BEARS have been causing problems in Sierra County with heavy presence in the communities of Verdi and Loyalton. Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher stated he put out an Everbridge notification on July 27th to residents in Verdi due to bears breaking into three homes within four nights.
In Loyalton there are several bears roaming the streets. Fisher said over a two-week period, his office has received over a dozen calls for bears breaking into garages and homes, destroying fences and eating two of three 4-H turkeys about to go to Fair.
He also responded to the fire camp for the Elephant Fire who were having issues. Deputies have been hazing the bears with vehicles, air horns and bean bags.
The Sheriff’s office is working with California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Two property owners applied for depredation permits. One was issued for Verdi and one in Loyalton. CDFW is in the process of trapping the problem bears. Fisher said they tried to get two additional permits for Verdi, but property owners were denied. He noted CDFW has a strict policy on when they will issue permits and the bears didn’t do enough damage when they broke into the homes to warrant the additional permits. Residents are urged to remove bear attracters, lock windows, doors and cars.
Sierra County Supervisors Discuss Potential Impacts of Data Center Development
Concerns over the possibility of future data center development brought a crowd of residents to the Sierra County Board of Supervisors' regular meeting on July 21, in Loyalton where officials emphasized that no proposal has been submitted and no project is currently under consideration.
Board Chair Paul Roen explained that the mill property's owner had never previously been approached by any entity interested in developing a data center. However, Roen and the owner recently met with an individual who expressed interest in the site. Roen stressed that the conversation was preliminary.
"There is no project," Roen assured those in attendance. "Nothing has come forward other than interest."
Despite the absence of a formal proposal, many residents voiced concerns based on experiences in other communities.
Denise Brown shared that her daughter lives next to two data centers and described noise and wastewater as significant problems. After researching the issue herself, Brown urged supervisors to consult with communities where data centers have already been built.
Resident Pat McCarthy called on the board to adopt a moratorium on data center development until the technology improves.
Chelsea Johnson, owner of The Gilded Drifter, said her business depends on the area's quality of life and expressed concerns about potential noise, wastewater, and increased electricity demands.
Laura Sexton also supported a moratorium. "Don't leave a crack in the door for these people to come in," she said, adding that she sees little benefit to locating a data center in Sierra County.
Planning and Building Director Brandon Pangman told the board that his department has received no applications or development proposals. He recommended waiting until a formal proposal is submitted and make an informed decision. Pangman assured residents that any future project would undergo a public review process.
"There won't be any backroom deals, without full disclosure" he said.
Roen stated he did not want to appear anti-business, noting he would like to see the Loyalton cogeneration plant operating again. He explained that biomass fuel projects have become significantly more expensive be-
cause the facility is no longer in operation.
Supervisor Lee Adams acknowledged residents' concerns and asked Pangman to explain the environmental review process. Pangman noted that any data center proposal would trigger review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), requiring environmental analysis, multiple public meetings, and likely more than a year to complete. He estimated the review process alone could cost more than $100,000.
Roen said he intends to continue learning more about data centers before taking any position.
Adams stated that public perception can quickly become reality and suggested forming a Standing Committee to allow continued public participation while the county gathers information.
"We want to make sure whatever is coming to Sierra County fits," Adams said.
Supervisor Sharon Dryden reflected on Loyalton's economic history, recalling that when she moved to the community in 1990, the town was thriving because of the mill. After the mill closed, she said, the community lost both jobs and population.
Dryden noted that the former mill remains an unused industrial site and said the county still needs a location for green waste disposal and hopes to see the cogeneration facility restarted.
"This town needs a viable option for jobs," she said, explaining that she is keeping an open mind while recognizing the community's concerns.
Dryden added that many questions remain unanswered because no proposal exists, making it important for county officials to educate themselves before making decisions.
Supervisor Lila Heuer said she understands why residents are concerned, acknowledging that data centers have created problems in some communities where information was not always transparent. However, she emphasized that California's environmental review laws require a public process.
"You can't do that in California," Heuer said, referring to secretive development approvals. "There's a process, and they can't do anything behind closed doors."
She added that she was saddened anyone would believe the board would knowingly support a project harmful to Sierra County, pointing to the county's own experience with strict environmental regulations that prevented construction of a bike path along Smithneck Road.
"We love this county and don't want to harm it," Heuer said.
At the conclusion of the discussion, the board agreed to establish a Standing Committee to further study the issue. The committee will consist of Board Chair Paul Roen and Supervisor Sharon Dryden, with Supervisor Terry LeBlanc serving as the alternate.
THE EVICTION of Sierra County Probation from its longtime office at 105 Beckwith Street in Loyalton dominated discussion during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on July 21, as officials, residents and community leaders weighed in on the on-going dispute with the City of Loyalton.
Supervisor Sharon Dryden reported that an ad hoc committee has been working with Chief Probation Officer Chuck Henson to identify a new location for the department. The committee recently toured a prospective site that Dryden described as "a very viable option." She also suggested the County begin looking for an alternative location to hold Board of Supervisors meetings if relocation becomes necessary.
Board Chair Paul Roen clarified the timeline leading up to the eviction notice, saying there had been no verbal negotiations with the City. Instead, an updated lease was found on Henson's desk in late March that proposed doubling the rent while adding “a whole lot of liabilities.” The Board rejected those terms, submitted a counteroffer that was denied, then sent a second proposal before ultimately receiving the eviction notice.
Dryden noted the County offered a “fair price” several years ago when they tried to buy the building that needs repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements. The offer was denied, though Dryden stated the City can’t afford to maintain it.
While she said she was disappointed by the prospect having both Board meetings in Downieville, she believed the County may have no other choice if an agreement cannot be reached.
Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District Superintendent Sean Snider emphasized the importance of keeping Probation in its current location near local schools and offered to help facilitate discussions between the County and City.
Resident Joyce Cameron echoed those concerns, saying the decision came from the City Council rather than the community as a whole. She said Probation's location is valuable because officers can “run” to incidents at nearby schools and expressed hope the matter could be resolved.
Resident Phyllis DeMartini argued that the County's current lease—$1,000 per month with a $100 credit for electricity—was well below market value. She didn’t think they could pay rent anywhere for that amount and didn’t feel it was unreasonable to raise the rent. She also felt the city was paying a “fair amount of money” for law enforcement at $2,500 per month and giving the County $100,000 from the COPS grant.
County supervisors responded by pointing to the broader costs of providing public safety services.
Supervisor Adams said the Sheriff’s current budget is $4 million a year and about 25% of the population lives in Loyalton. He said it should be paying close to $1 million and “isn’t even close.” Roen added that the Sheriff's Office responded to 632 emergency 911 calls in Loyalton last year and is conducting a five-year time study to better document the actual cost of services provided to the City.
The discussion also turned to the distribution of tax revenues between the County and incorporated cities. DeMartini questioned how much of local tax dollars are returned to Loyalton. Adams explained that the current allocation is based on agreements established decades ago when the city was incorporated and that counties are legally required to provide many public services, while cities exist by choice of their residents. Roen added that the revenue-sharing formula is set by state law and has remained unchanged.
Resident Becky Kinkead stated the County has been very good to the City and hoped for a fair and reasonable outcome. If not, she felt the County needed to exit both buildings, adding the “City brought this upon themselves.”
At the Loyalton City Council meeting held that evening, Sierra-Plumas County Board of Education and District Governing Board President, Rhynie Hollitz spoke during Public Comment concerning the 120-day eviction notice on Probation, having read the newspaper. His hope was for the County and schools and City to work out a solution. He called it a “public safety issue.” He told of last year’s gun on campus and if the Probation moved to Sierraville School, response time for kids and staff concern him and Probation won’t be “right next door.” He called a solution a “win-win situation.”
Joyce Cameron called having Probation “an asset to our town” and makes her neighborhood, school and park safer. She told how having the Probation building vacated won’t do anyone any help. She told of the need for communication and to get together. She stated how the City has no money and how “none of this makes any sense.” She was in favor of meeting every two weeks and wanted “real discussion” and to “get it settled.”
Phyllis DeMartini would like to see the County and City work together and stated there’s always been a “separation.” She brought up what the City receives from property tax, and wanted it public knowledge, stating, “We don’t know what it is.”
Chris Robles understood the County doesn’t give the City much property tax, stating most cities pay 15% with the mayor stating, as high as 45%.
Mayor Joy Markum spoke up under caution from City Clerk Kathy LeBlanc and stated the City was in negotiations with the County. She gave a short history of the Probation rate increase in December and the new contract to Probation in March. The last response the County offered was $1,200 for the whole area which is “a lot of floor space,” and the mayor felt the amount was “not enough.” She’d done her research she said, and called the amount the City wanted “right on target” compared to other buildings in northern California. She told of no counter offer since the $1,200 and the City wanted $1,800 for the bigger floor space.
Under question, Markum stated the Probation building was up to code and for maintenance, the City was supposed to maintain the outside and Probation inside. It was agreed County Supervisor Terry LeBlanc should be present and the mayor repeated, “We are in negotiations.” She verified how the Sheriff’s Office gets a grant that pays $100,000/year to take care of our community and the City pays an extra $1,250/month for services. She was willing to negotiate with two members of the County to sit down with her and Sue McIlravy. “The ball is now in the County’s hands.” The City attorney, according to Markum, has contacted their attorney. Under question, she stated the County has never paid for use of the conference room.
SPEED LIMITS were discussed during the Department Manager’s reports at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting July 21st. Public Works Director Josh Handel reported he had a discussion with Caltrans and felt Caltrans is trying to deny as many requests to revise speed limits as they can, noting they are receiving a lot. Handel said they will need to be the “squeaky wheel.” It was suggested to contact Assemblywoman Hadwick’s office to have a representative attend the next meeting with Caltrans.
Handel also reported that the Sierra City Transfer Station would be closed to green waste after July 26th.
In Loyalton there are several bears roaming the streets. Fisher said over a two-week period, his office has received over a dozen calls for bears breaking into garages and homes, destroying fences and eating two of three 4-H turkeys about to go to Fair.
He also responded to the fire camp for the Elephant Fire who were having issues. Deputies have been hazing the bears with vehicles, air horns and bean bags.
The Sheriff’s office is working with California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Two property owners applied for depredation permits. One was issued for Verdi and one in Loyalton. CDFW is in the process of trapping the problem bears. Fisher said they tried to get two additional permits for Verdi, but property owners were denied. He noted CDFW has a strict policy on when they will issue permits and the bears didn’t do enough damage when they broke into the homes to warrant the additional permits. Residents are urged to remove bear attracters, lock windows, doors and cars.
Sierra County Supervisors Discuss Potential Impacts of Data Center Development
Concerns over the possibility of future data center development brought a crowd of residents to the Sierra County Board of Supervisors' regular meeting on July 21, in Loyalton where officials emphasized that no proposal has been submitted and no project is currently under consideration.
Board Chair Paul Roen explained that the mill property's owner had never previously been approached by any entity interested in developing a data center. However, Roen and the owner recently met with an individual who expressed interest in the site. Roen stressed that the conversation was preliminary.
"There is no project," Roen assured those in attendance. "Nothing has come forward other than interest."
Despite the absence of a formal proposal, many residents voiced concerns based on experiences in other communities.
Denise Brown shared that her daughter lives next to two data centers and described noise and wastewater as significant problems. After researching the issue herself, Brown urged supervisors to consult with communities where data centers have already been built.
Resident Pat McCarthy called on the board to adopt a moratorium on data center development until the technology improves.
Chelsea Johnson, owner of The Gilded Drifter, said her business depends on the area's quality of life and expressed concerns about potential noise, wastewater, and increased electricity demands.
Laura Sexton also supported a moratorium. "Don't leave a crack in the door for these people to come in," she said, adding that she sees little benefit to locating a data center in Sierra County.
Planning and Building Director Brandon Pangman told the board that his department has received no applications or development proposals. He recommended waiting until a formal proposal is submitted and make an informed decision. Pangman assured residents that any future project would undergo a public review process.
"There won't be any backroom deals, without full disclosure" he said.
Roen stated he did not want to appear anti-business, noting he would like to see the Loyalton cogeneration plant operating again. He explained that biomass fuel projects have become significantly more expensive be-
cause the facility is no longer in operation.
Supervisor Lee Adams acknowledged residents' concerns and asked Pangman to explain the environmental review process. Pangman noted that any data center proposal would trigger review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), requiring environmental analysis, multiple public meetings, and likely more than a year to complete. He estimated the review process alone could cost more than $100,000.
Roen said he intends to continue learning more about data centers before taking any position.
Adams stated that public perception can quickly become reality and suggested forming a Standing Committee to allow continued public participation while the county gathers information.
"We want to make sure whatever is coming to Sierra County fits," Adams said.
Supervisor Sharon Dryden reflected on Loyalton's economic history, recalling that when she moved to the community in 1990, the town was thriving because of the mill. After the mill closed, she said, the community lost both jobs and population.
Dryden noted that the former mill remains an unused industrial site and said the county still needs a location for green waste disposal and hopes to see the cogeneration facility restarted.
"This town needs a viable option for jobs," she said, explaining that she is keeping an open mind while recognizing the community's concerns.
Dryden added that many questions remain unanswered because no proposal exists, making it important for county officials to educate themselves before making decisions.
Supervisor Lila Heuer said she understands why residents are concerned, acknowledging that data centers have created problems in some communities where information was not always transparent. However, she emphasized that California's environmental review laws require a public process.
"You can't do that in California," Heuer said, referring to secretive development approvals. "There's a process, and they can't do anything behind closed doors."
She added that she was saddened anyone would believe the board would knowingly support a project harmful to Sierra County, pointing to the county's own experience with strict environmental regulations that prevented construction of a bike path along Smithneck Road.
"We love this county and don't want to harm it," Heuer said.
At the conclusion of the discussion, the board agreed to establish a Standing Committee to further study the issue. The committee will consist of Board Chair Paul Roen and Supervisor Sharon Dryden, with Supervisor Terry LeBlanc serving as the alternate.
THE EVICTION of Sierra County Probation from its longtime office at 105 Beckwith Street in Loyalton dominated discussion during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on July 21, as officials, residents and community leaders weighed in on the on-going dispute with the City of Loyalton.
Supervisor Sharon Dryden reported that an ad hoc committee has been working with Chief Probation Officer Chuck Henson to identify a new location for the department. The committee recently toured a prospective site that Dryden described as "a very viable option." She also suggested the County begin looking for an alternative location to hold Board of Supervisors meetings if relocation becomes necessary.
Board Chair Paul Roen clarified the timeline leading up to the eviction notice, saying there had been no verbal negotiations with the City. Instead, an updated lease was found on Henson's desk in late March that proposed doubling the rent while adding “a whole lot of liabilities.” The Board rejected those terms, submitted a counteroffer that was denied, then sent a second proposal before ultimately receiving the eviction notice.
Dryden noted the County offered a “fair price” several years ago when they tried to buy the building that needs repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements. The offer was denied, though Dryden stated the City can’t afford to maintain it.
While she said she was disappointed by the prospect having both Board meetings in Downieville, she believed the County may have no other choice if an agreement cannot be reached.
Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District Superintendent Sean Snider emphasized the importance of keeping Probation in its current location near local schools and offered to help facilitate discussions between the County and City.
Resident Joyce Cameron echoed those concerns, saying the decision came from the City Council rather than the community as a whole. She said Probation's location is valuable because officers can “run” to incidents at nearby schools and expressed hope the matter could be resolved.
Resident Phyllis DeMartini argued that the County's current lease—$1,000 per month with a $100 credit for electricity—was well below market value. She didn’t think they could pay rent anywhere for that amount and didn’t feel it was unreasonable to raise the rent. She also felt the city was paying a “fair amount of money” for law enforcement at $2,500 per month and giving the County $100,000 from the COPS grant.
County supervisors responded by pointing to the broader costs of providing public safety services.
Supervisor Adams said the Sheriff’s current budget is $4 million a year and about 25% of the population lives in Loyalton. He said it should be paying close to $1 million and “isn’t even close.” Roen added that the Sheriff's Office responded to 632 emergency 911 calls in Loyalton last year and is conducting a five-year time study to better document the actual cost of services provided to the City.
The discussion also turned to the distribution of tax revenues between the County and incorporated cities. DeMartini questioned how much of local tax dollars are returned to Loyalton. Adams explained that the current allocation is based on agreements established decades ago when the city was incorporated and that counties are legally required to provide many public services, while cities exist by choice of their residents. Roen added that the revenue-sharing formula is set by state law and has remained unchanged.
Resident Becky Kinkead stated the County has been very good to the City and hoped for a fair and reasonable outcome. If not, she felt the County needed to exit both buildings, adding the “City brought this upon themselves.”
At the Loyalton City Council meeting held that evening, Sierra-Plumas County Board of Education and District Governing Board President, Rhynie Hollitz spoke during Public Comment concerning the 120-day eviction notice on Probation, having read the newspaper. His hope was for the County and schools and City to work out a solution. He called it a “public safety issue.” He told of last year’s gun on campus and if the Probation moved to Sierraville School, response time for kids and staff concern him and Probation won’t be “right next door.” He called a solution a “win-win situation.”
Joyce Cameron called having Probation “an asset to our town” and makes her neighborhood, school and park safer. She told how having the Probation building vacated won’t do anyone any help. She told of the need for communication and to get together. She stated how the City has no money and how “none of this makes any sense.” She was in favor of meeting every two weeks and wanted “real discussion” and to “get it settled.”
Phyllis DeMartini would like to see the County and City work together and stated there’s always been a “separation.” She brought up what the City receives from property tax, and wanted it public knowledge, stating, “We don’t know what it is.”
Chris Robles understood the County doesn’t give the City much property tax, stating most cities pay 15% with the mayor stating, as high as 45%.
Mayor Joy Markum spoke up under caution from City Clerk Kathy LeBlanc and stated the City was in negotiations with the County. She gave a short history of the Probation rate increase in December and the new contract to Probation in March. The last response the County offered was $1,200 for the whole area which is “a lot of floor space,” and the mayor felt the amount was “not enough.” She’d done her research she said, and called the amount the City wanted “right on target” compared to other buildings in northern California. She told of no counter offer since the $1,200 and the City wanted $1,800 for the bigger floor space.
Under question, Markum stated the Probation building was up to code and for maintenance, the City was supposed to maintain the outside and Probation inside. It was agreed County Supervisor Terry LeBlanc should be present and the mayor repeated, “We are in negotiations.” She verified how the Sheriff’s Office gets a grant that pays $100,000/year to take care of our community and the City pays an extra $1,250/month for services. She was willing to negotiate with two members of the County to sit down with her and Sue McIlravy. “The ball is now in the County’s hands.” The City attorney, according to Markum, has contacted their attorney. Under question, she stated the County has never paid for use of the conference room.
SPEED LIMITS were discussed during the Department Manager’s reports at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting July 21st. Public Works Director Josh Handel reported he had a discussion with Caltrans and felt Caltrans is trying to deny as many requests to revise speed limits as they can, noting they are receiving a lot. Handel said they will need to be the “squeaky wheel.” It was suggested to contact Assemblywoman Hadwick’s office to have a representative attend the next meeting with Caltrans.
Handel also reported that the Sierra City Transfer Station would be closed to green waste after July 26th.
