina Lefkovitz, Board Member from Sacramento County Board of Education. 
 
"I really appreciate CSBA's efforts to give small districts a voice here in California! CSBA has also been a great tool for me since joining the Board. Last year I completed the Master’s in Governance – a 5-course education agency governance training program they offer."

Jana Hanak, Chief Business Official Alpine County Office of Education/Alpine County USD shares time with Kelly Champion, President of Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District.

Broken Stick Arts & Crafts had a joyful celebration of Mother's Day as it hosted a fundraiser for The Long Valley Charter School. Everyone had a great time making personalized hand-crafted table coasters for their Mothers while funds raised will be used to enhance student academics.  

Broken Stick Arts & Crafts invites writers to workshops every Tuesday now. It’s a drop-in workshop with a cost of $10. Cookies, coffee and water provided. Creative Writing Workshop is hosted by Bill Powers and held from  3:30pm to 5:00pm. Late arrival is ok. Writers working with Writers. How cool is that?
-Photo courtesy Broken Stick Art & Crafts

Prepare ahead of time and know what to do in case an outage occurs

Sign up with the Safety Action Center
Learn how to create an emergency plan that could keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency​

Make sure PG&E can reach you to alert you of a possible power outage by calling 1-800-743-5000 and updating your contact information.
Pack an emergency supply kit with nonperishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
Fully charge your mobile phone and consider adding a battery-powered portabe charger to your emergency kit to extend the battery life of your phone.
Practice opening and closing your garage door manually.
If you have a car, be sure to fill the tank as gas stations may be closed during an emergency or power outage. If you own an electric vehicle, make sure you have enough charge to make it to a charging station outside of your immediate area.
Keep bills and cash on hand (preferably in small bills) in case ATMs are unavailable.
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics.Power may return with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that may cause damage.

Use food supplies that do not require refrigeration.

Use alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices.

Go to a community location with power when heat or cold is extreme (if it is safe to do so).Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
How to Be Safe After a Power Outag
When in doubt, throw it out.
Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated (unless the drug's label says otherwise). If a life depends on refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

Public Safety Power ShutoffIn order to keep communities safe, PG&E may need to turn off power when extreme weather or wildfire conditions are forecast.
This statewide initiative is called Public Safety Power Shutoff.

Today marked a milestone for Loyalton Junior and Senior High as we officially opened our on-site satellite kitchen—a long-awaited addition that will greatly benefit our students and school community. After months (years) of collaboration and determination, we proudly served 66 students hot lunch on our very first day!
This achievement is the result of tremendous teamwork and commitment across many levels:
Megan Meschery took the lead in organizing and championing the project from the ground up.
Randy Jones worked tirelessly on the financial logistics to make this kitchen a reality.
Our Site Council and WASC review process helped prioritize and highlight the need for this resource.
The County Health Department played a key role in ensuring we met all health and safety standards.
The entire District Office, including our Superintendent, gave their full support and guidance.
Our Loyalton Elementary kitchen staff lent their time, expertise, and coordination to get us up and running. Thank you Kayla!
And finally, our high school staff showed incredible flexibility and support throughout the transition.
We're grateful to everyone who made this possible, and we’re excited to continue serving hot, healthy meals to our students every day.

Building a Fire-Ready Future — Strengthening Our Defenses, Together 

Sacramento — California faces a year-round wildfire threat. Wildfire Preparedness Week 2025, observed May 4–10, 2025, serves as a vital call to action for all Californians to take steps now to prepare and reduce wildfire risk at home and in your community. 


CAL FIRE and partners are intensifying their efforts to help communities prepare for the peak of the fire year through collaboration, innovation, and public engagement. 


This year’s theme — “Building a Fire-Ready Future: Strengthening Our Defenses, Together” — underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and agencies to prepare for and defend against wildfire threats. CAL FIRE continues to lead proactive wildfire mitigation through strategic fuel reduction, forest health initiatives, and an expanded grant program supporting private landowners, Fire Safe Councils, and Firewise Communities.  

CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said, “Building a fire-ready future means working together— by doing your part to protect your property through home hardening efforts, creating defensible space, and creating an emergency plan for your family, you are helping first responders protect lives, property, and natural resources.” 

This Wildfire Preparedness Week, Californians are urged to: 

• Create defensible space, focus on Zone 0, the first five feet around your home. 
• Harden structures against flying embers with ignition resistant building materials.
• Develop and practice a wildfire action plan so you are prepared when wildfire strikes. 
• Stay informed with emergency alerts –sign up today 
• Pack a ‘go bag’ and be ready to evacuate.  

 
“Wildfire safety begins with being prepared,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “Protecting our homes and communities takes all of us—neighbors, local groups, and state agencies—working side by side to reduce risk and save lives.” 


Help spread the word about Wildfire Preparedness! For media materials, event details, and wildfire preparedness resources, visit CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Preparedness Week Media Resource Hub at HERE. 


To learn more about wildfire safety and preparedness, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. CAL FIRE encourages Californians to access the Ready for Wildfire web-based FirePLANNER that includes local alerts, checklists for preparedness, evacuation plans, and other kits. To download the free app, visit https://plan.readyforwildfire.org/. ​

Photos of the bobcat are by Derek Beverly on February 25th.
And on April 24, at Wild Plum toward Lewis Tract in Sierra City, there was a Sheriff's Office report of a mountain lion out walking rom Wild Plum towards the Lewis Track during the middle of the day. Fish and Wildlife was notified.

By Obediah Sattley Church
On a certain day in June, 1867, a man trudged his weary way over the Donner Summit of the Sierra Nevada mountains enroute to any place that would assure him of work during the ensuing summer and autumn.
Down the almost cliff-like eastern side of the Pass, wound the road, made by the emigrants of the “forties” to Donner Lake, noted as the place where perished, by starvation, the major portion of the celebrated Donner Party, during the winter of 1846-47, and immortalized by CF. McGlashen in his “History of the Donner Party” past this most beautiful of all lakes and on to the then bustling town of Truckee.
Samuel Berry was a quiet man of studious habits, and was seldom seen alone without  a book, magazines or newspaper in his hand. He was from the north of Ireland of Scottish parentage, and came to America in his early youth. He was, at the time we are introducing him, about thirty years of age.
While in the reading room of the Truckee Hotel, he learned of the great Sierra valley thirty miles to the north, as the most likely locality for a farmhand to secure permanent employment. The next evening found him in the little town of Sierraville. The day following, Abram D. Church of Church’s Corner (now Sattley) desiring a helping hand, drove into town from his ranch four miles away.
He met our traveling friend and secured his services for the summer and autumn’s labor.
Sam’s ability so commended itself to Mr. Church, that when the season’s work was over, he exacted a promise from him to return the following spring. This he did, and for several seasons faithfully served the three Church brothers in their farming operations. During this time, he formed the acquaintance of Joseph and Sanford Morrison and George Pettingill, all farmhands from the state of Maine.
Finally Mr. Berry, or Same as we shall call him, became so enamored with the country, that he decided to make Sierra Valley his future home. He located for a time, on what was afterwards known as the Hapgood place  between Sierra and Mohawk Valley but soon gave up this locations and rented the old Ewer place near where Hamlin’s canyon debouches into Sierra Valley, with the intention of making it his future home.
There being, at this time, so many small fur bearing animals, pine marten (American Sable), mink otter, foxes, coyotes and even lynxes in the many ramifications of this broad but deep and gloomy canyon, it occurred to Sam to trap for these animals during the long, dreary winter months. This he did with good results during the first winter’s stay in the new home.
Sometime during the next summer, while grouse hunting in the canyon’s fastnesses, Sam suddenly came across the fresh tracks of an immense grizzly bear Being armed only with a shotgun, he wisely decided to take the back track. The tracks led back to a point near an old log cabin where he found he carcass of a young heifer upon which his bearship had been feeding. He inspected the cabin, and found it to be poor protection against an infuriated grizzly. However he decided to secure a rifle and lay in wait for the bear. After nearly a week’s waiting, his vigil was at length rewarded, but the bear was of such enormous size, the night o intensely ark and the cabin at such a distance from the target, he dared not attempt a shot at his time. The bear failed to put in an appearance after this.
For company’s sake, Sam shared his home with Sanford Morrison during the winter  of ’74 and ’75. Early in the morning of November 29, 1874, Sam shouldered his skiis and pole and entered the depths of Hamlin’s Canyon to collect the trapped animals and to reset and rebait the traps. That afternoon he failed to return at the usual hour. Morrison, at the time, thought nothing of this, as snow to the depth of four or five feet had lately fallen in the upper reaches of the canyon, necessitating very slow traveling even on skiis. But, as nine, ten, eleven and finally twelve o’clock passed and still no welcome footstep, Sanford became thoroughly alarmed.
Early the next morning, after a sleepless night he entered the canyon in an attempt to solve the puzzling absence. He was of the opinion that Sam had become disabled by falling or by having been thrown from his swiftly running skiis. After a fruitless all day search through the deep snow and another storm threatening, he hastened to the Corner and sound the alarm. He was able, on this second day of the search, to gather, at most, but about twelve or fourteen men. With six inches of new snow as an additional ham per to their operations, these men searched as thoroughly as was possible under the circumstances but to no purpose. The whole community, being now thoroughly aroused, the third day of the search found more than two hundred men floundering through the deep snow in every part of the canyon. All were armed, for the signal, if Berry was found, was to be three shots.
It happened, during the afternoon, George Pettingill, Abram D. Church and Frank Rowland met far up in the upper reaches of the canyon, and, while resting, Pettingill mentioned the fact that he had discovered what he believed to be bear tracks further down the canyon, and that if they were bear tracks, he was a monster. Mr. Rowland suggested that they examine the tracks, so the three retraced Pettingill’s steps down the canyon to the point where he had made the discovery. After clearing one of the deep depressions of its accumulated snow, the imprint of a bear’s foot and claws were plainly to be seen. The bear was evidently making his way down the canyon. A suspicion came into their minds that perhaps the tracks might lead to a solving of the disappearance.
Tired, as they were, they decided to trace the track back up the canyon. They met with some difficulty in following the tracks, as in many places, they were all but obliterated by masses of snow falling from the windblown trees of the dense pine forest that clothes this portion of the canyon. They were but a very short distance away from and within night of what proved to be the death scene, when they saw Isaac Church and H.F. Turner in the canyon above them.
By this time, many had become exhausted by the heavy traveling and had given up the search for the day and were leaving the canyon, when, Hark! From far up in the dark recesses of the gloomy canyon came the boom, boom, boom, of a distant shotgun. Isaac S.. Church and H.F. Turner who had been searching together during the day, in passing by an immense, dead and burned out pine stumbled over Sam’s skiis. They shouted to the party toiling up the canyon and in a few moments, Pettingill, having a shotgun, fired the signal that the search was over
They examined the tree and fund that it had been the winter home of a large grizzly bear. A few steps down the mountain side blood began to stain the snow. Fifty feet further down the canyon, in a grove of small fir trees, the body lay torn and mangled beyond recognition. Soon grim visage mountaineers began to assemble and preparations for removing the body were quickly made by  lashing to it a small fir sapling. Four men, working relays, then shouldered the burden, and poor Sam was borne to the home where he was destined never again to enter alive.
Isaac S. Church, and other, in commenting on what probably occurred at the time of the great tragedy, believed that the bear when he sprang from his den would have run away, had he not been confronted by a large tree that had fallen down in front of his den. He sprang directly into this trap and could go o further in this direction. He evidently saw Sam running and started in pursuit. Sam ran to and escaped over one of the fallen trees, the bear was upon him, striking him first in the back, tearing off his coast vest shirt, and flesh from neck to waist,, laying bare the ribs. Then the one-sided struggle began. In order to protect his face, Sam to all appearances, had attempted to ward off the fierce onslaught of the bear by using his bare hands, as the hands and fingers were broken mangled and torn to shreds. After struggling into the grove of small fir sapplings, Sam had grasped one of them with his mangled hands, and then around and around this tree they struggle until Sam sank, probably unconscious. The bear had then clawed and torn him until and unrecognizable mass. So fierce and sudden had been the bear’s onslaught, that Sam had no opportunity to draw a weapon, as his knife and hatchet were still in their scabbards attached to his belt.
The next day Bill Gogle and Doc Sargant, two hunters and trappers of those days, living in Sierraville, took the bear’s track the next day, and followed them in back of Weber Lake, but did not overtake him.
It was supposed to be the bear called “Old Club Foot.” Club Foot was a grizzly that had been caught in a steel trap and lost two or three toes. He was killed ii Shasta County some years later, and weighed over 1,600 pounds. If these men were there on the hunt, Lafe Blatchley of Sierraville; Henry Quingley of Downieville, Sierra County Clerk; Alfred Garfield of Sattley and Levi Garfield of Golconda, Nev. They were the only men that took part in the hunt. At that time they were young men from 16 to 18 years of age. C.G. Church of Loyalton, will vouch for every word of this being a true story, as he has heard his father tell it many times, and remember the day it happened, being 11 years of age.
Hamlin Canyon is three miles southwest of Sierraville, about south of the Henry Dotta ranch.

Lee Kiolbasa, Emergency Management Manager, gave a slide presentation and spoke on the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), stating they’d just had one last week.

LIBERTY UTILITIES came to lunch at Loyalton Senior Center April  30th. All department were represented and willing to help.
Liberty serves 49,000-+ customers with 125 employees. It’s primary customer base is the Tahoe Area. The northern boundary is near Portola with the southern boundary near Walker.
All Liberty service areas are within the High Fire Threat District and have been designated either “Tier 2” (Elevated) or “Tier 3” (Extreme) fire risk, meaning the possibility of wildfire is at an elevated risk.
To combat this risk, Liberty developed and is currently executing an aggressive wildfire Mitigation Plan.
The length of a PSPS will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but the power restoration process will follow a simple formula: Fire conditions improve; Liberty dispatches crews to conduct safety inspections of the grid; Liberty makes any needed repairs and power is restored.
One slide told Fire Season Triggers 2024. The beginning of Fire Season is determined by Energy Release Component (ERC) data. Fire season could start between 60-80% ERC. Data was shown from the Cloud Fire and Field Sampling.
The group remained for individual questions and information before going on to Portola for a similar presentation. Sue McIlravy, on behalf of the City of Loyalton, attended to get information on rates.

 
 Location
Sierra Valley Nature Centre
495 Beckwourth-Calpine Road (Co. Road A23)
Beckwourth, CA 96129


Time
Thursday, 22nd of May - 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
 
Performers:
Majel Connery - vocals
The Bowerbird Collective – Simone Slattery, violin and vocals, Anthony Albrecht, cello
 
 
The Bowerbird Collective, an award-winning classical duo all the way from Australia, proudly presents ‘A Season on the Wind’ in partnership with Musica Sierra, in Beckwourth, CA on May 22 at 7.00pm. The cinematic concert is an inspiring ode to migratory birds, and an unforgettable night of musical storytelling. 
 
A musical and visual journey from the shores of Lake Erie across the Americas, this performance stars three internationally acclaimed, virtuoso musicians - Majel Connery (vocals), Simone Slattery (violin) and Anthony Albrecht (cello) - and features spectacular visuals and soundscapes.
 
'A Season on the Wind' was created by The Bowerbird Collective, an award-winning Australian-based organization making art for nature, and was first performed in the US at the invitation of the Biggest Week in American Birding festival and Kenn Kaufman, author of the book that inspired the work. It features a captivating, newly commissioned score by The Brothers Balliett (NYC), whose music is praised as “vivid, emotive, with contemporary twists”.
 
Also featured on the program is 'The Rivers are our Brothers', a song cycle by Majel Connery on ecological responsibility told from the point of view of the land. Commissioned by Musica Sierra and created in partnership with Learning Landscapes, an educational program of the Feather River Land Trust, the songs in the cycle take a first-person view of nature, ascribing human qualities and feelings to elements of the landscape: water, trees, mountains, and rivers.
 
The Bowerbird Collective and Majel Connery bring this performance to audiences across the West Coast (UT and CA) throughout May 2025. Full details and bookings are available via 
https://bowerbirdcollective.org/a-season-on-the-wind/
 
About the artists:
Majel Connery is a composer, vocalist and musicologist combining classical influences with electronic mentality. Her voice has been called "superb" by the New York Times and her compositions "thoroughly Schubertian" by the Wall Street Journal. An educator working at the intersection of arts and scholarship, she has taught and mounted productions on campuses like Stanford, UC Berkeley, Wellesley and Princeton. 
 
As an advocate of women in music, she hosts the NPR/CapRadio podcast A Music of Their Own. Connery appears regularly as a solo artist making supernatural music about the environment, and with her art-rock duo Sky Creature. Her song cycle The Rivers are our Brothers is currently on tour with Grammy-winning ensemble Chanticleer. Connery holds a PhD in musicology from the University of Chicago and an A.B. in music composition from Princeton.
www.majelconnery.com
 
The Bowerbird Collective makes art for nature. Through innovative live performance, digital engagement and educational outreach, this inspiring non-profit ensemble seeks to strengthen emotional connections to conservation issues. Australian-based, the Bowerbird Collective tours extensively, with a focus on performing in regional areas, delivering exceptional educational programs to school age children, and working with national and international conservation organizations. Founded in 2017 by Simone Slattery (violin, vocals, PhD, ANAM) and Anthony Albrecht (cello, Juilliard MM), the Collective has produced more than 250 events across Australia, the UK and the US. 
 
Their concert production 'Where Song Began' was called 'spectacular' in a ***** review by Limelight Magazine and won a Ruby Award from Arts South Australia. ‘Life on Land’s Edge’, created with support from Arts South Australia and the Australia Council for the Arts, received the Independent Art Foundation Award for Innovation in 2022. 
 
Their albums of threatened bird, frog and mammal calls, 'Songs of Disappearance', have thrice made it to the top of Australia’s ARIA Album Charts ahead of Taylor Swift, ABBA, Ed Sheeran and Adele. They are founders and directors of the Moonbird Festival, King Island, Tasmania and the Lyrebird Festival, Megalong Valley, New South Wales, both launched in 2023.

WASHINGTON – Congress took a step forward today towards reversing California’s disastrous regulation against gas cars, which would have banned gas-powered cars over the next 10 years.
Rep. Kevin Kiley’s (R-CA) Congressional Review Act Resolution that he introduced last month passed the House with bipartisan support.
“This is a major victory for common sense. Californians should be able to drive the car of their choice, not one chosen for them by the government,” Rep. Kiley said. 
H.J. Resolution 88, repeals California’s Advanced Clean Cars II waiver. That federal waiver was what allowed the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Kiley's waiver repeal passed the House on Thursday. 
Rep. Kiley's full floor remarks can be found here. 

The Camel Club-David Baldacci- at his corrupt DC best
The Safety Net by Andrea Camilleri-an Inspector Montalbano Mystery set in Sicily
A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher-funny, scary and charming Southern Gothic mystery
Pop Goes the Weasel-Classic Alex Cross crime by James Patterson
The Chase-Janet Evanovich-#2 in the ‘Fox and O’Hare’ crime series
The Job-Janet Evanovich-#3 in her ‘Fox and O’Hare’ series about an FBI agent & jewel thief
Racing the Light-Robert Crais-Elvis & Pike take on corrupt politicians and murderous business cartels in the City of Angels.
 
Another book to tout
​"July & Winter-Growing Food in the Sierra" by Gary Romano
Looks like a great book!!!

For our younger readers:
Dogs

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (May 1, 2025)- The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline saw few changes over the past week, going up slightly to $3.18. This is almost 50 cents lower compared to last year. In California, drivers will find an average of $4.77, a 3-cent drop from last week. 

“Even though this is the time of year when we typically see seasonal increases and rising demand, the price of crude oil has been plunging,” says Doug Johnson, spokesperson, AAA Mountain West Group, “A couple of factors are at play including economic concerns and the decision by OPEC+ ( the group of oil-producing countries) to increase output and add more oil to the market despite tepid demand.”
Fuel Prices Around the State: 
San Francisco: $4.97
Oakland: $4.88
San Jose: $4.88
Sacramento: $4.80
Fresno: $4.75
Stockton: $4.70

Oil Market DynamicsAt the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $2.21 to settle at $58.21 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2.7 million barrels from the previous week. At 440.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.
Quick Gas and Electricity Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.77), Hawaii ($4.50), Washington ($4.26), Oregon ($3.90), Nevada ($3.84), Alaska ($3.62), Illinois ($3.40), Pennsylvania ($3.35), Idaho ($3.31), and Utah ($3.31).
The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.66), Louisiana ($2.73), Tennessee ($2.74), Alabama ($2.76), Texas ($2.76), Arkansas ($2.78), Oklahoma ($2.80), South Carolina ($2.82), Kansas ($2.85), and Missouri ($2.85).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (55 cents), Alaska (47 cents), West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (44 cents), South Carolina (43 cents), Louisiana (43 cents), Tennessee (43 cents), Kentucky (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), and Georgia (40 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Iowa (27 cents), Delaware (27 cents), Nebraska (29 cents), Utah (29 cents), Texas (30 cents), Maryland (30 cents), Vermont (30 cents), and North Carolina (31 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay.
Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. 
About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.

​
By Dr. Lisa Saul, Chief Medical Officer of Women’s Health for UnitedHealthcare
 
If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of wine to unwind after a long day or shared cocktails with friends, you’re not alone. But here’s something you might not know: alcohol affects women differently than men—and not in a good way.
 
Women’s bodies process alcohol differently, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects. And in recent years, alcohol-related health risks for women have skyrocketed. The former U.S. surgeon general recently warned that alcohol increases cancer risk, while studies show that alcohol-related deaths among women have jumped by nearly 15% in the past two decades.
 
Did you know that…
 

• Nearly 29% of women aged 18-25 report binge drinking? Binge drinking during these formative years can cause long-term changes to brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence.

 

• Despite common myths, no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy? Even small amounts may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Despite these risks, nearly 14% of pregnant women report drinking and about 5% reported binge drinking.

 

• Heavy drinking among women has surged by 41% since the pandemic? The rise of “mommy wine” culture has made drinking feel like a normal part of parenting, putting mothers at higher risk of liver disease, heart problems, increased anxiety and depression, and developing alcohol dependence.

 

• As women approach perimenopause, alcohol can hit harder due to hormonal shifts, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and certain cancers? For African American women, alcohol can exacerbate the risk of heart problems such as hypertension and cardiomyopathy.

 

• The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently highlighted a strong link between alcohol use and six types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancers? This is particularly concerning, as rates for some of these cancers are rising among younger adults.

 

• Alcohol-related dementia happens when long-term heavy drinking causes serious brain damage, leading to memory loss, trouble solving problems, and changes in behavior and personality?

 
While alcohol consumption can have negative effects on your health, the good news is that making lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Being mindful of alcohol is a great first step, but prioritizing your overall well-being is just as important. Here are some ways to stay on top of your health:
 

• Understand the impact of alcohol. Think red wine is good for your heart? New research says otherwise—no amount of alcohol is healthy. Educating yourself about alcohol’s effects can help you make more informed choices. 

 

• Make a plan. If you choose to drink, set limits, alternate with water, or explore non-alcoholic alternatives. Consider finding social activities that don’t revolve around alcohol.

 

• See your doctor regularly. Routine checkups can help identify early signs of alcohol-related health risks, including high blood pressure, liver issues, and increased cancer risk.
• Explore available resources. Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide support for mental health, stress, and substance use concerns. You may also have access to digital health tools, telehealth visits and wellness programs.
• Lean on a support system. Instead of relying on alcohol to unwind, try stress-relieving activities like walking, journaling, or connecting with a friend. Surround yourself with people who encourage balance and healthy choices.

 
If you’re concerned about your drinking or need guidance, reach out to a health care provider, explore behavioral health resources through your insurance, or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

Kjessie Essue harvests from the small Plumas County flower farm she was inspired to plant after the 2021 Dixie Fire. Photo: © 2025 Frank RebeloStory by Linda DuBois
Photos by Frank Rebelo
In August 2021, the Dixie Fire burned 963,309 acres in five counties and destroyed historic buildings from the Gold Rush as it incinerated most of downtown Greenville in Plumas County. About half the residents in the Indian Valley area of Plumas County lost their homes.
Kjessie and Andre Essue and their three young children of Taylorsville were among the fortunate ones. While they were evacuated four times and had to stay more than 40 days away from home, their house and garden were still there when they returned.
When Kjessie Essue witnessed the devastating aftermath of the inferno, she wanted to do something for the suffering community. She decided to draw on her agricultural knowledge and experience, including a master’s degree in crop and soil science and working in study-abroad programs on a banana plantation in New Zealand and a pineapple farm in Costa Rica, and start a farm. And she would grow something that could bring joy and comfort to her neighbors who had lost everything: flowers.
At first, she was a little apprehensive about how people would respond to her spending time and effort on something other than essentials for disaster relief like food, water or shelter. “I wondered if people were going to think, ‘This lady’s crazy.’”
Plus, plenty of people told her she couldn’t grow a flower farm in the mountains.
But believing in her mission to bring cheer and economic recovery assistance, in December 2021, she launched Barn Swallow Gardens—named for the birds that nest on the family’s 1914 farmhouse every spring.
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​Year-round job
​Essue attributes her high productivity in such a small space to the dry climate and low risk of fungal disease, which allow her to “pack a lot of stuff in.” She starts everything from seed, some directly planted in the ground but most she starts in soil blocks inside on shelves under LED lights. She plants her earliest frost-tolerant seedlings in late January and others through late May.
With assistance from remote weather sensors and frost cloth, she keeps them thriving.
Except for a little help from her husband and her uncle, Essue does the farm work herself. Her only power tool is a hedge trimmer she uses to cut down the plants at the end of the season.
Her biggest harvest season is summer, followed by spring, but she says there’s “not a huge offseason.”
Once the flowers die off in October, she plants thousands of bulbs, followed by fall bulb sales and bulb workshops through mid-November. Then there are dried-flower fall and winter wreath making and sales, followed by marketing for the spring bouquet subscriptions, creating a “crazy, massive” spreadsheet with the timeline for planting, ordering seeds and taking about a two-week rest—before it’s time to start planting for spring and summer.

Kjessie and Andre Essue and their three children—twins Ruby and Leo, 7,  and Hugo, 9—will soon start a new adventure. Photo: © 2025 Frank Rebelo
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A bittersweet end? This spring will bring bouquet sales, tulips and dahlia tubers, among a few other things.
But, this year, there will be no summer harvest.
For more than three years, the flower farm has brought neighbors joy and beauty, but this chapter in the community and the Essue family is coming to an end. In late summer, the Essues will be heading to Georgia, near family, for a one-year sabbatical to start a new business that will address another passion of theirs.
Called Multicultural Family Hub, it will offer connection, coaching and workshops for multicultural families with children.
Bringing together cultures in a family hits close to home for the Essues, including son Hugo, 9, and twins Ruby and Leo, 7. Andre’s mother emigrated from Jamaica, and he grew up in a neighborhood of Atlanta of mostly first-generation immigrants.
“We felt inspired to apply the knowledge, skills and wisdom we’ve gained and share it with others,” Essue says.
Nothing about the family’s future is set in stone, Essue clarifies. The plan now is to stay in Georgia one year and then return to Taylorsville, but they’re open to staying there longer or even permanently and the farm is closing “in its current incarnation.”
Essue says she is excited for the family’s new venture that will “create beauty in a different way,” but acknowledges she has gone through a grieving period over the loss of the farm and the community that formed around it.
“It brought beauty and possibility” to not only her immediate community but the whole county, she says. “I made so many friends and met so many people who were interested in what I was growing and were inspired by it. That was really amazing.”
She says she also hopes she inspired other farmers who face the constant threat of wildfire. “I showed that you can start a farm after a fire. You can start over.”
Linda DuBois

The gift that keeps on floweringUnlike a regular bunch of flowers, which often start to wilt after just a week, summer-flowering bulbs will continue to flower for a long time. Think beautiful dahlias, statuesque gladioli, and colorful lilies. These bulbs are planted in the spring and will provide months of fun for the lucky recipient. 
Why choose summer-flowering bulbs?Summer-flowering bulbs are perfect for people who love color and variety in the garden. They come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, and fit seamlessly into any garden, whether they have a lush sea of flowers or a modern, sleek border. What’s more, many of these bulbs are also suitable for pots, making them perfect for balconies and terraces too.
Here are a few examples of popular types:

• Dahlia These classics come in countless shapes and colors, from small and demure to large and spectacular.
• Gladioli: These long-lasting flowers are real eye-catchers and add height to the garden.
• Lily: With their exotic look and scent, lilies add a luxurious touch to any outdoor space.
• Anemones: With their delicate petals, these cute flowers bring a playful and cheerful atmosphere.

How to give flower bulbs as a gift?To make your gift extra special, consider creating a nice basket filled with different bulbs, a cheerful pot in which the bulbs can be planted right away, or a gift box that includes a gardening glove and a bag of potting soil. Add a personalized card and voilà: a gift that really impresses. 

If you want to make it even more personalized, you could offer to plant the bulbs together with the recipient. This is a great way to make it a fun moment together, and you are not only giving a gift, but also a memory that will continue to blossom. Whether for a birthday, a thank-you gift, a housewarming party or just to surprise someone: summer-flowering flower bulbs make a wonderful gift for any occasion.

For more information, visit www.flowerbulbs.com

 
PG&E Accelerating EV Adoption Among Customers with Limited Financial Resources
 
OAKLAND, Calif-- Electric Vehicles (EVs) are key to achieving California’s climate goals and can help lower electric rates for customers, but research shows that the cost of owning an EV can be a challenge for drivers in lower-income communities. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is taking action to make EV ownership more affordable for customers with limited financial resources.
 
PG&E has already helped make driving an EV a reality for more than 13,000 income-qualified customers through the Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program, and thousands more have benefited from incentives to lower the upfront costs for charging infrastructure at their homes.
 
Closing the equity gap to help get more drivers with limited resources into EVs is critical to accelerate EV adoption throughout PG&E’s service area and reach PG&E’s goal to serve 3 million EVs by 2030. EVs help improve air quality by decreasing carbon emissions from transportation. Additionally, PG&E estimates the next one million EVs connecting to the grid could lower residential electric rates by 2% to 3% by spreading fixed operations and maintenance costs across more customers.
 
“We have made great progress to improve access to EVs and charging infrastructure for all of our customers, including those who may have thought EV ownership was out of reach because of the costs. EVs are critical to California meeting its climate goals, and they also provide a road to lower electric prices,” said Lydia Krefta, Senior Director, Electrification and Decarbonization for PG&E. 
 
“Additionally, customers can manage their EV charging during times when energy demand and prices are lower, allowing them to charge for as low as the equivalent of $1.88 per gallon of gas  for customers who receive income-qualified rate discounts, while reducing strain on the grid,” Krefta added.
 
Making EV Ownership More Affordable
 
There are over 700,000 EVs in PG&E’s service area, representing one in eight EVs in the country. According to recent data, California EV sales climbed for the fourth straight year in 2024, representing approximately 25% of all new vehicles sold in the state last year. However, a study from UCLA’s Luskin Center for Innovation finds that disadvantaged communities are not keeping pace in the EV transition because they often don’t have access to incentives and charging infrastructure.
 
PG&E offers a variety of resources—including rebates, incentives for income-qualified customers and EV-focused rate plans—that can help lower the total cost of EV ownership, including upfront, charging and charger installation costs.
The Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program provides up to $4,000 back when income-qualified customers buy or lease a used EV. Since launching in February 2023, the program has issued more than 13,000 rebate payments and provided over $29 million in benefits. An additional $50 million in funding is still available for PG&E customers who meet income qualifications.   
 
Powering the EV Transition
 
PG&E has programs that can reduce the cost of installing an at-home EV charger to help lower the overall cost of driving an EV.
 
PG&E’s Residential Charging Solutions pilot provides customers with a 50% post-purchase rebate on approved Level 2 residential charging equipment that can utilize existing 240-volt outlets and eliminate the need for costly electrical upgrades. Income-eligible customers can receive a rebate valued at 100% of the equipment’s purchase price. The pilot is funded by California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program.      
 
EV Charge Manager can help customers save on their EV charging costs by scheduling charging when electric rates and grid demand are lower. The program— currently available to PG&E customers in Santa Clara, Contra Costa and Alameda counties who meet eligibility requirements—provides a personalized dashboard with insights into charging habits, costs, battery usage and battery efficiency. Participants will receive a $75 Tango gift card after being in the program for at least three months and staying connected to the platform at least 50% of the time.
 
In the year ahead, PG&E plans to announce two additional EV charging pilots that were authorized for funding through California’s LCFS Program.
 

• The Affordable Public Charging pilot offers a charging credit, via a prepaid debit card, to help income-qualified customers cover some of the costs to charge their EVs at public charging stations.

 

• The Panel and Flexible Electrification Support pilot offers incentives for electrical panel upgrades and other qualifying auxiliary equipment needed for low-income customers to install an EV charger at their home.

 
EV Rates and Additional Resources
 
PG&E has three rate plans that may help EV drivers lower their electric costs. With these Time-of-Use rate plans, customers who charge their EVs during off-peak hours can reduce their overall energy costs.
 
On PG&E’s EV2-A rate, customers who qualify for the income-eligible California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance monthly discounts can charge their EVs for the equivalent of $1.88 per gallon at the pump when they charge between midnight and 3 pm. The EV Rate Comparison tool can help customers find the best rate plan that works for them.
 
“There are real savings opportunities that can help lower EV ownership costs for customers with limited resources. An income-qualified customer with access to home charging could save 57% with the CARE discount and off-peak EV charging rates, compared to the cost to fuel their vehicle with gasoline. A CARE customer who only uses public charging through the upcoming Affordable Public Charging program can save up to 100% for two years,” Krefta said.
 
Customers who want to explore EV ownership are encouraged to check out PG&E’s EV Savings Calculator to browse vehicles, discover incentives and locate charging stations.
 
About PG&E
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
 
You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As snow begins to melt in the mountains and make its way to California reservoirs, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced an increase to the State Water Project allocation forecast for 2025. The allocation has increased to 50 percent of requested water supplies, up from 40 percent last month. The State Water Project provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.
California’s snowpack peaked on April 4 at 100 percent for the season. With the weather warming up, that snowpack is now starting to melt and flow into California’s watersheds and further filling up reservoirs. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is 120 percent of average for this date and 95 percent full. DWR anticipates that Lake Oroville could reach capacity this spring, which would mark the third straight year the reservoir has filled. San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, a critical storage space for Southern California water, is 101 percent of average for this date and 83 percent full.
“This winter, water managers were able to navigate extreme swings between wet and dry conditions thanks in part to new operating permits that allow increased flexibility in operations to move water into storage while protecting endangered species,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Our full reservoirs will allow us to help meet the needs of the State Water Project contractors and their customers this year as well as provide some water supply next year in the event that dry conditions return.”
California’s water system is complex and requires real-time adjustments to balance the needs of our state’s cities and farms and the natural environment. Earlier this month, the State Water Project reduced pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to minimum levels to protect endangered fish species. These reductions are required as part of the operating permit for the State Water Project. Operators will likely maintain that lower rate through the end of May unless San Joaquin or Sacramento River flows increase beyond certain high-flow thresholds.
These constraints reinforce the need for California to invest in additional water supply infrastructure to provide operational flexibility. The proposed Sites Reservoir and Delta Conveyance Project would have been hugely beneficial to water supply had they been in place this season. The Delta Conveyance Project could have captured more than 867,000 acre-feet of additional water supply this winter, which would have translated to a 20 percent increase in the current State Water Project allocation, on top of the increase announced today.
Each year, DWR provides allocation forecasts based on available water storage, projected water supply, and water demands. Learn more about how the State Water Project allocation process works at https://water.ca.gov/News/Blog/2025/Jan-25/Get-the-Facts-About-the-State-Water-Project-Allocation.
The allocation forecast notice to State Water Contractors and historical data on SWP allocations are available at https://water.ca.gov/programs/state-water-project/management/swp-water-contractors.

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 New AAA research examines the effectiveness of smartphone-blocking tech to curb driver distraction

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (April 29, 2025) - Despite texting bans in almost all 50 states, smart phone distraction is a prevalent problem among drivers, especially younger ones. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,275 people in 2023. But smartphones themselves may help to curb this risky behavior through “do not disturb” features that can block or limit use while driving. New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safetyfound that when activated, this feature can be effective in reducing smartphone interactions when driving.
“Distracted driving continues to be a major traffic safety concern as we’ve all witnessed how smartphones can lead to distraction and risky driving, but it’s possible these devices could help us to prevent it,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson with AAA Northern California. “Increasing the use of ‘Do Not Disturb’ technology requires more than building awareness. It requires behavior-focused strategies, smarter automation, consistent reinforcement through social norms, and possibly small incentives.”
Study Insights: Driver Interaction with “Do Not Disturb”
Researchers examined why drivers avoid using “do not disturb” features and how to overcome their objections. 

• Drivers cited limited access to music and navigation as reasons not to activate “do not disturb” features. This misconception shows a lack of understanding of the technology. Current smartphone-blocking features allow music and navigation to be used when activated. 
  
• Other barriers mentioned by drivers included lack of awareness about the feature, forgetting to turn it on, and fear of missing important calls or texts while driving.
  

Despite this resistance, many drivers favor “do not disturb” features that automatically turn on during stressful situations like heavy rain, snow, or traffic. This suggests that drivers are more inclined to use this feature to reduce distraction when there are greater demands on their attention.
Additionally, the study revealed that younger drivers (age 18 – 24) -- a group more likely to use their phones when behind the wheel – are also more knowledgeable about “do not disturb” features than older generations. However, they also tend to believe they can use their phone safely while driving, suggesting this group may not feel these features are necessary.
AAA recommends the following to encourage the use of “do not disturb” features while driving:

• Increase awareness through targeted public education campaigns.
  
• Integrate education of “do not disturb” features into driver training and licensing programs.
  
• Improve automatic activation and situational awareness features (i.e., recognizing when the user is a passenger versus a driver).
  
• Use reminders and incentives to encourage drivers to use “do not disturb” features.
  
• Address misconceptions through in-app messaging.
  
• Leverage influencers to promote the use of this technology, especially to younger audiences.
  

About The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.
About AAA Northern California
AAA Northern California is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.
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QUINCY, CA – The University of California Cooperative Extension is proud to announce the inaugural Small Farms Seminar, a free educational event designed for livestock producers of all sizes and experience levels. The seminar will take place onTuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds in Quincy, California.
Event Schedule:

• 5:00 PM – Dinner & Information Booths
• 5:30 PM – Educational Presentations Begin

This informative evening will feature expert presentations on essential topics for small farms, including:

• Dr. Rosie Bush, DVM, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine – Goat and Sheep Herd Health Tips and Biosecurity Best Management Practices 
• Kane Russell, UC Cooperative Extension Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor – Wildfire Preparedness for Small Farms
• Libby Ehlers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Wildlife & Livestock Interactions

"We are excited to bring a new educational event to the region that will provide practical knowledge to help local livestock producers," states Tracy Schohr, University of California Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor. "This session is designed for livestock producers who are just starting out or managing a long-standing operation, including 4-H and FFA members." 
This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required for dinner and to be entered in the door prize raffle. (Must be present to win.)
Register Today: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=45768  
Additional Information: https://ucanr.edu/county-office/ucce-plumas-sierra/event/2025-small-farms-seminar

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Auburn- The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit has announced effective at 8:00am, Thursday, May 1, 2025, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra Counties.

Burn permits must now be obtained online at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. Applicants
can access the website to obtain a burn permit which involves watching a short educational video and submitting an application. The process provides the necessary information needed to conduct the burn safely, while minimizing the chance for fire escape. Permits must be in possession either by printed copy or digitally. Permits are valid beginning May 1st of each year and require annual renewal. Permits are issued free of charge.
Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status. Residents wishing to burn MUST verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning by contacting:

• Nevada & Sierra Counties – Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. 530-274-7928. Northern Sierra's burn day website: https://myairdistrict.com/
  
• Yuba County – Feather River Air Quality Management District: (530) 741-6299 Agricultural Burn number is 530-701-7462. http://www.fraqmd.org/burnday
  
• Placer County – Placer County Air Pollution Control District Auburn area (including all cellphone users): 530-889-6868. Outside Auburn, toll-free: 800-998-BURN (2876). Placer's burn day website: http://www.placerair.org/burnday
  Continued
  

Hazard Reduction Guidelines are listed on the permit and must be followed at all times.
As a reminder, always have a minimum 10-foot clearance down to bare mineral soil around all burn piles, have a shovel and a water source available, and an adult present during burning. Failure to follow these simple precautions may result in a citation and fines. For further information regarding residential burning or other fire safety tips visit your local CAL FIRE Station or go to www.readyforwildfire.org.
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