By Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
Don't give in that you cannot do any better. You can do better if you put your mind to doing better. If you give up then you don't have a chance. The only people who do better and go forward are those who try. Everyone has the freedom to try. 
 
Think about what you would like for your life to look like. Get a clear picture in your mind. What would it take to achieve that life? Somethings are difficult to achieve but most situations can be made better. 
 
What will it take to make your life a little better?  Could changing your daily eating just a little make a significant difference in how you feel? Could it make a difference in how your clothes fit? Are you willing to try? 
 
Most people need a little more money. How will you obtain it? Chances are it won't just appear. Utilize what you know and your skills to work for you. Everyone has gifts and abilities that can be useful if channeled properly. Often it may be what you know or what you can do that will work for you to develop more income. Keep in mind that this may take some time. What you are thinking about today could take weeks or months to see results. Therefore, start now. 
 
We often give up. We try and work hard and seldom see much results and then stop. Often, we get close to being where we want to be and then quit. We lose 20 pounds but put it right back on. We give up a habit but go back to it. We start a project and then quit. So often, a great idea is like a puzzle with so many pieces that have to fall into place. Once you find all the pieces the puzzle is a beautiful picture that you put together with patience and trying and trying again to fit the right pieces where they belong.
 
Our lives are like puzzles. We must have a picture in our minds of what we would like to look like if we are going to put that kind of life together.  We try different pieces and often they don't fit. Too often we try to make the pieces fit where they don't belong and that never works for a picture. So, you have to keep trying. I've seen people with puzzles out on a table for weeks trying to figure out which piece goes where. This is where most of our lives are much of the time. Trying to find the right piece of the puzzle. 
 
Making the picture of our lives the way we want it to be is often changing. What we may want today has probably changed from what we wanted even ten years ago. The dynamics are still the same though. Whatever you are working on still requires patience, effort, faith and most importantly a clear picture in your mind of what you are trying to put together. 


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. 

By Quint Studer
Independence Day is here and this year we celebrate our country's 244th birthday. America is in a time of major transition and transformation right now. We are facing a public health crisis, along with challenges in our economy and a powerful social justice movement. Together these events have shaken our nation's foundations. We have no doubt lost a lot during this difficult time. But because birthdays are a time to look back and reflect on what has gone well and what has not, this 4th of July I have been asking the question: Where do we go from here?
The good news is, we get to decide on the answer. We have great opportunity as we rebuild. As I continue working with cities and towns across the nation, I see so many reasons to believe that America will rise stronger than before.
What I have seen is that we are taking charge of our future one community at a time. Instead of waiting for government to "fix" things for us, we are working locally to find solutions and reinvent ourselves. I am continually inspired by the energy of everyone working together to make this happen.
The impact of all of us pulling together keeps local economies strong. I've seen business leaders sharing their wisdom and resources with one another. (Chambers of Commerce certainly play an important role in sharing information.) When the pandemic disrupted the normal flow of commerce, small businesses got creative and figured out how to keep afloat. And citizens did their part by ramping up their support of stores, restaurants, and local mom-and-pop enterprises.
During this time, we have also fully embraced the greatness of our small towns and communities. This Kia ad celebrating the Great American Road Trip is a touching reminder of how a reset forces a shift in our priorities. No doubt that taking a drive with your family gives you a chance to connect with those who matter most.
Important transformations are happening at the national level too. Out of necessity, entire industries are disrupting themselves. Education is working on new, better ways to use digital platforms to teach. Healthcare is moving to a promising telemedicine model. Yes, these changes bring their share of challenges, but we are also seeing lots of positives that remind us of the power of human ingenuity. We know we can always adapt and keep moving forward.
Some of the most meaningful shifts we have made are cultural and social conscience-driven shifts. We are finally getting real about race relations. Our nation is doing a lot of important soul-searching and having the hard conversations. We are taking down monuments of leaders connected to times in history when values were out of alignment with what we now know is right.
These national conversations have created real action. We are rethinking law enforcement policies and the role of police. We're improving training and doing a better job of holding accountable those who break the rules and/or use excessive force. We're putting funds into other community sources like mental health. These shifts are making us a better nation.

My great hope as a community builder is that we will see a groundswell of interest in minority entrepreneurship. We can find creative ways to invest in women and people of color. I regularly see many thriving businesses emerge when we practice economic inclusion on a local level. They add great richness to our communities.
My hope is that this July 4th, we will see more Americans putting self-interest on the back burner. When we start looking at the world as if every child were our own child, every neighborhood were our neighborhood, and every community were our community great things can happen.
All of us can strive to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We can all start working in our own communities to educate ourselves, engage ourselves and promote civic engagement, and reach out to others and connect them as well. Together we can work toward justice.
Gandhi asked us to be the change we wish to see in the world. He was speaking of a personal internal revolution that I hope we are all ready to make. Instead of waiting on government mandates or policies to compel us to act, let us make changes now because they are right and because they matter. There is no stronger power than communities all across America doing what they know is right.
 
# # #
Quint Studer is the author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America and founder of Pensacola's Studer Community Institute. For more information, visit www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www.studeri.org.
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 1, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Every
Independence Day, shelters are filled with lost and injured pets. The
Sacramento SPCA is recommending the following tips to keep your pet safe so
you can all enjoy a happy and safe Fourth of July.

* Make sure pets are microchipped and the chip registration (owner's
contact information) is up to date.

* Ensure pets are wearing a properly fitting collar with ID tags.

* As a backup plan, write your phone number on your pet's collar with a
sharpie marker.

* Provide physical and mental stimulation with a walk or playtime during
cooler morning hours - it can help pets stay calm in the evening.

* During peak firework hours the week surrounding July 4th, bring all pets
indoors, offer their favorite toy or a stuffed Kong, and add some ambient
noise (such as television or radio) to distract them.

Whether the plan is to visit friends for your holiday festivities or stay
close to home, it's important to remember our furry friends do not enjoy
the celebration as much as humans do.

"Every year, animal shelters are inundated with pets that panicked at the
sound of fireworks and fled into the night, winding up lost, injured or
killed," said Kenn Altine, Sacramento SPCA CEO. "By following these few
simple tips, pet owners can keep their pets safe and sound at home and
avoid unnecessary worry, reclaim fees and heartbreak."

What Do I Do If I Find a Stray Animal?

The Sacramento SPCA is encouraging community members to follow these Found
Animal Tips to help healthy stray animals find their way home; including
checking the animal for an ID tag and microchip (which can be scanned at a
vet's office, shelter or pet store), asking around the neighborhood, making
flyers or posting online in local lost and found groups or on neighborhood
specific social media platforms.

For sick or injured animals found in Sacramento City, residents should call
311 and in Sacramento County, call 916-875-5000.

"It's been long thought that bringing animals to shelters was the best way
to help them, but we now realize that most of the time, they can be easily
reunited with their family by staying near where they were found,' said
Altine. "That leaves the shelter with room for the animals who really do
need our help - those whose owners can no longer keep them or animals that
are sick or injured."

The Sacramento SPCA is the only shelter in the region offering pet owners a
place to take their beloved animals when they have nowhere else to turn;
regardless of age, breed, health condition or behavior. Though the
Sacramento SPCA had to adapt their services due to the COVID-19 health
crisis, they have continued to say yes to the animals and have expanded
public access to their lifesaving programs by offering appointment-based
services.

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals
with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 128 years. They
provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually
and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and
pets together for life.

​

Nevada City, Calif. — For over 115 years, the Tahoe National Forest’s alpine lakes, deep canyons, shady forests, towering mountains, and rushing rivers have provided an ideal backdrop to celebrate Independence Day. This weekend will be no different with record crowds expected to begin arriving on Thursday.
 
“We’ve definitely noticed a higher volume of visitors so far this summer,” said Eli Ilano, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor. “Perhaps now more than ever, the mountains are calling, and the Tahoe National Forest is proud to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. But we also need our visitors, now more than ever, to practice responsible recreation.”
 
Responsible recreation means no fireworks on National Forest lands – they are strictly prohibited. The Tahoe National Forest is also in campfire restrictions. Campfires outside of developed recreation sites, such as official campgrounds with fire rings, are forbidden. Fire restriction patrols will be conducted over Independence Day weekend; punishment could mean up to $5,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
 
Additional tips to recreate responsibly:
 

• Most campgrounds have been 90% reserved. First-come, first-serve campsites are expected to be filled by Thursday morning – please plan accordingly.
  • Emerald Cove Marina at Bullards Bar is expected to reach capacity by Friday afternoon. You may be turned away as parking will be unavailable.
  • Robinsons Flat campground is still closed due to safety concerns.
• Select safe parking locations along Bowman Lake road – do not block the road and ensure space for emergency vehicle passage. Vehicles blocking the road may be cited or towed.
• Maintain at least six feet distancing from others.
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials.
• Communicate with others and alert trail users of your presence to pass safely.
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.

 
For a complete list of all open campgrounds and recreation conditions, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/tahoe/news-events
 
PLEASE RECREATE RESPONSIBLY OVER INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND
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Nevada City, Calif. — For over 115 years, the Tahoe National Forest’s alpine lakes, deep canyons, shady forests, towering mountains, and rushing rivers have provided an ideal backdrop to celebrate Independence Day. This weekend will be no different with record crowds expected to begin arriving on Thursday.
 
“We’ve definitely noticed a higher volume of visitors so far this summer,” said Eli Ilano, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor. “Perhaps now more than ever, the mountains are calling, and the Tahoe National Forest is proud to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. But we also need our visitors, now more than ever, to practice responsible recreation.”
 
Responsible recreation means no fireworks on National Forest lands – they are strictly prohibited. The Tahoe National Forest is also in campfire restrictions. Campfires outside of developed recreation sites, such as official campgrounds with fire rings, are forbidden. Fire restriction patrols will be conducted over Independence Day weekend; punishment could mean up to $5,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
 
Additional tips to recreate responsibly:
 

• Most campgrounds have been 90% reserved. First-come, first-serve campsites are expected to be filled by Thursday morning – please plan accordingly.
  • Emerald Cove Marina at Bullards Bar is expected to reach capacity by Friday afternoon. You may be turned away as parking will be unavailable.
  • Robinsons Flat campground is still closed due to safety concerns.
• Select safe parking locations along Bowman Lake road – do not block the road and ensure space for emergency vehicle passage. Vehicles blocking the road may be cited or towed.
• Maintain at least six feet distancing from others.
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials.
• Communicate with others and alert trail users of your presence to pass safely.
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.

 
For a complete list of all open campgrounds and recreation conditions, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/tahoe/news-events


 
PLEASE RECREATE RESPONSIBLY OVER INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND
" src="cid:image004.png@01D64FA3.88D98A70" alt="Fire Restrictions 2020" v:shapes="Rectangle_x0020_1" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton" style="width: 0.3333in; height: 0.3229in;">
Nevada City, Calif. — For over 115 years, the Tahoe National Forest’s alpine lakes, deep canyons, shady forests, towering mountains, and rushing rivers have provided an ideal backdrop to celebrate Independence Day. This weekend will be no different with record crowds expected to begin arriving on Thursday.
 
“We’ve definitely noticed a higher volume of visitors so far this summer,” said Eli Ilano, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor. “Perhaps now more than ever, the mountains are calling, and the Tahoe National Forest is proud to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. But we also need our visitors, now more than ever, to practice responsible recreation.”
 
Responsible recreation means no fireworks on National Forest lands – they are strictly prohibited. The Tahoe National Forest is also in campfire restrictions. Campfires outside of developed recreation sites, such as official campgrounds with fire rings, are forbidden. Fire restriction patrols will be conducted over Independence Day weekend; punishment could mean up to $5,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
 
Additional tips to recreate responsibly:
 

• Most campgrounds have been 90% reserved. First-come, first-serve campsites are expected to be filled by Thursday morning – please plan accordingly.
  • Emerald Cove Marina at Bullards Bar is expected to reach capacity by Friday afternoon. You may be turned away as parking will be unavailable.
  • Robinsons Flat campground is still closed due to safety concerns.
• Select safe parking locations along Bowman Lake road – do not block the road and ensure space for emergency vehicle passage. Vehicles blocking the road may be cited or towed.
• Maintain at least six feet distancing from others.
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials.
• Communicate with others and alert trail users of your presence to pass safely.
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.

 
For a complete list of all open campgrounds and recreation conditions, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/tahoe/news-events

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced that more than 1,900 local governments around the country will receive $514.7 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2020.
“This year’s distribution of $514.7 million to more than 1,900 counties will help small towns pay for critical needs like emergency response, public safety, public schools, housing, social services, and infrastructure,” said Secretary Bernhardt.
PILT payments are made annually for tax-exempt Federal lands administered by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) agencies including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), for lands administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS); and for Federal water projects and some military installations.
DOI collects more than $13.2 billion in revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands, such as oil and gas leasing, livestock grazing, and timber harvesting. A portion of these revenues are shared with States and counties. The balance is deposited in the U.S. Treasury, which in turn pays for a broad array of Federal activities, including PILT funding.
Payments and Acreage By State / County
Fiscal Year: 2020
State: California
   COUNTY                         PAYMENT     TOTAL ACRES
NEVADA COUNTY           $478,914            220,517
PLUMAS COUNTY           $675,225         1,178,166
SIERRA COUNTY             $245,958            434,341

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Wherever people choose to observe Independence Day, they can expect the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to be out in force for a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, to midnight, Sunday, July 5. 
 
As California gradually reopens, many people will be eager to celebrate the holiday weekend with family and friends.  To help reduce the risk and slow the spread of COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health is urging the public to avoid traveling long distances for vacations or pleasure as much as possible.  However, if you decide to leave home, take steps to keep everyone safe like wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and washing hands frequently.
 
"Should the upcoming weekend include a road trip, stay safe and healthy with a few additional precautions," said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.  “Obeying speed limits, buckling up, and not driving impaired or distracted will be more important than ever.”
 
Traffic has been lighter on California roadways the past few months, which has resulted in an increase in citations for excessive speed.  Motorists are encouraged to take their time this holiday weekend and arrive safely at their destination.  During the recent Memorial Day MEP, CHP officers issued 458 citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph, which is a 173 percent increase from the same period in 2019.
 
The 2019 Independence Day MEP was 4 ¼ days, which was two days longer than the upcoming MEP.  During that 102-hour enforcement effort, 36 people lost their lives in traffic crashes, 21 within CHP jurisdiction.  Of those 21 individuals, 11 were not wearing seat belts.  Additionally, CHP officers made 1,317 arrests for driving under the influence.
 
“However you choose to celebrate the weekend, do it without putting yourself or others at risk,” added Commissioner Stanley.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
# # #
 
 

 
Qualified Applicants Encouraged to Apply by July 10, 2020 Deadline
 
 
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The PG&E Corporation Foundation (The Foundation) are inviting applications to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program. The Foundation will provide funding for a total of $250,000 to students pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) disciplines. The Program will award 20 scholarships of $10,000 each and 20 scholarships of $2,500 each.
 
“PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation are committed to helping students interested in being part of California’s clean energy future, giving them opportunities to learn and succeed in higher education, and achieve their dreams,” said Stephanie Isaacson, Executive Director of The PG&E Corporation Foundation.
 
Applications are open to graduating high school seniors, current college students, veterans and adults returning to school who are PG&E customers at the time of application. Applicants must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire 2020-2021 academic year and be seeking their first undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year institution in California.
 
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need.
 
Interested applicants can learn more and apply here. Application deadline is July 10, 2020. Awards will be announced in August.
 
Since 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has awarded more than $6 million to accomplished students based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.
 
In addition to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, PG&E’s 10 employee resource groups (ERGs) and two engineering networking groups (ENGs) award scholarships to help offset the cost of higher education. The funds are raised totally through employee donations, employee fundraising events and Campaign for the Community, the company’s employee giving program. Since 1989, more than $4.5 million ERG scholarships have been received by thousands of recipients.
 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com andwww.pge.com/news.
 
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