| Click the button below to search for articles... View News Items from prior months... June 2021 July 2020 June 2016 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 February 2013 November 2012 October 2012 August 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 November 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 October 2010 September 2010 February 2010 January 2010 | CDFW Completes Deer Capture Project in Truckee Area The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has successfully completed a deer capture project involving the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd. The purpose of the capture and study is to help researchers better understand deer migration patterns and reduce the high number of automobile/deer collisions on a busy 25-mile stretch of Highway 89. Using tranquilizer darts, CDFW wildlife biologists captured 13 does and fitted them with global positioning satellite (GPS) collars. Blood and hair samples were taken, length and weight measurements were recorded and general health inspections were conducted on each animal. This project was made possible through collaboration between CDFW and the California Deer Association (CDA). "We are proud to partner with the department and others to ensure important wildlife studies and habitat conservation work continues," said CDA Chief Executive Officer Roman Porter. "In addition to the grants awarded by CDA's generous members, fees from hunting licenses and tags also help fund these important efforts to ensure healthy deer herds for years to come." The GPS collars will record the location and send the information to researchers through a satellite. This will allow scientists to track the deer as they move from summer to winter ranges throughout the year often crossing Highway 89. Caltrans carcass data have confirmed that more than 1,000 deer have been killed along this busy road in the last 30 years. "The tracking collars will show us exactly when, where and how the deer move throughout the landscape," said CDFW Environmental Scientist Sara Holm. "This type of information helps us make decisions on what type of crossing structures will make the most difference in saving the lives of both wildlife and people." California's scenic Highway 89 runs through the lush meadows and dense pine trees of the Tahoe National Forest. Its western edge borders the Sagehen Creek Field Station and also happens to bisect the migration route of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd. An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 cars travel Highway 89 each day, making the trip extremely perilous for humans and wildlife alike. The Loyalton-Truckee mule deer are a migratory herd inside the Tahoe National Forest. The herd occupies the premium deer zones X7a/b. They have been studied for more than a decade for various reasons including health and migration patterns. It is estimated that more than 2,000 deer occupy this area. Published: 07/30/15 Arrest and Marijuana garden eradication members from Plumas County SWAT Team, USFS Law Enforcement, United States National Guard and PJs Helicopter conducted a Marijuana eradication raid on July 15th in the area of the Moonlight fire near Antelope Lake. The raid team and support staff of approximately 25 personnel recovered approximately 16,500 Marijuana plants. The Marijuana garden was spread out over approximately ½ a mile with four different plots in rugged steep brushy terrain. There was a large amount of trash, fertilizer, chemicals and pesticides located in and around the garden. The characteristics of this garden were consistent with the gardens of large Drug Trafficking Organizations operated by the Mexican Drug Cartel. During entry into the suspects camp by Plumas County Sheriff and USFS Law Enforcement, 1 Hispanic male was encountered. The suspect Jose Luis Barajas Alejandres 32 yoa from Moreli, Michoacan , Mexico fled on foot after several announcements for the suspect to surrender and was pursued on foot by Law Enforcement. Due to the danger of pursuing subjects on foot in a marijuana grow a USFS K9 was deployed. The K9 was able to apprehend one suspect, Jose Luis Barajas Alejandres 32 yoa from Morelia, Michocan, Mexico. During the foot chase and apprehension by the K9 the suspect sustained a broken leg and numerous bite marks while attempting to evade and resist arrest. The suspect was treated at the grow site for his injuries. The suspect was then flown out by USFS Helicopter to Greenville where he was transported by ground ambulance to Plumas District Hospital in Quincy. It is believed based on evidence in the camp that there were a total of 3 suspects tending to the garden. The investigation is ongoing. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that Marijuana cultivation possesses a public safety hazard to our community by the efforts these gardeners take to protect their crops, utilizing firearms and booby traps to scare off and sometimes injure the public. In addition these cultivations destroy our public lands and resources by the trash left by the suspects, the mass amounts of fertilizer and pesticides used by the gardeners which can leach into our water shed. Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office. Indicators to look for may be drip line, remote campsites, gardening tools, bags of fertilizer or pesticides, trash piles and encounters with unusual subjects on national or private lands. Currently the Sheriff’s Office and USFS have pulled approximately 38,000 plants from USFS lands. MORE MARIJUANA: On 7/15/2015, Plumas County SWAT Team, USFS Law Enforcement, Department of Fish and Wildlife and A&P Helicopter conducted a Marijuana eradication raid in the area of Red Bridge off the Laporte Rd and Fish Creek south of Eureka Ridge. The raid team and support staff of approximately 25 personnel recovered approximately 23,000 marijuana plants from the two gardens combined. There were large amounts of trash, fertilizer, chemicals and pesticides located in and around the garden. The characteristics of this garden were consistent with the gardens of large Drug Trafficking Organizations operated by the Mexican Drug Cartel. No suspects were encountered in the garden at the time of eradication but the investigation is ongoing. No weapons were recovered from these particular gardens, although there have been weapons recov- ered in numerous other gardens throughout the north state. There have been shots fired at the public as well as law enforcement who have encountered the suspects tending to the gardens. Currently the Sheriff’s Office and USFS have pulled approximately 75,000 plants from USFS lands. Two Marijuana garden eradications Date of Release: 7/29/2015 Location of Occurrence: #1 Seneca #2 Gilson Creek near Oakland Camp Agencies: Plumas County SWAT Team, USFS Law Enforcement, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Butte County Sheriff’s SEU and helicopter On 7/29/2015, members from the above listed agencies conducted a marijuana eradication raid in the area of Seneca. The raid team and support staff of approximately 25 personnel recovered approximately 20,000 marijuana plants. There were large amounts of trash, fertilizer, chemicals and pesticides located in and around the garden. The garden was located in rugged steep terrain in the Chips Fire area that burned in 2012. The characteristics of this garden were consistent with the gardens of large Drug Trafficking Organizations operated by the Mexican Drug Cartel. No suspects were encountered in the garden at the time of eradication but the investigation is ongoing. Also on this date, members from the above listed agencies conducted a second marijuana eradication raid in the area of Gilson Creek 1 mile north of Oakland Camp in Quincy. The raid team and support staff of approximately 25 personnel recovered approximately 3,500 marijuana plants. Two suspects were encounter but were able to flee and avoid arrest through the brushy steep terrain. There were large amounts of trash, fertilizer, chemicals and pesticides located in and around the garden. The garden was located in rugged steep terrain in the Mount Hough State Game Refuge. The characteristics of this garden were consistent with the gardens of large Drug Trafficking Organizations operated by the Mexican Drug. The estimated value of the 23,000 plants would be in excess of ten million dollars. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that marijuana cultivation possesses a public safety hazard to our community by the efforts these gardeners take to protect their crops, utilizing firearms and booby traps to scare off and sometimes injure the public. In addition these cultivations destroy our public lands and resources by the trash left by the suspects, the mass amounts of fertilizer and pesticides used by the gardeners which can leach into our water shed. Several forest fires have been caused by these growers by use of camp stoves and/or small camp fires. Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office. Indicators to look for may be drip line, remote campsites, gardening tools, bags of fertilizer or pesticides, trash piles and encounters with unusual subjects on public or private lands. Currently the Sheriff’s Office and USFS have pulled approximately 98,000 plants from public lands. Published: 07/30/15 SIERRA COUNTY A BIG WINNER AT THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR! I am delighted to announce that the Sierra County Exhibit won the following awards at the State Fair: Gold Ribbon (we received 93 out of 100 points), the Best of Division for a Community Built Exhibit, and the People’s Choice Award for the “Most Fun” Exhibit. This could not have been accomplished without all of the help and support of our community. The following individuals should be commended for spending many hours building the exhibit: Mike Gyorfi, Jessie Gyorfi, John Bryan, Bryan Davey, Derek Beverly, Sig Ostrom, Gary Grutkowski, Ed Dail, Sandy Blake and Blake George. I am very grateful to these awesome volunteers who spent a day or more in Sacramento staffing the exhibit, which is a very important part of Sierra County’s participation at the fair: Lee Kirby, Tom Hunt, Liz Fisher, Sandi Kendall, Kaaren Smith, Enid Williams, Shirley Shank, Dave Marshall, Carol Marshall, Earl Withycombe, Olivia McCaffrey, Sharon Grenier, Curt Johnson, Donna Johnson, Ann Hutchison, David Hutchison, Mary Jungi, Dale Teubert, Bailey Jungi, Isabelle Acuna, Dianne Bruns, Desert Revels, Joy Lovett, Luna Payton, Lillian Lutes, Trinity Kelley, Teri Pederson, Hannah Pederson, Jan Koettel, Christie Brzyscz, Bruce Palmer, Colicia Palmer, Annie Terrassas-Fassbender, Craig Fassbender, Julie Osburn, Mike Galan, Karen Galan, Mary Davey and Bryan Davey. A huge thank you to these other individuals who donated their expertise or materials for the exhibit: Greg Bostrom, who built the replica of the Ruby Mine and Billy Epps and Sara Berndt who brought the Ruby Mine down to Sacramento; Curt & Donna Johnson for designing and building the county sign, Darby Hayes for the Townsend Big Ear Bats sign, the Sierra County Historical Society for the loan of pictures, Mary Davey for her photos and production of the DVD, Dave Marshall for the design of the gold display, Will Clark for loaning the ore cart, Ed Dail for building the ore cart and the tracking and Paul (Mike Gyorfi’s friend) who made the ore cart move, Paul Roen and Bryan and Mary Davey for loaning building and roofing materials. To Jessie and Mike Gyorfi, Mike and Karen Galan, and Bryan and Mary Davey who were there until the wee hours of the morning breaking down the exhibit after the fair closing, a big thank you. Thank you to Tim Beals and the Board of Supervisors for all of their support of Sierra County’s participation at the fair the past several years. And thank you – Sierra County community members – who were able to make it down to the fair and for voting for Sierra County for the People’s Choice Award. This year’s exhibit would not have happened without the vision of Kathy Breed, who designed the exhibit, and the dedication of Mike and Jessie Gyorfi, who carried the project through, with the assistance of Sandy Blake, until 6 am the morning of judging on July 9th. I have enjoyed working on this project with each and every one of you, and I am forever grateful to all of you who made this year’s exhibit at the fair a huge success. Mary Ervin – Sierra City Published: 07/29/15 California Statewide Fire Summary Wed., Sept. 8 On the fire front, we had no new large fire starts in CA over the holiday weekend although the Rough fire outside Fresno continues to burn vigorously. See the attached statewide fire map. Note: Updated figures for the Nickowitz and South Complex fires were not available at time of publishing the map; information shown on the map for those fires is from last night. Also, know that once an incident has reached 90% contained (indicated by the black flame icon) it will drop off the next version of the map. Published: 07/27/15 SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEKENDING July 24, 2015 Zachary Norden (21) Portola. He pled guilty to felony residential burglary, and will be sentenced on August 28, 2015. He is in custody on a no bail hold. David Money (33) Reno. After a contested preliminary hearing, Money was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of auto theft and possession of stolen property. He is in custody on $30,000 bail. Denny Daneri (59) Downieville. After pleading to Disturbing the peace, he was sentenced to three years probation, 34 days jail, and a fine of $685. Joshua Smith (20) Loyalton. Reckless driving, bringing a sentence of one year probation, and a fine of $685. Robert Hammett contributed $500 to the Sierra County Fish and Game Commission as a civil compromise involving stream pollution. Brian Bunin (49) Reno. Unlawful discharge of an arrow in an unsafe manner. Fine $849. David Hill (52) Alleghany. No valid driver’s license. Fine $385. Russell Penn (37) Loyalton. Driving while his license was suspended and failure to appear. Three years probation, 8 days jail, and a fine of $2134. Cory Grim (23) Fullerton. Grim was sentenced on a felony failure to appear. He recieved three years probation, 9 days jail, and a fine of $2395. Joshua Perry (28) Sparks Nevada. Driving under the influence. Three years probation, 2 days jail, fine $2427, and ordered to attend alcohol classes. Nicholas Zimmerman (27) Loyalton. Driving while suspended with a prior conviction. Eighteen months probation, 10 days jail, and fine of $1460. Published: 07/24/15 Time to Uproot Some Perennial Farming Myths By Tim Buzby As California descends further into its worst drought in recorded history, Golden Staters are looking for someone to blame. Many city-dwellers have pointed fingers at the State's farmers and ranchers. But they're blaming the victims. As Governor Jerry Brown put it, "[a]gricultural water users… have borne much of the brunt of the drought to date… with significantly reduced water allocations and thousands of farmworkers laid off." This misconception is only the latest in a long history of myths about American agriculture. It's time to plow under these myths and plant some seeds of truth about our nation's farmers. Myth: Big corporations have taken over the industry. The idea that most farms today are run by big business is a head scratcher. Data from the Census Bureau show that 97 percent of the 2.1 million farms in operation in the United States are family owned. In total, 88 percent are small family farms. Myth: All farmers are rich. Data from the USDA show that farm households make roughly the same income as the median American household. But that money mostly comes from off-farm sources -- such as a second job, Social Security, investment income and the like. The USDA reports that 70 percent of farm families have a second job. Clearly, these farmers are farming because they like the work, not because it's fattening their bank accounts. Myth: Farmers don't care about the environment. No other industry on the planet depends more on a clean, sustainable environment than farming. Farmers today are producing more with less. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, farmers produce 262 percent more food with 2 percent fewer inputs -- such as energy, seeds, fertilizer, feed -- compared with 1950. Farmers have also cut back drastically on chemicals. Between 1980 and 2007, they reduced their use of pesticides by 20 percent. Myth: Food costs too much. By any measure, food today is less expensive in America than ever before, thanks largely to the incredible increase in farm productivity over the years. As a result, American families spend a smaller share of their income on food -- just 6.7 percent -- than families in any other country in the world. By comparison, families in France and Japan devote roughly 14 percent of their income to food. Myth: Farming is in decline. Even though farming represents a small share of the job market, the farming industry remains a significant share of the economy. Agriculture and agriculture-related industries accounted for $776 billion in GDP in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farm productivity has nearly doubled since 1980. This economic strength is particularly important in America's rural communities. There, farming has been a crucial job creator, providing steady employment during the recession and creating new jobs in the years since. What's more, U.S. agriculture is only going to grow. By 2023, agriculture exports are projected to be close to $175 billion, a roughly 25 percent increase from last year's numbers. That's a future we can all benefit from. But to get there, farmers and ranchers need a little support -- in their home states and in Congress. And that support starts with a better understanding of who these Americans really are. Today's farmers are producing more with less, making food more affordable, helping to protect the environment, and providing crucial jobs for rural communities. And they're doing it out of a love of farming. That's a pretty good story to tell. And it's one that just happens to be true. Tim Buzby is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Farmer Mac. Published: 07/23/15 Plumas Sierra County Fair Recap Welcome to the Plumas Sierra County Consistent Fair! Some of the preliminary numbers are in on this year’s fair which ran from August 12 through the 16th, and they don’t show much change from last year, or even over the past five for that matter. Some catagories edged up slightly, some slipped, but no trend has developed. The good news is, all the numbers are certainly healthy. Attendance, parking, carnival sales and concession sales all saw slight increases. Judged exhibits were down slightly, although the number of paid exhibits held steady. In other words, many people turned in entry forms with the intention of bringing their jam, photo, or flower arrangement in, but didn’t make it. Many people comment on the lack of commercial vendors in Serpilio Hall. Overall, the Plumas Sierra County Fair had one less commercial vendor than last year, but many wanted to be outside. Since the beginning of the recession, there has been less vendors in Serpilio Hall, and it appears the primary reason is time. Although a business could be exposed to thousands of new customers by having a booth at the fair, they do not have the time or staff to physically be there. It would appear the reductions in payrolls has been the main reason for the drop in commercial vendors at the fair. Comments from those vendors that were there, were generally positive. It is very inexpensive to have a booth at the fair, so if anyone is interested in next year, please contact the fair office. Emphasis was put on who was collecting money for parking and it looked like the community responded. The wrestling programs from Chester and Quincy shared the duties and there were far less complaints from their customers. The $3 parking fee is far less than the $10 at places like Cal Expo, and here, the money is used to support wrestling and the fair. 200 more cars paid this year than last. The biggest increase was on Sunday, which had a 130 car increase. Overall, the wrestlers collected for 1574 cars. Thanks to increased pre-sale ticket sales, the carnival revenue was up by $3000. Fair goers were pleased with the free carousel rides on Thursday. Sunday and Thursday were wristband days, and there are tentative plans to make wristbands available each day and possible sell a week long wristband. It is worth noting, there are strings of fairs in rural parts of the country that no longer have carnivals. With the price of fuel and labor costs, it has become less attractive to travel to some of these locations. Although we are happy with Wold Amusements, the fair did extend an offer to over eight other carnival operators to submit a bid for the Plumas Sierra County Fair. We received no responses. We are fortunate to have Wold Amusements, and they are happy to serve our community. Jason Wold does all he can to keep his rides safe and fresh, and is constantly on the look out for extra rides or new ones to bring to Quincy. Food concession were up less than 1%, but this is one area that has increased each year over the past five years, and that is regardless of how many food vendors we have had. This year had 18 food vendors as opposed to 17 from last year. The top vendor sold basic fair food; hamburgers, corndogs and fries. The number two vendor was the Thai food, and number three was the ice cream vendor. Our local Indian Taco vendor was in the top six. Wednesday and Sunday were the Pay What You Can Days. The community came through. Wednesday, which had no carnival, came in virtually the same as last year. Visitors donated $768.04, $17.86 less than than 2014. Sunday, however, saw a big increase. 2014 saw $849.50 placed in the box, this year had $1632.10 donated. Both of these figures represent a fairly close amount to what was taken in with paid admission around four years ago. Thursday’s attendance was up 150 people, as was Friday’s. Saturday saw a 150 decrease in attendance. Paid attendance for the entire fair was 6254 and unpaid was 4246 for a total attendance of 10500, 14 more people than last year. How’s that for consistency? Most of the compliments received by the fair was for the grounds entertainment. MindSurfin’, Capn’ Jack Spareribs and Circus Imagination were well attended. Chipperstock 2015 was fun and received a lot of buzz by offering 100 free tie-dye t-shirts to the first 100 attendees. That was thanks to the event sponsor Diamond Mountain Casino in Susanville, who also offered special coupons to fair goers as well. Many people were amazed at the condition of the fairgrounds, in light of the drought, the recent High Sierra Music Festival, and the abbreviated maintenance staff. Mother Nature helped with her brief but intense afternoon rainstorms in July, but much credit has to go to Maintenance Supervisor Oran Morrison for his excellent skills. The fairgrounds are lucky to have him. There were many exciting changes to the horse show this year and the credit goes to Marie Anderson, Horse Show Manager. The Junior Rodeo and Versatility Show were great successes and will come back next year in an expanded form. The Extreme Bulls and Broncs show on Saturday night was standing room only once again, and the American Valley Speedway races on Sunday are one of the biggest of the year. Finally, the Art Barn, Home Arts, Floriculture and livestock areas were all complimented for the decorating and presentation of our exhibits. If you have any exhibits that need to be picked up, or if you want to pick up your premium check, call or stop by the Fair Office. The number is 283-6272 and they will make arrangements to get you your things. Published: 07/23/15 Sky-high fines are self-defeating By Brian Dahle Arthur came into my District Office one day with a problem. He explained his situation hoping to get help. Apparently, Arthur ran a red light and was caught by an automated camera system. Because no officer on patrol actually stopped him and told him what he had done wrong, he was not aware of the violation at the time. Arthur never received his ticket in the mail because he is in between homes. Court records show that the summonses had been returned undelivered on two occasions. Fortunately, Arthur was able to receive some mail which was delivered to a friend’s home including a letter from the DMV. The letter from the DMV warned him his license would be suspended for failing to pay the ticket. In order to solve the issue, Arthur went to the courthouse to explain the situation. He was offered a new court date and the judge said he would consider being lenient. Unfortunately, the court date was weeks after his license would be suspended. To clear up the suspension, he would have to pay the full fine and penalties; roughly $700 including hundreds in charges for failing to respond to a court summons. A summons the court’s own records show he never received. If he did not pay the fine, Arthur would be breaking the law anytime he drove his car. The car he happened to be living in when he was looking for work. Arthur was able to solve his issue, but millions of Californians are not as lucky. This is an issue that must be addressed. Caught between steep fines, automated enforcement, and a system that suspends driver’s licenses as a collections tool, millions of Californians have lost their ability to legally drive. A report this spring concluded that more than 4 million Californians’ licenses were suspended from 2006 to 2013, with only a tiny fraction ever restored. They owe some $10 billion in unpaid fines. If citizens cannot pay their fines in the first place, exactly how are they going to pay a much larger fine without the ability to legally drive? Unless they live in one of the few parts of the state with a robust public transportation network, which none of my rural constituents in the 1st Assembly District do, how are they going to obtain and maintain employment without a license? Some people are just too heedless or irresponsible to take care of their fines. Some measure of accountability is important. But suspending a driver’s license is a severe penalty that should be reserved for keeping the roads safe. Nobody is crying for the drunk drivers who lose their licenses. But the fact is, the law often treats DUI offenders with more grace than it does the fellow who could not pay the $230 ticket for an improper lane change. California needs to take a hard look at how its ticketing practices punish poor residents beyond reason or justice. The money raised through traffic fines pays for important programs such as DNA databases, emergency medical services, court construction. Scofflaws are an easy target, but we have crossed the line into extracting money for too many public services from those least able to pay. Suspending licenses for unpaid debts is not only cruel to those who truly cannot pay but counterproductive when it costs people the very jobs they need. For middle-class professionals, a ticket might be an embarrassment and a headache. For a family already scraping by on low or sporadic wages, the system leaves them stuck in a legal and financial trap – a “hellhole of desperation,” as Gov. Jerry Brown recently described it. The Governor has proposed an amnesty program for unpaid tickets with penalties waived and tickets reduced on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. It is a great idea, but just a start, more needs to be done. Assemblyman Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, represents California’s 1st Assembly District, which contains all of Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, and Shasta Counties, and portions of Butte and Placer Counties. Published: 07/21/15 Senator Gaines Adds New Protections For Emergency Responders From Drone Threat Drones Continuing to Menace Firefighting Efforts Around the State SACRAMENTO - Responding to continued drone interference in fighting wildfires, Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) today announced plans to introduce legislation to help protect emergency responders engaged in their life-saving work. Senate Bill 168, co-authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale), grants immunity to any emergency responder who damages an unmanned aircraft in the course of firefighting, air ambulance, or search-and-rescue operations. "This is maddening and I can't believe that hobby drones are risking people's lives to get videos on YouTube. Just this weekend in the North Fire, cars were torched on the freeways because drones made aerial firefighting efforts impossible. This bill will help make sure the skies are clear of drones and that the brave men and women fighting these fires can do their job of protecting the public without worrying about frivolous lawsuits," said Gaines. "Drone operators are risking lives when they fly over an emergency situation. Just because you have access to an expensive toy that can fly in a dangerous area doesn't mean you should do it," said Assemblyman Gatto, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. "The legislature needs to act swiftly to make sure we send a signal that our society won't put up with this nonsense after seeing drone operators once again interrupt firefighting efforts in the Cajon Pass." Gaines and Gatto are also teaming on Senate Bill 167, which increases fines and introduces the possibility of jail time for drone use that interferes with firefighting efforts. That legislation stems from additional, alarming reports of private, unauthorized drones causing mission-critical tanker aircraft to be grounded during firefighting operations, putting pilots, firefighters, civilians and property at unnecessary risk. Senate Bill 168 is a companion to that effort. Senate Bill 168 is intended to indemnify emergency personnel in the event that their efforts damage an unmanned aircraft. It is the authors' hope and intent that the advent of effective "jamming" technology could keep drones away from emergency response areas and flight paths, and that warnings and public education efforts could ensure that the safest, least-damaging methods for avoiding or disabling unauthorized drones will be the primary methods used in these crises. Gaines believes drones hold great promise for wildfire suppression and other emergency services when used properly by the responding agencies, but does not want rogue drones to interfere with the most effective response to time-sensitive crises. "Private drones don't belong around these emergencies. That is the first message I want to get out," said Senator Gaines. "But if one gets damaged or destroyed because it's in the way then that can't lead to financial penalty for the people trying to save lives and property. It's unfortunate, but that's all it is. People can replace drones, but we can't replace a life. When our rescuers are risking their own lives to protect us, I want them thinking about safety, not liability." # # # Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District, which includes all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou counties. Published: 07/20/15 WESTERN SIERRA MEDICAL CLINIC ADDS OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY SERVICES; HIRES DR. SCOTT MACK TO ESTABLISH PRACTICE GRASS VALLEY – Western Sierra Medical Clinic has established an obstetrics and gynecology practice, hiring a longtime physician to start the much-needed service in the region. Dr. Scott Mack — a 27-year obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN), most recently with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Roseville — is the first physician to join the Maternal Health Unit at Western Sierra. The community has a critical shortage of OB/GYNs, forcing many women to seek the specialty service in other communities. “Access to women’s health services is very important,” said Dr. Mack, who has already been meeting with patients during the past several days at Western Sierra in Grass Valley, and coordinating with other OB/GYNs to help continue to improve access to care for mothers and their still-developing babies. Western Sierra CEO Scott McFarland agrees, adding the nonprofit health center began focusing on the community’s critical shortage of OB/GYNs a few years ago and is committed to developing a first-rate, high-quality practice. The center has about 20 patients every month who deliver a baby, further indicating the need for an OB/GYN practice at Western Sierra. The center provides comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health care in Nevada, Sierra and Yuba counties. “It’s a critical component for a healthy community,” said McFarland, who added the health center is currently looking for a second OB/GYN to join Dr. Mack. “There is definitely a need, and we want to help meet it.” Dr. Glenn Thiel, Chief Medical Officer of Western Sierra, knows firsthand the demand for women’s health specialists in Nevada, Sierra and Yuba counties. “Women’s health is the foundation for healthy babies, children and families,” Thiel said. “Pre-natal care is so important; it plays a major role in a child’s health early on, but also for a lifetime.” Better health care through every stage of life is the mission of Western Sierra. The center’s far-reaching goal of a one-stop health facility is the future of health care, said Dr. Mack. “Our entire medical system will be turning to this team approach,” said Mack, who applauds the forward-looking effort by Western Sierra. “If you need to go to the lab or see another physician, it’s right down the hall.” Western Sierra already had maternity services, including a midwife, but not an OB/GYN until Dr. Mack joined the practice this month. “I have worked with many midwives and non-physician providers,” Dr. Mack said. “It’s all really part of a team effort. I’m the captain of the ship, but everyone is rowing the boat.” Dr. Mack went to medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Mack, whose father was a pediatrician and his daughter is a pathologist, has delivered almost 4,000 babies during his career. “I wasn’t sure, but at the end of the year, I clicked with OB/GYN,” Dr. Mack said of his experience with numerous areas of medicine during medical school before choosing his specialty. “We kind of do everything for women — and deliveries are fun. Delivering a baby never gets old.” But delivering babies is just part of obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Mack will handle many other medical issues, from helping women determine the most appropriate birth control to performing hysterectomies. “The field has changed a lot during the last 20 years or so, it’s a lot less invasive,” said Mack, who has physician privileges at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. He is also part of the on-call rotation at the local hospital. “We have a lot of non-surgical methods, and many more non-invasive surgeries.” Dr. Mack has been practicing medicine since 1987, when he was in private practice in Mobile, Ala. He moved to the Bay Area and became a physician for the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in 1993 and returned to private practice five years later in Fremont. Then, he joined Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Roseville in 2011, but bought a home in Grass Valley and commuted at least 90 minutes round-trip every workday. “In December, I drove by the building, and thought it looked very nice,” Dr. Mack said of the new Western Sierra Medical Clinic that opened on Old Tunnel Road in late 2014. The new facility is a few minutes from his home in Grass Valley. “I had minimal contact with the health care community, but I wanted to learn more about Western Sierra.” Dr. Mack’s interest in the fast-growing health clinic was near-perfect timing for Western Sierra, McFarland said. “With the new building we have a lot more space and we continue to look at bringing on additional specialties and expanding services,” McFarland said. “We’re very glad to have Dr. Mack, and help many of our patients get the health services they need.” Dr. Mack joined the health center at the beginning of the month and has been busy buying equipment, including an ultrasound machine, to meet the needs of patients. “I’m here now, and we are committed to continuing to build a women’s health department,” said Dr. Mack, who is married and has three children. “If (women) want an experienced OB/GYN who is up to date and cares about his patients, they will be very happy here.” About Western Sierra Medical Clinic Western Sierra Medical Clinic provides comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health care in Nevada, Sierra and Yuba counties. Founded in 1975, Western Sierra emphasizes preventive care, education and empowering patients to make informed decisions. Western Sierra provides services for the HMO and private markets, and to low-income and senior citizens. Western Sierra is the largest outpatient health care provider in Nevada County, where a new full-service health clinic meets the growing demands in the community. You can learn more about Western Sierra Medical Clinic at www.wsmcmed.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WesternSierraMedicalClinic. Published: 07/16/15 SENATOR GAINES CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE MEASURES TO COMBAT SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) today called on Governor Brown and state regulators to take any and all immediate measures available to stop the recent, massive spike in California gasoline prices. “This overnight price explosion is killing California families and businesses and we cannot afford one more day,” said Senator Gaines. “The California Air Resources Board needs to immediately suspend the expensive special ‘summer blend’ requirement so we can import more gas now. We need to defer the gasoline excise tax. Not in a week or a month but this very minute.” Supply disruptions are ostensibly behind the price jump, which saw prices shoot up between $0.20-0.50 per gallon statewide in less than a week. It is unclear when normal supplies will again be available and analysts expect prices to spike even further. Regardless, Senator Gaines saw the price spikes as part of a larger problem in California. “California is wildly overtaxed and overregulated and it makes everything in our state artificially expensive, even when things are working right. When something goes wrong, it shoots prices into the stratosphere,” he said. “That is not fair to families. We are regulating and taxing them into poverty.” Senator Gaines is currently carrying Senate Bill 1, which would suspend for the next decade the hidden gas tax that resulted from the expansion of California’s cap-and-trade program to include gasoline and diesel fuels. This program requires fuel producers to purchase emission allowances for every gallon of fuel sold in California. The tax went into effect on January 1, 2015 and has contributed to the increase in fuel costs. Senate Bill 1 would suspend that increase for the next decade, saving individuals and businesses money and giving technology an opportunity to catch up. Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District, which includes all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou counties. # # # Published: 07/16/15 SIERRA COUNTY GRABS GOLD SACRAMENTO–Sierra County’s State Fair exhibit took a gold medal, and was named best community built exhibit. The award was presented to the Chamber’s Mary Ervin at a banquet for exhibitors on Friday, July 10. Attending were the builders and several other Sierrans including Supervisor Jim Beard, Director of Public Works Tim Beals, and Patty Hall of the FireSafe Council and Economic Development Committee. The exhibit prominently features Greg Bostrom’s model mine adit as well as a replica of the Kentucky Mine and a stamp mill, connected with an ore cart tramway. In addition to the gold mine theme, the exhibit highlights Sierra County’s agriculture, history, and the County’s traditional events. Designed by the late Kathy Breed, the “set” was built by Jessie and Mike Gyorfi, John Bryan, Bryan Davey, Derek Beverly, Sig Ostrom, Gary Grutkowski, Ed Dail, Sandy Blake and Blake George. An associate of Mike Gyorfi's, came down the final evening before judging and was able to get the ore cart to move back and forth. Billy Epps and Sara Berndt brought the Ruby Mine down to Cal Expo the first day of building. Kurt and Donna Johnson made the Gold Pan County sign. Darby Hayes made a duplicate sign explaining about the Townsend Big-Ear Bats at the Kentucky Mine which is on display at the exhibit. The Sierra County Historical Society loaned us pictures for the exhibit. Mary Davey created the DVD. Will Clark loaned the ore cart. Dave Marshall made the gold display. Paul Roen provided building and roofing materials as well as Bryan and Mary Davey. Builders are still hoping to snare the People’s Choice award, which wil be awarded just before the fair ends on July 26. Published: 07/15/15 A Pothole Strategy to Raise Taxes? As seen in the Fresno Bee, Redding Record Searchlight and The Desert Independent By George Runner Call me a conspiracy theorist, but something is rotten with road funding in California. Sacramento is flush with billions in unanticipated revenue. Yet a record $115 billion budget spending plan signed by Gov. Jerry Brown shortchanges the state's transportation and infrastructure needs. The only real funding boost goes to high-speed rail. Budgets reflect priorities, and this shows that fixing roads is not a priority to Democratic legislators. Instead of fixing deteriorating freeways, some liberal lawmakers still hope Californians will give up their cars and ride mass transit. But tax-and-spend politicians sense an opportunity. By starving road maintenance budgets, they hope to create public pressure for tax increases. Rather than curb wasteful spending, they want to have their cake and eat it, too. Call it the "pothole strategy." It's similar to when the federal government closes the Washington Monument or school districts force teachers to buy their supplies. These highly visible actions appeal to people's emotions and can generate public support for higher taxes. I hope Californians will not fall for this trick. The governor's recent call for a special session of the Legislature on road funding provides an opportunity for lawmakers to push for higher road taxes. And Brown has now indicated that his promise to require a public vote on new taxes was for his first term only. It will only take a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and the governor's signature to raise your taxes. Already this year, Democratic lawmakers have proposed new road-user charges and higher gas taxes aimed at generating billions in new revenue. What's particularly frustrating about these efforts is that Californians are paying more gas taxes this year. California's mysterious cap-and-trade auction on carbon emissions is bringing in billions in new revenue. Since Jan. 1, much of this funding comes courtesy of California motorists who pay a new "hidden gas tax" on tailpipe emissions. It's called a "hidden tax" because no one seems to know how much it actually is, though most experts seem to agree it's at least 10 cents a gallon. So far, not a dime of the money collected has been used to improve our roads. Rather policymakers are directing billions to pet projects, like high-speed rail, and favored constituencies. Due to high taxes, unique regulations and limited refining capacity, California gas prices are higher than nearly all other states. California's gas prices this year have at times exceeded the national average by more than a dollar per gallon! Over a 10-year period leading up to 2014, sales and excise tax revenues from fuel sales grew by nearly 35% - from $6.5 billion to a record $8.7 billion. Due to a complicated formula the Legislature enacted five years ago, Californians have been overpaying tax. That's why my colleagues and I on the Board of Equalization lowered the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon as of July 1. If you hear complaints about transportation funding cuts resulting from this rate cut, keep in mind that local governments essentially received their funding sooner than they would have otherwise. It's like a payday advance. When you get paid early, you shouldn't complain about not getting a second paycheck on the regular payday. Neither should government. Instead of raising taxes, lawmakers ought to use the upcoming special session on roads to: Identify and eliminate bureaucratic waste and mismanagement that drives up the cost of transportation projects. Close loopholes that allow diversion of transportation dollars. Prioritize spending to ensure funding for highways, roads and other vital infrastructure needs. Direct cap-and-trade revenues to fighting emission-causing traffic congestion and gridlock by expanding roads and building new ones. Repeal the confusing "gas tax swap" and restore a fuel tax system that is clear and easy for the public to understand at the pump. Direct the California Transportation Commission's Road Charge Pilot Program to consider only revenue-neutral alternatives to the gas tax system. If, after taking these actions, the governor and Legislature remain convinced of the need for higher tax to fund roads, they should put forward their best plan and let voters decide. Giving the public a chance to weigh in on the issue, however, doesn't let lawmakers off the hook who got us into this situation by grossly mismanaging taxpayer dollars. ### Published: 07/15/15 CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL REPORT: CHP REPORT: On August 28 at approx. 12:15 a.m., Russel W. Cohen, 67 of Reno, NV was driving a Sea Breez motor home in Portola, westbound on SR-70 west of West Sierra Ave. Cohen related he removed his eyes from the roadway to look at a fire and allowed his vehicle to drift to the right onto the north shoulder of SR-70. The right side of Cohen’s vehicle collided with the driver side mirror of the parked Caltrans pickup. There were no injuries. On August 28 at approximately 8:40 p.m. Sue Cahill of Quincy was driving a white 1997 Honda Accord eastbound in the number two lane of State Route 70 approaching Mill Creek Road. Richard Cahill was a passenger. At the same time, Sara Vanpetten of Quincy was driving a silver 2004 Honda Civic eastbound in the number two lane approaching Mill Creek Road directly behind the Honda Accord. Sara Vanpetten was driving the Honda Civic at a speed greater than Sue Cahill in the lane ahead of her vehicle. Sare Vanpetten allowed dthe front of the Honda Civic to collide with the back of the Honda Accord. An officer from CHP Quincy Area office arrived on scene to conduct an investigation during which he determined Sara Vanpetten was driving while under the influence of Alcohol and caused the collision resulting in visible injuries to herself and complaint of pain injuries to both parties in the Honda Accord. Sara Vanpetten was placed under arrest at the collision scene for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, causing injuries. She was booked into Plumas County Jail in Quincy after receiving medical assistance at Plumas District Hospital. On August 29, at about 3:37 p.m., Evan Leal, 17 of Portola was driving a 2003 Dodge eastbound on Graeagle Johnsville Rd. at a stated speed of 55 mph. West of Poplar Valley Rd. as the vehicle drove through a right hand curve, Leal stated the steering of the Dodge malfunctioned and he was unable to control the vehicle. He was able to slow the vehicle but the vehicle left the north edge of the roadway and traveled down the north shoulder up the north dirt and rock embankment and overturned, coming to rest on its left side. Two passengers, Matthew Heffron, 17 and Brandon McGarity, 16, both of Portola, were able to exit the vehicle through the passenger side rear door with the assistance of passing motorists. Leal was removed from the vehicle by fire personnel. He was transported to Renown Medical Center by Care Flight for precautionary reasons and later released without injury. All occupants were wearing safety belts at the time of the collision and there were no injuries. On August 30, at 9:43 a.m. T. Wooldridge, 56 of Reno, NV was turning left from SR-70 onto SR-89 southbound. B. Grant, 38, of Quincy was traveling straight on SR-70 through SR-89. Wooldridge turned left directly in front of Grant and the two cars nearly collided. Grant swerved right to avoid the collision and entered the dirt shoulder. Grant’s vehicle lost control in the dirt and flipped onto its left side. All four occupants in Grant’s car sustained injuries. Wooldridge returned to scene and all parties waited for CHP assistance. On August 30, at 5:40 p.m., Michael Griffis, 64 of Gilroy, CA and his passenger had pulled into a gravel area on the west side of SR-89 in their 2011 Jeep with the intent of making a U-turn and returning to Sierraville. Richelle Kirk, 16 of Truckee, was traveling southbound on SR-89 in her 2000 Subaru, approaching Griffis’ location and Griffis began to make a U-turn and entered the southbound lane as Kirk was approaching southbound on SR-89. A collision was unavoidable as the right front of the Subaru and the front of the Jeep collided within the southbound lane. No injuries were reported and all involved parties were wearing safety belts at the time. On August 30, at 11:49 p.m.,James M. West, 50, of Dunsmuir, CA was traveling northbound on SR-89 in his 1976 Ford F100 pickup while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. West allowed his truck to leave the roadway where it entered a drainage ditch on the east side. The front of the truck impacted a wood forest service sign and came to rest. West was contacted by Sierra County Sheriff Deputy Sanchez approximately one minute after the collision and CHP responded to investigate the collision. West received minor injuries and was subsequently arrested for DUI. Published: 07/02/15 Sierra County ECONOMIC NEWS SIERRA COUNTY’S Board of Supervisors’ Committee on Economic and Business Development met in Sierraville June 23rd. County Planning Director Tim Beals gave an update on Geothermal grant opportunities, stating they’ve gotten all documents pulled to portray the former project and added the grant guidelines are probably the same for May of 2016. The scope of the grant will be reviewed with the CA Energy Commission and to make sure the site on Filippini Road will be sound as a productive resource with a 16-inch casing. He talked of a marketing study and development project and the search for funding to bring in a user such as aquaponics, hatchery, hydroponics. Sharon reported on the State Fair exhibit which had its first buildout the prior weed and she called “pretty spectacular.” It was moved by Pat, seconded by Sharon and approved to update a public events policy in Sierra County which County Supervisor Paul Roen said had been brought before the Board three time before. It was stated there will be “push back” from local organizations. Tim told about the two Plumas National Forest meetings on the Lakes Basin the 24th and 27th, suggesting to ask the forest service to extend the boundaries of recreation and giving pros and cons of that design. He told how the Sierra County portion of the Lakes Basin has no protection and if lost, it would change the landscape and could change the popularity. Trails on the Plumas are well marked, maintained and have public maps which Sierra County doesn’t get, not being part of the officlal national Lakes Basin. Beals told of Sierra Nevada Conservancy soliciting projects due September 1st for forest health and fire reduction and said fire districts are in a good position to compete with no matching funds. He reported on AT&T‘s broadband service coverage on West Side Road and Calpine Road, installing fiber due to competition. As bicyclists filled the parking lot at the school, talk turned to the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships. Pat Whitley told of the City of Loyalton ordering banners and East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce having Sierra Booster create flyers detailing local businesses. Tim said it’s not the money here but the scenery and pastoral setting and flatness of the race course. He was in favor to “start embracing this biking,” and said the “opportunity needs to be massaged.” On other project updates, he told how Sierra Hot Spring’s improvements to an attractive destination and conference center would add a restaurant and addtional rooms which Beals called, “a real shot in the arm,” with the road dovetailing the project. Beals was asked about the County airport which he called a “pot of gold,” and which could be a unique opportunity. Big Springs Garden has sold and Beals said it will be “pretty low key.” He spoke briefly on the appeal yet with no formal decision on the Firm Foundation Academy at the former Pliocene Ridge School in Pike. In Calpine at Sierra Valley Lodge there are “odds with the community.” The snow grooming grant has expired and will have to be put out to bid. At Sierraville School, there’s an interest for a portion of the former school building for high eleveation Alpine cheese with a dairy component in the Valley and a creamery at the school buildling. Beals called Lucy Blake “very capable and well connected.” and “a good person to team with.” Present were members, Sharon Dobija, Patti Hall, Bryan Davey, Miriam Dines, Pat Whitley, Sidonie Christian and Jim Beard. Absent were Will Clark, Randy Wagner, Peter Huebner and Don Yegge. Pam Payen is off the roster and Greg Williams resigned besides the loss of Kathy Breed. It was decided to keep the members at nine rather than twelve for the short term. Published: 07/02/15 Sierra County Cooling Stations With the summer months upon us, it’s increasingly important for Sierra County residents to remain aware of the quickly rising temperatures as well as the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration. Individuals with health issues are especially sensitive to spikes in temperature, so it is even more critical for them to stay cool and comfortable during these extreme weather conditions. The following recommended measures will help prevent heat-related illnesses: Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing Remain well hydrated; don’t wait until you’re thirsty Minimize physical activities during the hottest parts of the day When in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen Open windows and use fans to allow fresh air to circulate Avoid hot foods and heavy meals Pay special attention if you take medications which increase sensitivity to high temperatures, such as psychotropic medications COOLING FACILITIES: Both the Loyalton Senior Center and the Western Sierra Senior Center act as community cooling facilities throughout the summer and are available for anyone to enjoy the air conditioning. • The Loyalton Senior Center, located at 302 First Street in Loyalton, is open on weekdays from 9AM – 2PM. • The Western Sierra Senior Center, located at 749 Upper Main in Downieville, is open from 9AM-3PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All are welcome to utilize these facilities. # # # Published: 07/02/15 SIERRA BROOKS EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AN ADOPTION OF AN URGENCY ORDINANCE was unanimously passed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisor’s meeting on Tuesday, July 7th in Downieville implementing revised water conservation restrictions for the Sierra Brooks Water System through the end of this calendar year. Prior to the vote, Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals told the Board they had recently restricted outside watering in Sierra Brooks to two days a week. He said he was in the middle of some tricky discussions with property owners who were pushing the limit and felt the need to have the ability to move with enforcement. Beals stated if water figures don’t show a 35% reduction, the State will consider a fine. He said they were tracking pumpage rates everyday and as of June 22nd they were over. Beals felt with was a huge economic issue, stating the Lodge at Elwell can no longer use Long Lake for water and thinks the same thing might happen at Sardine. He predicts that there will be a number of victims through curtailments by the end of summer. Published: 07/02/15 |