Travel is Highly Discouraged with Dangerous to Impossible Conditions MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is reminding motorists about a major winter storm in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that forecasters say will create extremely difficult to impossible travel conditions through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning from 4 a.m. tomorrow to 10 a.m. Sunday, March 3. Snow estimates are between 5 to 10 feet above 5,000 feet in elevation and 1 to 4 feet above 3,000 feet. Lighter accumulation is also possible down to 2,000 feet along with strong winds, gusting up to 65 mph, creating white out conditions and near zero visibility. Motorists are advised to avoid mountain travel and wait until the storm passes. If motorists must travel, Caltrans advises to make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or full charge, chains, and extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include extra snacks, water, a blanket, and a flashlight. Motorists should also be prepared for road closures, chain controls, and excessive delays. In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 1 and 1.5 inches. The highest amounts are anticipated near Redding and into the foothills. Motorists should be prepared for slick travel conditions, a longer than normal commute, and ponding on the roadways. Updates to the forecast can be found on the National Weather Service website. Motorists are also encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3. SACRAMENTO, CA - Working to preserve vital emergency and acute-care services for California’s rural residents, Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) introduced Senate Bill 1423which would require Medi-Cal to pay the actual costs of providing outpatient services in designated critical access hospitals.
As it stands, the 37 critical access hospitals serving rural communities in California are not fully reimbursed for providing outpatient services to patients covered by Medi-Cal, meaning the hospitals lose money for every dollar spent on care for needy patients. “It's disheartening to see that rural hospitals face the only options of either declaring bankruptcy or scaling back their services. We cannot continue to ignore the needs of millions of Californians who rely on these critical access hospitals. It's time for us to do better and ensure that these facilities have the resources they need to provide quality care to those who need it most,” said Dahle. Federal law recognizes the vital importance of hospitals, especially those that provide emergency care, in rural communities and allows them to be paid for Medicare services for the elderly and disabled based on actual costs. Over the years, enrollment in Medi-Cal, which serves lower-income Californians, has increased dramatically, but reimbursements below the cost of care put small hospitals serving these patients in critical financial straits. SB 1423 changes that so these hospitals continue to be an indispensable part of our health care system for rural California. ### Senator Brian Dahle represents California's 1st Senate District, which contains all or portions of 11 counties, including Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Siskiyou, and Shasta. Also serving deferred areas of Tehama, Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties. Severe winter weather has been forecast starting Thursday, February 29th, and is expected to last through Sunday, March 3rd. The high winds and heavy snow may produce hazardous conditions and increase the potential for power outages. Poor road conditions, challenges accessing remote areas, heavy snow, falling trees, and/or the nature of repairs required may result in extended power outages. As such, it is important for you to prepare now. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
In the event of an outage, our crews will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Forecasts can change rapidly. Please stay tuned to your local news sources and take steps now to prepare for potential winter weather outages. Time to prepare is now as after rain and wind Thursday and Friday, snow could fall as low as 2,000 feet with several feet of accumulation over 5,000 feet
National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning encouraging people to avoid travel AUBURN, Calif.— Ahead of a strong winter storm expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and low-elevation snow, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) crews are readying to respond to expected power outages. The National Weather Service has issued a rare-for-California Blizzard Warning, which runs from Thursday to Sunday. A social-media post from the NWS’ Sacramento Office makes the potential severity quite clear: “Blizzard warning! Driving conditions will deteriorate rapidly Friday-Saturday AM with white-out conditions & near-zero visibility from this dangerous winter storm. AVOID TRAVEL DURING THIS TIME!” Starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, the storm is expected to have the heaviest impact in the Sierra Nevada foothill and mountain communities between El Dorado and Nevada counties. Other impacted areas include the North Coast, Peninsula and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, according to PG&E meteorologists. An initial wave of moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds is expected in the northern part of PG&E’s service territory during the day Thursday, with more widespread rain and gusty conditions on Friday. Low- and middle-elevation snow impacts are expected Saturday into Sunday, with several feet of snow above 5,000 feet and six-to-12-inches possible down to 2,000 feet. In previous winter storms where high accumulations of low snow have occurred, some customers have experience extended outages as our crews often have difficulty accessing more remote locations in higher terrain due to roads blocked by trees, debris and snow. PG&E is pre-staging crews and materials and is prepared to use helicopters, snow cats and four-wheel drive to gain access to hard hit areas; however, customers in remote areas should prepare for extended outages given the unique circumstances of this storm. The utility also has been communicating with cities and counties to share preparation and plans. Storm Safety Tips Just as PG&E follows its plan to prepare for and respond to a storm, customers are urged to prepare their families and neighbors as well. Here are some storm safety tips:
If an outage does occur, PG&E's online outage center has been updated and improved based on customer feedback. Significant changes include:
PG&E will let customers know the cause of an outage, when crews are on their way, the estimated restoration time and when power has been restored. If receiving an outage text, customers can reply "status" to learn the latest information on the outage without visiting the outage page. Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center. 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. 19TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT will be held Sat., March 30th, 11 a.m. in the City Park. Donations accepted at Loyalton Assembly of God Church. The event “runs on your generosity.”
Near Impossible Travel Conditions Forecast Into the Weekend
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists about a major winter storm in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that forecasters say will create near impossible travel conditions for the end of the week and beginning of March. Early forecast estimates from the National Weather Service show the potential for a total of 5 to 12 feet of snow above 5,000 feet and 1 to 4 feet of snow as low as 3,000 feet starting this Thursday through Sunday, March 3. Winds are also expected to gust up to 60 mph. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Sunday. Motorists should avoid mountain travel if possible. If motorists must travel, Caltrans advises to pack extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include extra snacks, water, a blanket, and a flashlight. Motorists should also be prepared for road closures, chain controls, excessive delays, and reduced visibility. In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 1 and 1.5 inches. The highest amounts are anticipated near Redding and into the foothills. Motorists should be prepared for slick travel conditions, a longer than normal commute and ponding on the roadways. Updates to the forecast as the week progresses can be found on the National Weather Service website. Motorists are also encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3. | The Sweetheart of the Mountains has been a long time and beloved symbol in Plumas County. For decades, young ladies would show off their talents and work tirelessly in their communities in an effort to be crowned Sweetheart of the Mountains. While most people that can remember back to those times still have fond memories, a look back at some of the press coverage can be cringe-worthy. It was common to list the young girl’s weight and measurements, along with featuring pictures of them in swimwear. It certainly was another era and to date, we haven’t heard anyone vigorously criticize the pageants of yesteryear. The PSCF Foundation which conducts the Sweetheart of the Mountains competition felt that in this day and age, it would be more appropriate to feature young people more for their intellect than their measurements. To that end, the PSCF Foundation will be offering two scholarships for $500 and $250, as well as the title of Sweetheart of the Mountains, based on an essay discussing “Why you should become involved in your county fair”. The scholarship is open to both females and males and still carries some duties, including greeting visitors at the fair and representing the Plumas Sierra County Fair in at least the Fair Parade. Entrants must also agree to a code of conduct as a representative of the Fair. The deadline for returning applications is April 30, 2024. Applications can be found in each of the high schools and FRC. They are also available on the Fair website at www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net, and the Fair office. Wanted : New or almost new computers for the Portola Public Library !
The Friends of the Library met February 21, 2024, at the Portola Public Library and discussed how the Portola Public Library needs new or refurbished computers.to It was discussed that all the computers currently are not functioning. If someone has a functioning fairly new computer they would like to donate please contact librarian Linda Hale at +1 (530) 283-6310. The library is sponsoring a special book giveaway for the Read Across America week! This event will be held between Monday, February 26, and Saturday, March 2. This is a program that all Plumas County libraries are giving away a free book to any child ages zero through 18 years that completes an activity sheet. The activities sheet can be printed up from the website or picked up at the library. After completing the activity sheet, take it to any Plumas branch to get a free book. Only one book for child per day is allowed. According to the Plumas County Library newsletter email dated February 2024 there are many educational programs for everyone. Quincy library has a beginners computer classes. Space and laptops are limited and reservations are required. There will be four 6 week-sessions throughout the rest of 2024. For more information call 530/283–6413. There is also an EBSCO Learning Express program which is to help students improve core academic skills, help them pass the GED, prepare for college, and obtain an occupational certification. Also how to become a US citizen. To find out more go to www. Plumas library.org. Parents can also sign their children up for Dolly Parton‘s imagination library. This program Is for children to receive quality age appropriate books to be mailed to all registered children from age 0 to 5. Plumas County libraries also have blood pressure kit that are available for anyone to check out thanks to the generous donation from the American Heart Association. Inside this blood pressure kit is information on how to take your blood pressure, a blank log to track your numbers and resources. As with any tool in the lending library items, you must have an account which is in good standing and have signed up with the tool lending library form. You can also access your favorite newspapers with NewsBank! The NewsBank provides access to hundreds of digital newspapers like the Sacramento Bee, Oroville Mercury Register, and the Chico Enterprise-Record. Of course a current library card is required. There is another program called the Alexander Street collection, and with your library card you can have access to many diverse performing arts such as music, dance, and theater, and this program covers wide range of instruction and performances. California State Park passes are available at all Plumas County Library branches, which is offered through the California State Library system. These passes offer free vehicle day use for many of our state parks. Use this program while it is still available through state funding! The Friends of the Library is all about promoting all of the Plumas County Public Libraries by having fund raising book sales. They also offer free book giveaways, and welcomes all members of the community to come and participate or donate books, computers, and monetary donations to keep the educational programs going. Over $178 million of federal funding has been invested in the landscape to implement the USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy since 2022
NEVADA CITY, CALIF. (February 21, 2024) — Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is investing nearly $500 millionfrom President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand work on the USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce risk to communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources from the nation’s ongoing wildfire crisis. The Tahoe National Forest is slated to receive $16 million to continue critical wildfire risk reduction work on the North Yuba landscape. Identified as an area at high-risk for wildfire, the North Yuba landscape has now received over $178 million of Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. The North Yuba landscape includes the North Yuba Landscape Resilience Project, a 275,000-acre landscape-scale, multi-phase vegetation and fuels management project in the Yuba watershed that is planned to be implemented over the next 15 to 20 years. Through a variety of treatments like forest thinning and prescribed fire, the project aims to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health and promote fire-adapted communities. “The communities and resources within the North Yuba watershed are in urgent need of forest restoration and wildfire risk reduction work, fast,” said acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Matt Jedra. “We are thrilled for additional investment in the North Yuba landscape, but we know it is vital that we continue to invest year-over-year to increase the pace and scale of work in the North Yuba watershed and communities alike. We strive to continue to develop collaborative partnerships to help make that happen.” The landscape has received national praise and significant funding thanks to planning and implementation partners that comprise the North Yuba Forest Partnership. The partnership formed in 2017 and has been working to advance critical forest restoration projects that reduce the risk of wildfire throughout the North Yuba watershed. Earlier this year, the partnership was recognized as “Partnership of the Year” by the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region for its forest restoration work and collaboration on the North Yuba landscape. Partners include U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest, Yuba Water Agency, The Nature Conservancy, South Yuba River Citizens League, Camptonville Community Partnership, Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe, National Forest Foundation, Sierra County and Blue Forest. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. In their latest revenue forecast, the independent Legislative Analyst's Office said the state deficit has ballooned to $73 billion. Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Central Valley), Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee issued the following statement: “The state’s budget deficit is growing by the minute. “Governor Newsom’s spending proposal does not solve the $73 billion deficit. California is in a financial crisis, yet Governor Newsom continues to defer and delay. “Governor Newsom must stop the gimmicks. “It is time to act. “Delaying will only make matters worse and ultimately cost taxpayers more.” The California Bountiful Foundation, the 501(c)3 science, research and education nonprofit organization of the California Farm Bureau, will begin enrollment Feb. 21 for a new program called Expanding Our Roots: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Mentorship Program. The program has a website where beginning farmers and ranchers with one to 10 years of farming and ranching experience in California may enroll for free in the mentorship program. Farmers and ranchers interested in serving as mentors may also sign up via the webpage. Mentors are financially compensated for providing six hours of mentoring services to beginning farmers and ranchers. The program will allow 200 beginning farmers to be paired up with mentor farmers and ranchers with more than 10 years of experience. Half of program participants must be specialty crop growers. Under program funding requirements, priority consideration will be given to socially disadvantaged farmers and military veterans in farming and ranching. Mentoring will focus on a range of topics, including market access, climate stresses, navigating the regulatory system, production management and business aspects of farming in California. The program will also provide educational workshops that offer insights on regulations for farming and ranching in California. Additionally, participants will learn about financial incentives, including grant opportunities that can help them fund conservation management practices and climate-smart agriculture. They will be exposed to resources from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and UC Cooperative Extension. Grant funding for this project was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. “This program is designed to bring our agricultural community even closer together as a family through mentoring opportunities,” said Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, science and research director for the California Bountiful Foundation. “Mentoring the new generation of farmers and ranchers by experienced farmers and ranchers will ensure agriculture and food security is sustained into the future.” The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 26,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.8 million Farm Bureau members. ### Sacramento, CA - February 20, 2024 Today, the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA) released the following statement in response to the Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft’s second informational hearing: Like so many other businesses in California, theft has become a significant concern for our industry. As convenience store operators, our members have witnessed a significant increase in theft at our stores, resulting in increased costs to our members. Due to the increase in crime, our store owners are now facing non-renewals for our commercial insurance policies, or if available, 300% increases in premiums. This looming insurance crisis poses an existential catastrophe to our industry. In addition to the looming insurance crisis, our members have also seen a significant increase in fuel theft by organized crime. Advances in technology have made it harder for our industry to combat this type of crime, as Bluetooth and pulser manipulation devices make it easier than ever to steal gas at the pump. We’ve seen other states address this growing issue of organized crime and we call on the Legislature to include fuel theft in its conversation around organized theft. CFCA is committed to working closely with the Select Committee to explore effective measures that will reduce retail theft and organized crime, protect businesses, and maintain a safe environment for all Californians. Our members are ready to provide valuable insights, data, and experiences to inform the development of policies and initiatives that will make a difference. We look forward to participating in future committee hearings, providing testimony where appropriate, and engaging in open discussions to contribute to practical and balanced solutions. ### About CFCA CFCA is the industry's statewide trade association representing the needs of small and minority wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils, motor fuels products, and alternative fuels, including but not limited to, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, ethanol, renewable and biodiesel, and electric charging stations; transporters of those products; and retail convenience store operators. CFCA’s members serve California’s families, agriculture, police and fire, cities, construction, and all consumer goods moved by the delivery and transportation industries. California Fuels & Convenience Alliance | 2520 Venture Oaks Way Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95833 | 916.646.5999 | administration@cfca.energy | www.cfca.energy Dr. Glenn Mollette We are saturated with news in America. We know about the legal troubles of former President Donald Trump. Every day we are updated about the latest court proceedings and what is still to come. What can you do about it? Nothing. You didn’t loan Trump the money and he doesn’t owe you. Loan officers from lending institutions worked these deals with Trump. It’s between Trump and them it seems to me. Every day you are bombarded with every detail of Trump’s legal issues from a woman he reportedly assaulted to a porn star who is dissatisfied with the hundred thousand dollars plus hush payment she reportedly received. What can you do about it? Nothing. Is all of this supposed to make you hate Trump and vote for someone else? It must be or we wouldn’t hear so much about what he has been accused of doing. Almost every day we are reminded by some about the cognitive decline of President Joe Biden. Just like any President he is derided on a daily basis for his handling of our Southern border crisis, the economy, the decline of our military and much more. We care because it all impacts us, but what can you do about it? Nothing really. You can be mad and frustrated but that’s about all. Minneapolis police officers were killed over the weekend. People were shot and one killed at at a Kansas City Chief’s citywide Superbowl party. Numerous people were shot. It makes us sick. We hurt for those whose lives were taken. We hurt for those families who lost loved ones. We hurt every day and week in America as more and more mass shootings occur. So what? What can you do about it? Nothing really. We vote. Of course, that’s the one thing we can do, but that’s about all. We can protest, march and scream and holler but Congress doesn’t pay any attention to that. Marches in Washington, D.C. are common and seemingly ignored. Every day we hear about the border crisis. It seems to be a commonsense fix but what are you going to do? Many of us would go to the Southern border and volunteer to complete the wall and fix the holes but our government would probably put us in jail for trying to protect America. Thousands are illegally pouring into our country and we hear about it every day, but what are you going to do about it? Nothing really. Every day we hear about the crisis of the Middle East. Israel, Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine. We hear a lot about Ukraine needing more and more money. It doesn’t matter if you think they need more or less money, it’s out of your hands. What can you do about it? Call your Congressman? Call the President? Do you think they care about what you think? They care about one thing and that’s doing whatever it takes to be reelected. All you can do is what you must do and that is vote and you already know almost for sure who your options are for this upcoming election. That’s the one thing we can do. Since you and I can’t really do anything about all of this mess we had better elect someone who will do something. Find books by Glenn Mollette at Amazon.com Learn more about his books, columns and music at GlennMollette.Com Global Media | P.O. Box 1238, Newburgh, IN 47629 Unsubscribe jbuck@psln.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by newburgh@newburghseminary.ccsend.com powered by Try email marketing for free today! AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES with Mintier Harnish for updates to the Sierra County Zoning Code and General Plan was approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting held February 6th in Downieville. Planning Director Brandon Pangman stated the project has been stalled for about 10 years because they were trying to get all the funding figured out, adding they have put in a lot of work to get to this point. The original estimate came in to finish the job at over $1 million and they worked to get it down to $335,000, taking out some projects and by breaking it into phases. Phase one is to complete the drafts of the general plan and zoning code updates for $145,000. The county put $95,000 aside for the project. Pangman suggested amending existing Regional Early Action Plan (REAP) and Local Early Action Plan (LEAP) grants for affordable housing policies by requesting some of the funds be used for this project. He received word back from Housing and Community Development (HCD) that both amendments were approved REAP up to $42,531 and LEAP up to $39,000. Pangman stated they would now be able to get through the first phase and felt they would have completion of this phase by next summer. The second phase will be more administrative and environmental review which will take another year or two.
SIERRA COUNTY’S Schools for Adults Director and Principal Wendy Jackson reported to the School Board on February 13th that they are up to 97 students. HVAC is being installed in the new building and then electrical and plumbing will take place. She was hoping to have the EMS side of the building completely ready by the first of April and first courses ready by the end of May for the culinary side. Jackson stated they will have three graduating this year with diplomas and/or GED. A Request for waiver of estimated fees for the processing of an application for a conditional use permit submitted by Shakti Sharma for the Spiritual Alignment CUP was denied by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting held on February 6th in Downieville due to this being the second meeting the applicant did not attend. A Professional Services Agreement with Feather River Forestry, LLC to provide Professional Forester Services on behalf of Sierra County for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program in an amount not to exceed $235,000 was approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on February 6th. Supervisor Sharon Dryden stated it was rewarding to see the amount of work getting done in Sierra County. A RESOLUTION awarding the contract to McCuen Construction, Inc. for the Downieville Community Center Remodeling Project in an amount not to exceed $775,778.49 was discussed during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on February 6th in Downieville. Public Works Director Bryan Davey stated they have been working a long time to get this project under construction. The project initially went out to bid and received no bids, so they were able to go out directly to negotiate with contractors. He felt they had a viable proposal from McCuen Construction, but it would require an increase of $139,660 to the budget to move forward. Davey explained the contract with McCuen for the construction of the Downieville Community Center renovation had no contingency available in the contract price, so if there were any change orders, they would have to reorganize how to construct without increasing the budget. Supervisor Sharon Dryden said time was of the essence so the project can’t get dragged out. Supervisor Lee Adams stated the Center became the County’s responsibility over 70 years ago and this gets the project done for decades and is super important to western Sierra County. Adams acknowledged all the work Davey had done for months and made the motion to approve the Resolution which passed unanimously. A big AMEN and applause came from the audience. An agreement to Contractor Compliance and Monitoring, Inc, for the Downieville Community Center Remodeling Project in an amount not to exceed $7,265.00 was also passed unanimously. A TRAIN DERAILED traveling westbound near the Camp Layman area in Plumas County on Sunday, February 11th. 14 railcars carrying coal derailed with three landing in or near the Feather River. There were no injuries and all stakeholders are working together under a unified command to clean up the accident site, repair the rail and any enviromental impact. The impact of the coal in the river is not deemed a significant environmental hazard. The cause of the derailment is unknown at this time. Nichole Johnson nbjohnson28@hotmail.com SAN FRANCISCO—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering a formal request by AT&T to eliminate Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) regulations that require the company to provide landline telephone service to customers in its service area. Such a move would likely mean the end of the traditional telephone network for most residents in California, a controversial policy opposed by many consumer and safety groups, who say such a move is preposterous and that landlines are needed now more than ever, as climate emergencies worsen and the digital divide grows wider. Plumas Wired, Save Landlines and many other groups are encouraging residents to voice their opinion straight away to the CPUC, consider attending one of the two Feb. 22nd public hearings in Ukiah, CA and plan to call in to one of the two CPUC virtual public hearings on March 19th. More info here. AT&T recently mailed landline telephone users a notice about the pending decision and hearings. Many customers who have received notices are voicing their alarm online and in community forums. Josh Hart MSc, Spokesperson for Plumas Wired and Save Landlines, two of the groups in favor of keeping landline service, is encouraging people to speak out now while there is still time to save this critical communication infrastructure. People are urged to speak out to local and state officials and the CPUC in writing and speak at upcoming in-person and remotely-held hearings, as well as share on social media. According to Hart, "In many cases, especially in rural areas like Plumas County, there simply is no viable alternative to AT&T landline service.” Some residents rely on their landline not only for a voice connection but for basic dial up internet as well. "In spite of this, AT&T has designated many of these areas as those in which it is seeking ‘COLR relief’ (or the option to discontinue service to those who most need it). AT&T claims to be bridging the digital divide but is in fact widening the digital divide and endangering public safety.” Many seniors especially are disinclined or unable to use smartphones. The quality of landline audio is far superior to the alternatives. VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol has problems such as unreliable connectivity, calls dropping out, and likelihood of failure in an emergency or power outage. Nevertheless, telecom companies have been pushing lower quality and less reliable wireless and VoIP services because they are cheaper and more profitable. Advocates point out that even those who don’t use landlines themselves may benefit from having them in the neighborhood during extended cell tower outages in an emergency such as a wildfire. In recent fires, cell towers have burned, preventing evacuation orders from being received and putting lives at risk “Landlines are lifelines everyday and in an emergency,” said Hart. "If the state moves forward with allowing AT&T to have their way, community safety will suffer and people’s telecommunications choices will be dangerously narrowed.” Pro-landline groups compare the current threat against landlines to the coordinated buy out of electric trolleys in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and replacement with less popular buses. It has now cost governments billions of dollars to replace these lost streetcars with their modern equivalent, light rail. “Taxpayers have paid billions of dollars over decades to replace critical transportation infrastructure that was lost when weak politicians allowed General Motors and other corporations to destroy competition for buses and cars in the 1950’s. Let’s hope Gavin Newsom’s CPUC does not repeat the mistake with our critical communication infrastructure." Landline advocates also point out that cell phones are increasingly linked with deadly brain and other tumors of the head. A significant portion of the population (likely 5% or more) reports suffering pain and discomfort when exposed to RF microwave radiation used commonly in wireless technology. Landline advocates say the reasonable course of action is not to force people to use wireless when it causes them pain. Utilities and regulators have been aware for many years that wireless microwave radiation is harmful. In September of 2010, Michael Peevey, who was at the time President of the CPUC, admitted to PG&E executives in writing that he believed that people suffer pain from smart meter, cell phone, and other microwave signals (this e-mail was obtained through a Public Records Act Request): “There really are people who feel pain, etc., related to EMF, etc., and rather than have them become hysterical, etc., I would quietly leave them alone. Kick it around…” Landline advocates point out that many services identified by AT&T as alternatives to landline service are simply not accessible to those with medical sensitivities to wireless radiation. Emergency communication is critical. While cell towers have little to no battery back up when the power goes out and often burn in wildfires, landlines are more resilient and offer a quality, reliable voice option, crucial when cell and internet service fails. Landlines also identify the specific location for 911 responders, critical if a caller is incapacitated or unaware of their location. “Landlines are more critical than ever, as the alternatives remain unreliable, hazardous, and inferior in quality. Wireless technology is also one of the fastest growing sources of carbon emissions, putting our climate at even greater peril. Everyone deserves a safe, reliable and affordable landline telephone. That’s why COLR was created. The loss of the landline network would risk public safety and push those already in the margins over the edge. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms.” Actions to Take to Defend Landlines in California Submit a comment to the docket itself. Please do this if you have not done so already. Brief is fine. (It may be helpful to have your statement ready to copy/paste.) https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:65:0::NO:RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:A2303003 -Call/email (as often as you'd like) the Public Advisor's Office: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/pao/ Email Commissioner Reynolds (assigned to the case). Remind him briefly and courteously about how essential landline service is to you (and/or a family member, friend). john.reynolds@cpuc.ca.gov CPUC commissioners are appointed by and under the authority of the Governor. Let Newsom's office hear your voice by email or phone:https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ Local leaders have also received notice of AT&T's request. Let their offices know why you and others depend on copper landlines. Contact your own city/town council as well as your state senator and assembly member. Sign and share this recently-started petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-landline-service-in-california 👫👫👫You might like to join this growing group: https://groups.io/g/savelandlines/ DON’T MISS: Public Participation Hearings specifically devoted to AT&T's request to abandon landlines. The in-person hearings are at the Mendocino Board of Supervisors 501 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482 on Thursday, February 22nd at 2pm and 6pm. The two virtual meetings will be held on March 19 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m Please save one of those March 19 times. THIS WILL BE THE LAST CHANCE to make a case for preserving wired landline/legacy copper service as we know it. After March 19, the CPUC will make a decision. About the hearings: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/proceedings-and-rulemaking/cpuc-public-participation-hearings (*Type CPUC Application A2303003 in the subject line of all email communications.) The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has recently unveiled the existence of two new wolf packs in Northern California, marking a significant milestone in the resurgence of wolves in the state.
Named the Beyem Seyo Pack in Plumas County and the Harvey Pack in Lassen County, these additions show the significant growth of the gray wolf in California. The Yowlumni Pack, identified in Tulare County, had its name announced previously in December 2023. “These awe-inspiring animals continue to show us that California’s wild landscapes are great habitat for wolves and that they’ll find their way here,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Wolves belong in our state, and we should do everything we can to ensure they thrive.” This announcement comes as part of the department’s latest quarterly report, which highlights the presence of five wolf packs and several groups of wolves across northeastern California. The report details the ongoing activities and compositions of these packs, including the established Lassen and Whaleback packs, and notes the presence of wolves in Tehama, Sierra, Nevada, and Modoc counties. The Beckwourth Pack in Plumas County is believed to no longer exist. California’s wolf population is now estimated to be around 45, encompassing adults, yearlings, and pups. The Beyem Seyo and Harvey packs have been observed with healthy numbers of pups, indicating successful reproduction and growth within the state’s wolf communities. The Lassen Pack was a major contributor to reintroducing wolf populations to California“I feel so fortunate to bear witness to the return of these top-level carnivores to California,” said Weiss. “Not only are wolves essential to healthy, wild nature, they also have for thousands of years been integral to the human spirit and imagination and a symbol of our connection to the wild.” The reintroduction and natural migration of wolves into California have been facilitated by individuals like OR-7, an Oregon wolf that ventured into California in 2011, paving the way for subsequent packs to establish themselves in the state. The gray wolf, native to California but extinct by the 1920s due to hunting and habitat loss, is now protected under both state and federal endangered species acts, reflecting concerted efforts to ensure their survival and prosperity in California’s diverse landscapes. “I feel so fortunate to bear witness to the return of these top-level carnivores to California,” said Weiss. “Not only are wolves essential to healthy, wild nature, they also have for thousands of years been integral to the human spirit and imagination and a symbol of our connection to the wild.” The reintroduction and natural migration of wolves into California have been facilitated by individuals like OR-7, an Oregon wolf that ventured into California in 2011, paving the way for subsequent packs to establish themselves in the state. The gray wolf, native to California but extinct by the 1920s due to hunting and habitat loss, is now protected under both state and federal endangered species acts, reflecting concerted efforts to ensure their survival and prosperity in California’s diverse landscapes. Another win for Loyalton! First playoff was held Thursday, February 15th at Loyalton High School gymnasium.
Up to 3.5 Feet of Snow in the Sierra Expected Through President’s Day Weekend MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is reminding motorists about a series of winter storms in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that will create challenging travel conditions through the President’s Day holiday weekend. The National Weather Service forecast calls for two additional waves of precipitation bringing rain, snow and gusty winds. The first wave is expected Saturday with the second stronger wave arriving during the evening on Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected above 6,000 feet. Motorists should be prepared for chain controls, reduced visibility, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises to pack extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight. A Winter Storm Warning has also been issued for the second wave and is in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday through 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 21 with 1 to 2 feet of snow expected above 5,500 feet, 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks, and wind gusts up to 55 mph. In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 0.5 and 1 inch for the first wave and an additional 2 to 3 inches for the second wave. The highest amounts are anticipated in the foothills with up to 4 inches near Auburn. Motorists should be prepared for ponding on the roadway and minor flooding in poor drainage areas. Updates to the forecast as the weekend progresses can be found on the National Weather Service website. Motorists are encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3. | CleanCA.com | CleanWaterCA.com | #BeWorkZoneAlert | X | Facebook | YouTube | Sierra and Plumas counties desperately need home healthcare workers for the I.H.S.S. (InHome Support Services) program. This is a program for senior citizens 65 or older, disabled, or blind. To be eligible for the program seniors must be unable to live safely at home without help and be financially unable to purchase needed services. Both Sierra County and Plumas County have a shortage of workers and are in desperate need to recruit more workers. County home care workers offer a variety of services, such as house cleaning, shopping, cooking, doing laundry, assisting with personal care, and taking clients to doctors appointments and go grocery shopping with them. It is a flexible job and you can set your own hours and your own schedule. To become a county home healthcare worker you must attend an orientation at Social Services with Connecting Point. Also one must be fingerprinted, and pass a background check. For more information call the department of social services in Sierra county at 530/993–6720. To call the Plumas county department of social services call 530/283–6350. They can answer all of your questions about how to become a county home healthcare worker.
The Plumas-Sierra Cattlewomen are again happy to offer scholarships to the 2024 graduating seniors and to the 2023 recipients who are continuing their studies and again meeting the qualifications as outlined in the application. The amount of the scholarships will be determined by the number of applicants, proceeds from the previous year’s fundraising efforts and the generous support of our communities.
Eligibility Requirements:
For more information contact: Karen Rickman OR Debbie Thompson 530-400-7737 530-836-7252 SAN FRANCISCO—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering a formal request by AT&T to eliminate Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) regulations that require the company to provide landline telephone service to customers in its service area. Such a move would likely mean the end of the traditional telephone network for most residents in California, a controversial policy opposed by many consumer and safety groups, who say such a move is preposterous and that landlines are needed now more than ever, as climate emergencies worsen and the digital divide grows wider. Plumas Wired, Save Landlines and many other groups are encouraging residents to voice their opinion straight away to the CPUC, consider attending one of the two Feb. 22nd public hearings in Ukiah, CA and plan to call in to one of the two CPUC virtual public hearings on March 19th. More info here. AT&T recently mailed landline telephone users a notice about the pending decision and hearings. Many customers who have received notices are voicing their alarm online and in community forums. Josh Hart MSc, Spokesperson for Plumas Wired and Save Landlines, two of the groups in favor of keeping landline service, is encouraging people to speak out now while there is still time to save this critical communication infrastructure. People are urged to speak out to local and state officials and the CPUC in writing and speak at upcoming in-person and remotely-held hearings, as well as share on social media. According to Hart, "In many cases, especially in rural areas like Plumas County, there simply is no viable alternative to AT&T landline service.” Some residents rely on their landline not only for a voice connection but for basic dial up internet as well. "In spite of this, AT&T has designated many of these areas as those in which it is seeking ‘COLR relief’ (or the option to discontinue service to those who most need it). AT&T claims to be bridging the digital divide but is in fact widening the digital divide and endangering public safety.” Many seniors especially are disinclined or unable to use smartphones. The quality of landline audio is far superior to the alternatives. VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol has problems such as unreliable connectivity, calls dropping out, and likelihood of failure in an emergency or power outage. Nevertheless, telecom companies have been pushing lower quality and less reliable wireless and VoIP services because they are cheaper and more profitable. Advocates point out that even those who don’t use landlines themselves may benefit from having them in the neighborhood during extended cell tower outages in an emergency such as a wildfire. In recent fires, cell towers have burned, preventing evacuation orders from being received and putting lives at risk “Landlines are lifelines everyday and in an emergency,” said Hart. "If the state moves forward with allowing AT&T to have their way, community safety will suffer and people’s telecommunications choices will be dangerously narrowed.” Pro-landline groups compare the current threat against landlines to the coordinated buy out of electric trolleys in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and replacement with less popular buses. It has now cost governments billions of dollars to replace these lost streetcars with their modern equivalent, light rail. “Taxpayers have paid billions of dollars over decades to replace critical transportation infrastructure that was lost when weak politicians allowed General Motors and other corporations to destroy competition for buses and cars in the 1950’s. Let’s hope Gavin Newsom’s CPUC does not repeat the mistake with our critical communication infrastructure." Landline advocates also point out that cell phones are increasingly linked with deadly brain and other tumors of the head. A significant portion of the population (likely 5% or more) reports suffering pain and discomfort when exposed to RF microwave radiation used commonly in wireless technology. Landline advocates say the reasonable course of action is not to force people to use wireless when it causes them pain. Utilities and regulators have been aware for many years that wireless microwave radiation is harmful. In September of 2010, Michael Peevey, who was at the time President of the CPUC, admitted to PG&E executives in writing that he believed that people suffer pain from smart meter, cell phone, and other microwave signals (this e-mail was obtained through a Public Records Act Request): “There really are people who feel pain, etc., related to EMF, etc., and rather than have them become hysterical, etc., I would quietly leave them alone. Kick it around…” Landline advocates point out that many services identified by AT&T as alternatives to landline service are simply not accessible to those with medical sensitivities to wireless radiation. Emergency communication is critical. While cell towers have little to no battery back up when the power goes out and often burn in wildfires, landlines are more resilient and offer a quality, reliable voice option, crucial when cell and internet service fails. Landlines also identify the specific location for 911 responders, critical if a caller is incapacitated or unaware of their location. “Landlines are more critical than ever, as the alternatives remain unreliable, hazardous, and inferior in quality. Wireless technology is also one of the fastest growing sources of carbon emissions, putting our climate at even greater peril. Everyone deserves a safe, reliable and affordable landline telephone. That’s why COLR was created. The loss of the landline network would risk public safety and push those already in the margins over the edge. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms.” Actions to Take to Defend Landlines in California Submit a comment to the docket itself. Please do this if you have not done so already. Brief is fine. (It may be helpful to have your statement ready to copy/paste.) https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:65:0::NO:RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:A2303003 -Call/email (as often as you'd like) the Public Advisor's Office: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/pao/ Email Commissioner Reynolds (assigned to the case). Remind him briefly and courteously about how essential landline service is to you (and/or a family member, friend). john.reynolds@cpuc.ca.gov CPUC commissioners are appointed by and under the authority of the Governor. Let Newsom's office hear your voice by email or phone:https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ Local leaders have also received notice of AT&T's request. Let their offices know why you and others depend on copper landlines. Contact your own city/town council as well as your state senator and assembly member. Sign and share this recently-started petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-landline-service-in-california 👫👫👫You might like to join this growing group: https://groups.io/g/savelandlines/ DON’T MISS: Public Participation Hearings specifically devoted to AT&T's request to abandon landlines. The in-person hearings are at the Mendocino Board of Supervisors 501 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482 on Thursday, February 22nd at 2pm and 6pm. The two virtual meetings will be held on March 19 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m Please save one of those March 19 times. THIS WILL BE THE LAST CHANCE to make a case for preserving wired landline/legacy copper service as we know it. After March 19, the CPUC will make a decision. About the hearings: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/proceedings-and-rulemaking/cpuc-public-participation-hearings (*Type CPUC Application A2303003 in the subject line of all email communications.) |