| 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 | What Would California Look Like Without Lawns? Drought is a serious issue in California. But in the rush to rip out lawns, are we making a catastrophic environmental mistakes? It’s a tough time to be a blade of grass in California. Drought has caused the great American lawn to be viewed harshly. People in drought-stricken areas are ripping out their lawns, afraid of being drought shamed and labeled water guzzlers by other community members. Some estimates say one in five homeowners are switching to synthetic turf, aka, plastic grass.[i] But these knee jerk reactions without careful planning may be catastrophic mistakes. Without living yards, California is not going to be a nice place to live. It will be hotter in your home and neighborhood. Lawns can be 31 degrees cooler than asphalt and 20 degrees cooler than bare soil.[ii] [iii] Without grass to reduce the heat island effect caused by urban asphalt and concrete, plan for temperatures to rise dramatically. If you have lots of hardscape or plastic grass around your home, the temperature jump will be huge. And your home cooling bills? Expect them to go up. Air quality will worsen dramatically. Grass plays a vital role in capturing dust, smoke particles and other pollutants. [iv] It also produces oxygen. A 25 square foot area will supply enough oxygen to support one person for a day. A turf area 50' x 50' will produce enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of a family of four.[v] Without grass, California’s already struggling air quality levels will plummet. Ozone and particle pollutants will increase in the air you breathe. Plan for more code red days. Those with conditions impacted by worsening air quality – the elderly, the young – those with lung disease, asthma, heart disease or diabetes – may only leave home when absolutely necessary – and they’ll be advised to wear a mask and tote an oxygen tank. Children and pets will be inside – a lot. Instead of being outside burning off snacks, children will be indoors due the lack of space to play and poor air quality. So will your dog, who is likely to object to “doing business” on plastic. Kids will also not get the attention and working memory benefits researchers found when children are exposed to greenery. [vi] Water runoff will carry more pollutants into the water supply. Grass slows down and absorbs runoff into bodies of water[vii], while also cleansing water of impurities and dust, and reducing soil erosion. Without the filtering effects of grass, water entering the ground will carry these pollutants. Soil will erode into streams and rivers, carrying nutrients and chemicals with it, and causing large algae blooms which can steal oxygen from the water and kill fish. Birds and wildlife will go away. Grass provides food and habitat for birds and small mammals. Insects, spiders and worms live among the grass blades and below the surface in the turf. Without grass, food sources for birds and small mammals will be gone. Your yard will be without songbirds or wildlife. Forest fires will become more destructive. Living grass is an effective and natural fire break.[viii] Without grass around homes, fire will cause more property damage and endanger more lives. Outdoor entertaining will become a rarity. The family football game on the front lawn after the big dinner, frisbee chasing for hours with your dog, and sandbox playtime in the yard for your kids will be relics of the past. Your outdoor dining area, barbecue, fire pit and other outdoor living areas will be hotter and less enjoyable. Is this the California you want to live in? Before you rip out your lawn, consider the impacts and use commonsense. Everyone realizes that there is a drought, and that water has to be conserved. But deadening California’s landscape is only going to open the door to a greater devastation. We need a living landscape that is drought-friendly. Kris Kiser is the President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). More information is available at www.opei.org/stewardship Published: 08/31/15 SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEKENDING August 28, 2015 David Money (33) Reno. Felony automobile theft. Sentencing is set for September 25. He remains in custody on a no bail hold Zachary Norden (21) Portola. Sentencing for felony residential burglary. Four years probation, 120 days jail, fine $2420, and he was ordered to pay $2300 in restitution to the victim. Timothy Diltz (52) Sierraville. Illegal burning of debris. One year probation, fine $685. Brandon Lutes (45) Loyalton. Violation of probation on conviction of domestic violence for failure to report to probation. Thirty days jail, probation reinstated. Robert Wharff (27) Goodyears Bar. Under the influence of a controlled substance. One year jail. Adam Malik (36) Davis. Malik was placed on probation for assault on a peace officer and attempting to elude an officer when he rammed Sierra County Sheriff’s vehicle in July 2012. The violation of probation was his commission of a new offense where he stabbed a victim several times in West Sacramento while saying he was going to kill the victim. A jury acquitted Malik of attempted murder but convicted on Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats, and Causing Great Bodily injury. He received four years on the Sierra County Probation Violation, and five years, eight months on the new charges for a total prison commit of 9 years 8 months. Denny Daneri (59) Goodyears Bar. Violation of probation for drinking alcohol in violation of his no alcohol order. Sixteen days jail. Michael Neuman (41) Rocklin Disturbing the peace and failure to appear. One year probation, fine $1292. Nathan Ashley (27) Loyalton. Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Ordered to drug diversion rehab. Roberta Andeway (42) Sierraville. Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater. Three years probation, two days jail, fine $2427. Lee Ann Pollastrini (42) Loyalton. Reckless driving, alcohol related. Three years probation, two days jail, fine $1599. Rhonda Needles (40) Grass Valley. Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). No probation, 180 days jail, fine $220. Jacob Hood (38) Willits. Battery and vandalism. One year probation, fourteen days jail, fine $1450, and restitution of $276 to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Department for a broken window in a patrol car. Published: 08/28/15 SIERRA COUNTY'S MARIJUANA ORDINANCE SIERRA COUNTY’S MARIJUANA ORDINANCE was discussed to a full house at the Board of Supervisor’s meeting Tuesday, August 18th in Loyalton. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein said a petition had started in his district and felt the discussion needed to focus on plant counts. He stated the proposal was to limit plants lower than the 72 allowed now and thought some reasonable modification could be done to the existing ordinance. Schlefstein wanted to discuss a licensing and fee structure like dog licenses to help reimburse county staff time and ensure the County keeps track. He wanted to try and balance everybody’s rights and opened the meeting up for public comments. From the audience a Sierra Brooks resident stated they have seen several large grows pop up in the community. She didn’t have a problem with outdoor grows, but had a problem with 60-70 plants. She felt co-ops and collectors were taking place. She’s heard about a grow that backs up to a day care center and felt they needed to protect property values and their way of life. Another audience member stated this was a very emotional subject for people suffering with injuries and pain. He managed his pain with medical marijuana, and stated this was a very personal issue. He worried how people would look at them now that the public knows he uses medical marijuana, and pleaded with the Board to respect the dignity of the people. He felt like the mindset was not an accurate one and hoped the Board would keep this in consideration. Four “heavily invested Sierra County moms” from Sierra Brooks said they had started the petition as they noticed their community rapidly changing. They had over 260 signatures and many of their supporters were raised here, adding it was not just a Sierra Brooks issue. They stated they fully supported medical marijuana and were not against it, but felt it was personal so it should stay personal. They said 72 plants was not personal use. They worried the community would be less desirable and hoped the Board would consider something more constrictive. A list was read of ordinance changes they would like to see considered which included; limiting greenhouse cultivation to four plants for parcels under an acre, scaling up to only 10 plants outdoors for parcels 5 acres in size or larger. For indoor it would allow 12 plants on all parcels. Both indoor and greenhouse may be grown but combined total must be no more than 12; cultivators must be full time Sierra County residents; cooperative gardens prohibited; no distinction between mature and immature plants; and all cultivators should be registered with Sierra County. The group also wanted grows at least 1,000 feet from bus stops, but Schlefstein stated bus stops were not specified. Another audience member stated she felt she was being targeted for being honest, by having her grow outdoors, adding she was not cheating anybody and said they were “counting their chickens before they hatch,” as a lot can happen with outdoor grows like too much rain, cold temperatures, and rodents. She added there were a lot of misconceptions. She has been living in Sierra County for 11 years and was not here to take advantage of the law. She concluded by stating, “Why is it o.k. to put your rules on everybody else.” A Loyalton resident stated he planted 25 seeds this year and got 13 plants and only seven are female. Supervisor Lee Adams said the present ordinance was about a year old and they had had several committee and public meetings. He said they realized it’s a changing world and tried to strike a balance. He said Sierra Brooks can make the ordinance more re-mind everyone whatever they do can always be changed and felt Sierra County was more liberal with plant counts than many other counties. Schlefstein thought the topic would be better served in a committee meeting and wanted to direct the same committee who worked on the ordinance before. Adams said he would like to see hearings on both sides of the county. Schlefstein encouraged the audience to come to the committee meetings or write letters to have their voice heard. Chairman Jim Beard told the audience that this was a long process that wouldn’t happen overnight. He said any ordinance takes 30 days to take effect, adding it would not affect this year’s growing season. Published: 08/27/15 Homicide Investigation Location of Occurrence: Bucks Lake near Sandy Point Day Use Agencies: Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, Plumas County District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Justice Criminalist, CAL Fire, USFS, Fire Storm, California Highway Patrol, Chico Police Department, Bucks Lake Fire, Meadow Valley Fire and Plumas District Hospital. On 8/22/2015 at 0630 the U.S. Forest Service, Bucks Lake Fire and Meadow Valley Fire responded to an early morning fire near the Sandy Point Day Use Area and Mill Creek Campground at Bucks Lake, Plumas County, CA. Upon arrival, firefighters found a male subject, Sheldon N Steward, age 23 from Oakland, CA with stab wounds near the fire. The subject was flown to Enloe Medical Center in Chico for treatment. The Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to conduct an investigation. As fire crews put out the fire they discovered the remains of a burned body of Trevor F. Holminski age 20 of Emeryville, CA within the area of the fire. The Sheriff’s Investigations Unit responded to the scene to conduct a homicide investigation along with California Department of Justice, CAL Fire and The Plumas County District Attorney’s Office. Later in the day Investigators responded to Enloe Medical Center to speak with Sheldon Steward. Steward was eventually arrested for Homicide and transported to the Plumas County Jail after his release from Enloe. Sheldon’s bail is set at $1,000,000. Published: 08/27/15 LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL - August 18th LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL Mayor Pat Whitley had called for less attorney time yet Legal Counsel Steve Gross attended the August 18th meeting at a cost of $200/hour. Councilman Ernie Teague had concern with the 3-hour meetings and some items discussed “at length” and suggested cutting back with a time limit. The meeting started at 6 p.m. and was continuing with five items left at 9:30 p.m. The Council cut the agenda short and adjourned at 10 p.m. For public comment, Ray Belli had a good idea of retrofitting the pool building for bicycle camps or Bike Academy. He called it a “piece of the puzzle” with the museum and Boca line. Concerning the City’s website, Finance Director Kim Lombardi told of needed software updates by Barbara Jaquez for $250. Mayor Pat Whitley called it “hard pressed to find money after the settlement.” She wanted Finance to look for it. City Clerk Tracy Smith called the site “embarrassing” it was so outdated. Pat didn’t want a deficit and members emphasized it was just $250. Ernie moved and Brooks Mitchell seconded to take the funds out of the general fund. Pat said they’d scrape the money. Kim was asked account totals and she stated checking and savings total was given $485,556.17 after the $41,000 payment. The Council approved $74,297.94 in bills. On water use, Councilman John Cussins said usage is quite high; 700,000 to 800,000 gallons a day which is usually 300,000 gallons per day, almost 2.5 times per capita.Stephen J. Rocklidge, PhD., PE-State Water Resources Control Board, Drinking Water Division serving Sierra and Plumas Counties was back and stated Loyalton was being judged by 2013 meters. He had been before the Board previously and asked for a 25% reduction. Data is collected for a water loss which can be used for repair using revolving grant applications. He said to go to two (2) days’ watering and the current ordinance has provisions for odd and even days through August. The CITY COUNCIL Continued.... Council was to meet in special session August 25th to adopt a resolution for two days’ watering as long as the Governor’s resolution is in effect. On the park well repair, John told of a lost main electrical control switch with wrong fuses and new ones coming from Illinois. The Finance Committee was also to meet August 25th over a proposal the mayor wanted in taking $8,000 rather than $6,000 a week as a reserve amount for the enterprise fund as reserve for fixing the wells. John wanted it kept the same. Under Auditorium fees at the new City Center, the mayor said it had been decided $65 with kitchen, $30 without, yet Ernie wanted it clarified for non profits. Pat talked of expenses and being fair. Ernie asked about charging Loyalton High School. Kim and from the audience, Jackie Mitchell, told how the schools give back. Steve mentioned gift of public funds and told two conditions, public benefit or to get compensation or consideration and this situation sounded like a benefit to the public. Ernie said last year the City earned $1,430 on social hall rental fees. From the audience, Annie Fassbender told how she and husband, Craig, had remodeled the kitchen and asked for one dance. Pat interrupted her, “Not true,” stating she hadn’t said one time. Brooks said go one time, “We said yes.” Tracy verified it, “to try out the floor.” Jackie stated before the Council, Annie “doesn’t get things right. She gets confused.” Annie walked out of the meeting. From the audience, Marilyn Whittaker questioned cooking at the multipurpose room in the former middle school and Jackie said there was no venting. A certified building inspector is coming next week. Pat said it is not a commercial kitchen and Kim suggested pulling the stove so no one will use it. Steve told of the needs to serve the public with a license by environmental health but they could keep the stove for staff but don’t charge for it and limit its use. Discussion on the repair of the Senior Center had John question a 5-day bid and Senior Board member Don Yegge say they’d tried three bids. Pat told of only one proposal and John questioned scope of work. Brooks asked Steve over the City’s existing emergency of the thrift shop. Steve said if the City had spent more than $5,000 but could declare an emergency procedure, make a finding and declare emergency, go to competitive bid. With one bid, he suggested they suspend it and pay prevailing wages and use contract regulations with the State. He said it’s not within their ability not to comply. John brought up advertising, stating, “City has an obligation to do it the right way.” Steve talked on competitive bidding. John said after five days’ bid, everything would be “up and running.” Council would meet Monday in special session to accept a bid. Ernie held discussion on administrative policies, specifically on requirements for mayor. The Council approved giving any member the chance to be mayor and not waiting the current two years. Brooks voted no. In other policies, Steve stated the City should have a point person for communication. John wanted it so everybody can talk to State agencies. Steve suggested power to contact outside agencies but not to make financial decisions. John said it was a “benefit to the City” for him to talk to Steve. Pat didn’t want to duplicate calls. The council unanimously passed committee chairs taking the lead and adding chair powers. On Loyalton Mobile Home Park, Steve explained the City provides utility service through a master meter. To terminate, give notice to every unit and ability to establish service as a customer if it’s legal to provide service with policies in place. Pat said the City doesn’t own meters, shut off or hydrants. Brooks said it owns the water. Mark told how the water bill gets bigger and bigger. John asked about talking to HUD. Steve stated the “manager” has no legal holding. The ordinance says no service if not paid and he said to go by the guidelines. He called it “one customer.” Mark made a motion to shut the water off and Pat questioned health issues. Steve said to either turn water off entirely and some will be harmed or continue to take a loss. “Accept as much as you can take,” he advised. John will call HUD. Published: 08/27/15 SIERRA COUNTY SOLID WASTE FEES A PUBLIC HEARING on the question of imposing solid waste fees for 2015-2016 as was set forth in Resolution 2015-061 and adoption of resolution certifying the results of the Proposition 218 protest proceedings regarding solid waste fees was debated at the Sierra County Board of Supervisor’s meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday, August 18th. During public comment Steve Schaffer, a property owner at Jackson Meadows asked if they pay regardless of whether they use the service or not. County Counsel Jim Curtis stated the fee was for the operation of the landfill and transfer stations. Schaffer stated it seemed like this was taxation without representation, adding it was a huge amount of money for a service he doesn’t use. Supervisor Lee Adams asked Schaffer what his property was worth without the service, adding it would be worth nothing. Adams said he knew his pain, as he was paying for a phone in Inyo County that he hadn’t picked up once. Dan Mitchell stated he was representing two property owners in Calpine and felt he was under-represented for part-time residents. Mitchell felt it was an exorbitant amount of money for part-time use and wanted the Board to consider a fee by use. He stated assessing a general fee for every property was unfair. Adams stated he understood and explained what they face today with the solid waste system was what their predecessors decided when they opened a landfill in the 1960’s. He said the footprint at the landfill had shrunk and the State was now requiring $400,000 worth of vapor extraction. Adams said they based the costs on availability, adding he pays school taxes without having kids. He said the Board shares their concern, and the hours at the dump aren’t always convenient for everyone. Adams continued by stating the problem was it was really hard to create a system that was fair for everyone, adding this was the best system to make it as fair as possible. Supervisor Peter Heubner said they had gate fees before but it didn’t work so this was the way it was now. Adams added property would be worthless without a garbage disposal. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein stated the Water Control Board was a State agency and they would come down on them to find the money to pay for requirements or the fines would destroy Sierra County. He stressed the need to keep the service open and available for residents. Chairman Jim Beard said that was why the State of Jefferson was so important, adding it was not a unanimous decision on these rate increases. Adams said they have to monitor the landfill for 20 years after it closes and still have to pay the costs. He added Sierra County was not the first county to deal with this. From the audience, Joe Arata stated it seemed like they were getting increases more regularly, with no accounting on where the money was going. He said the County was forcing him to pay over $600 a year for a 60-day visit to Sierra County, and felt it was inheritantly unfair. He stated the people creating the most waste should pay the most fees, and thought gate fees would be more fair and proportional. He stressed that part-time residents should not have to pay as much as full time residents, adding solid waste increases are only a Band-Aid and not a solution. He asked the Board what Sierra County’s values were when a widowed man would have to pay as much as a five person family, stating he has always been willing to pay his fair share. Adams said if they don’t like today’s Sierra County solid waste system they’ll probably like tomorrow’s even less. He stated they could no longer afford to do it on their own, adding it was tough for a County with 3,000 people in it. He said they don’t pay the cops for coming to their door, stating they prepay for that. Arata said he would like to see Sierra County go towards composting and recycling. Schlefstein said the Budget was available to anyone anytime and Sierra County Auditor Van Maddox told Arata the Budget was on County website and would show him where the money was going. He said he started working in government in 1986 adding there was no place he had been where you get as detailed answers as in Sierra County. He said they try to put as much on the web as possible, adding nothing was hidden. Schaffer said he was frustrated and would like the Board to come up with better ways to assess the fees, and asked if they could raise fees at the campgrounds to make it more equitable. County Clerk Heather Foster read the results from the protest votes, where she said of the 2,225 properties assessed, they received 22 non-residential and 221 residential for a total of 243 written protests which represented 11%. The Resolution was adopted unanimously. Curtis stated the imposition of the solid waste fees that were set forth in the Resolution were adopted, adding the protests were not sufficient to override it. Published: 08/27/15 July was Earth's hottest month on record; July was Earth's hottest month on record; scientists say climate change is worsening California drought By Paul Rogers In a dramatic sign of climate change's growing impact, this July was the warmest month on Earth since modern temperature records were first kept in 1880, federal scientists announced Thursday. While climate change isn't causing California's drought, it's making the disaster worse, according to a separate report released Thursday. The study by researchers at Columbia University, NASA and the University of Idaho found that rising temperatures over the four years of drought have caused more evaporation of water supplies, making California's drought about 15 to 20 percent more severe than it otherwise would be. And there's no sign the heat is letting up. El Niño conditions now underway in the Pacific will continue to warm the oceans and release enormous amounts of heat into the atmosphere this year, almost certainly making 2015 the hottest year ever recorded, breaking the previous record -- set in 2014 -- federal researchers said. "The world is warming. It's continuing to warm. That's being shown time and time again in our data," said Jake Crouch, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Asheville, North Carolina. Crouch and other researchers at NOAA, the parent agency of the National Weather Service, announced that the average global land and sea temperature in July was 61.86 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking a record set in 1998 by one-seventh of a degree, which scientists consider a large margin for year-to-year temperature changes. That makes this July the warmest of all 1,627 months since January 1880, when Rutherford B. Hayes was president, Thomas Edison was tinkering in his lab and the U.S. had only 38 states. Although droughts are a natural part of California and the West, the steadily warming climate is making the current drought more intense, according to the Columbia-NASA study published in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union. The reason: Hotter weather is drying soil and plants at an unprecedented rate, pulling out moisture. And, the study found, the trend is creating a "new normal" for California. "A lot of people think that the amount of rain that falls out of the sky is the only thing that matters," said A. Park Williams, a bioclimatologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and lead author of the study. "But warming changes the baseline amount of water that's available to us because it sends water back into the sky." At the present rate of warming and evaporation, California in 50 years will be in a semi-permanent state of drought, the study found, interrupted by intense storms. Californians are desperately hoping the strong El Niño developing in the Pacific will bring heavy rain this winter. After four years of below-normal rain and hot temperatures, major reservoir levels are less than half of normal for this time of year, as wildfires rage across the state. The Sierra's spring snowpack was virtually nonexistent this year, and farmers are pumping groundwater wells so heavily that the ground in the Central Valley is sinking 2 inches a month in parts, cracking roads. State officials and the Obama administration have passed rules in recent years requiring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, factories and vehicles, along with mandates for more solar, wind and other renewable energy. But the new restrictions have been met with opposition from oil and coal companies and many Republican leaders. "New scientific reports now make it crystal clear that climate change is already affecting California and the Southwest in the form of higher temperatures and a more devastating drought," Gov. Jerry Brown said in a statement Thursday. "It's time for Republicans, foot-dragging corporations and other deniers to wake up and take sensible action before it's too late." The vast majority of the world's climate scientists -- and organizations such as NASA, NOAA, the National Academy of Sciences and the World Meteorological Organization -- say the planet is warming because the buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere is trapping heat. The gases come from the burning of coal, gasoline and other fossil fuels. Over the past 250 years, greenhouse gas concentrations have increased 40 percent in the atmosphere, and they are now at their highest rate in at least 800,000 years, according to measurements of air bubbles in ice cores from Antarctica. Brown traveled last month to the Vatican to attend a summit on climate change held by Pope Francis, who issued an encyclical in June that said "the Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth." He added: "What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?" Brown and Democratic leaders are pushing bills in the Legislature that would require 50 percent of the electricity generated in the state to come from renewable sources by 2030, up from the 33 percent now required. The legislation would also require that by 2030 petroleum use in cars and trucks be reduced 50 percent and energy efficiency in existing buildings be doubled. The hot, dry conditions across the West this year, exacerbated by low levels of moisture in trees and shrubs, continued Thursday to play havoc with fires. More than 383,000 acres have burned so far this year in California -- an area 13 times the size of San Francisco. That's three times the average of the previous five years, which was 125,161 acres through mid-August. Five U.S. Forest Service firefighters have been killed in recent weeks, three in Washington state this week and two near Lake Tahoe and in Modoc County over the past three weeks. Said Stanton Florea, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service: "It's been a terrible year." Paul Rogers covers resources and environmental issues. Contact him at 408-920-5045. Follow him at Twitter.com/PaulRogersSJMN Published: 08/24/15 Boil Water Cancellation- Sierra Brooks Water System IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED On August 21, 2015, customers of Sierra Brooks Public Services District (District) were advised to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to use boiled or bottled water. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. It is no longer necessary to boil your tap water or to consume bottled water. What Happened? What was done? On August 21, 2015, the District issued a “Boil Water” Notice advising its customers to use boiled water or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. The Notice was issued due to a water pipe break on Sierra Brooks Drive and Antelope Valley Road which occurred on August 21, 2015. The entire system has been disinfected and flushed. Results from bacteriological monitoring conducted on August 21, 2015 show that the bacteriological samples collected were negative for total coliform bacteria. The California Division of Drinking Water (Department) in conjunction with the District has determined that based on the bacteriological quality test a result, the water is safe to drink. For more information, please contact Tim Beals at (530) 289-3201. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in daycare centers, the elderly or others that may not have direct access to this distribution notice). You can do this be posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. This notice is being sent to you by Sierra Brooks Public Services District. State Water System ID#; 4600009. Date distributed: Monday, August 24, 2015 Published: 08/24/15 Loss and Injury of U.S. Forest Service Firefighters in Washington State Statement from Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Loss and Injury of U.S. Forest Service Firefighters in Washington State WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2015 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today made the following statement regarding the loss of three U.S. Forest Service firefighters near Twisp, Wash. An additional U.S. Forest Service firefighter and two Washington State Department of Natural Resources firefighters also sustained life threatening injuries. "On Wednesday night, we received the news that three U.S. Forest Service firefighters lost their lives battling a wildfire near the town of Twisp, Washington. We mourn the loss of the brave firefighters whose commitment to duty was so deep that they gave their own lives to protect others. We also extend our profound sympathies to the families and loved ones of the fallen, whose sacrifices are equally worthy of honor, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty. As we press on through an extraordinarily challenging wildfire season, we are reminded yet again of the perils our firefighters face as they protect communities from wildfire. Our firefighting personnel have been particularly hard hit this year and we've lost several lives. We continue to mourn for them and offer support to their families. On behalf of the American people, thank you to those who keep us safe." Published: 08/20/15 AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY SMOKE Plumas County August 20 - 25, 2015 The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District is issuing an air quality health advisory through Tuesday for Plumas County due to smoke from fires in northwest California. Wildfire complexes in the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers area are producing heavy smoke, some of which is expected to travel eastward into the Sierras. Smoke concentrations are likely to reach the Unhealthy or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range off and on over the next several days, especially in northwest Plumas County, as the main plumes and reservoirs of smoke ebb and flow across the landscape. Smoke is primarily fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM 2.5), which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are especially sensitive to the health effects of smoke. Aggravation of heart or lung disease, severe breathing difficulty and premature mortality could occur in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults, while increased respiratory effects may be evident in the general population. If you smell smoke, or see smoke around you, consider restricting your outside activities. Until the potential for poor air quality subsides, individuals should consider taking the following actions: - Healthy people should delay strenuous exercise when they can smell and see smoke. That applies especially to school gym classes and athletic practices. Young athletes are considered sensitive individuals and any perceived benefits from a smoky workout could be outweighed by the negative impacts of the smoke inhaled during that workout. - People with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors when smoke can be seen or smelled outside. - Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan. - Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important for not only people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with such illnesses. Smoke can „unmask‰ or produce symptoms of such diseases. - If possible, sensitive individuals should consider relocating to another location that is not currently experiencing smoke impacts for a few days to avoid long term exposure. - Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness. In general, when smoke concentrations are elevated it is advisable to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and set air-conditioners on „re-circulate.‰ Do not run swamp coolers or whole house fans. When feasible, pets should be brought indoors when outdoor air quality is poor. Warning: particulate respirators will not provide complete protection in very smoky conditions and may even interfere with proper breathing. It should also be noted that there is some controversy surrounding the use of particulate respirators because of the many variables that may hinder their proper use. Masks can create a false sense of security and should not replace reducing activity or exposure. If you need to wear a mask, wear the correct type of mask - disposable particulate respirators found at hardware stores can be effective at reducing exposure to smoke particles as long as they seal closely to the wearer‚s face. Look for respirators that have two straps and have the words „NIOSH‰ and either „P100‰ or „N95‰ printed on the filter material. Studies have linked fine particulate matter (smoke) with work and school absences, respiratory related hospital admissions and health problems, including burning eyes, aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms (including severe chest pain, gasping, and aggravated coughing), chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death. Increased ozone exacerbates these health effects. In addition to the acute health effects of smoke, people may experience some cumulative effects, such as a dry cough and chest discomfort. Published: 08/20/15 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has photographic evidence of five gray wolf pups and two adults in Northern California. After trail cameras recorded a lone canid in May and July, CDFW deployed additional cameras, one of which took multiple photos showing five pups, which appear to be a few months old and others showing individual adults. Because of the proximity to the original camera locations, it is likely the adult previously photographed in May and July is associated with the group of pups. “This news is exciting for California,” said Charlton H. Bonham, CDFW Director. “We knew wolves would eventually return home to the state and it appears now is the time.” CDFW has designated this group (comprised of two adults and five pups) the Shasta Pack. Wild wolves historically inhabited California, but were extirpated. Aside from these wolves and the famous wolf OR7 who entered California in December 2011, the last confirmed wolf in the state was here in 1924. OR7 has not been in California for more than a year and is currently the breeding male of the Rogue Pack in southern Oregon. In June 2014, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to list gray wolves as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. The gray wolf is also listed as endangered in California, under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Gray wolves that enter California are therefore protected by the ESA making it illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect wolves, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct in California. CDFW is completing a Draft Wolf Management Plan and will release it soon. Throughout the plan’s development, CDFW has held numerous meetings with stakeholders. Currently, CDFW is incorporating comments from a stakeholder advisory group, and considering revisions due to implications of this news, before releasing the draft plan to the general public. Public meetings will be scheduled to receive public comment on the draft plan. In addition to the trail cameras, CDFW relies on help from the public to glean information about wolves in California. The public can report wolf sightings on CDFW gray wolf website at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Gray-Wolf/Sighting-Report. Though wolves rarely pose a direct threat to human safety, CDFW recommends that people never approach, feed or otherwise disturb a wolf. For more information about staying safe in wolf-occupied areas, including what people should do if they encounter a wolf, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Gray-Wolf/FAQ. Published: 08/20/15 Steve Griffin Hired to Serve as Lassen National Forest Fire Management Officer SUSANVILLE, Calif., August 18, 2015 – Lassen National Forest has hired Steve Griffin to be the organization’s forest fire management officer. “Steve will be a great addition to our team,” said Lassen National Forest Supervisor Dave Hays. “He brings both strong fire management experience and excellent leadership skills to the Lassen.” Griffin began his Forest Service career in 1988 at the Sequoia National Forest as a fire lookout, in time working his way up to become a member of the engine crew. He left to take on a three-year assignment as a hotshot crew member at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks before returning to Sequoia National Forest as a hotshot squad leader. He subsequently worked as a fire engine operator and engine captain before becoming a hotshot superintendent and, ultimately, district battalion chief. In this last role, he supervised 21 people to manage emergency incidents in cooperation with multiple agencies and partners. Most recently, Griffin served as the fire training officer at the Forest Service’s Northern California Operations center, where he provided regional oversight for training programs, supervised workforce development initiatives, and recommended changes to programs and policy at both regional and national levels. His success depended upon strong cooperation with other regions, as well as federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders. “I’m honored to have this opportunity help lead the fire program at Lassen National Forest,” said Griffin. “I look forward to working with both the Forest and our cooperators to advance an already strong program to protect the region’s natural resources.” Lassen National Forest lies at the Crossroads of California, where the granite of the Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin meet. The Forest is managed for recreational access as well as timber and firewood, forage for livestock, water, minerals, and other natural resources. For more information, call (530)257-2151 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/lassen. The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. Published: 08/19/15 FOOD BANK RECRUITS FOR VOLUNTEER SESSIONS McCarran NV, August 19, 2015 – The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is currently recruiting volunteers to help with sorting and packing food to be distributed throughout the region. The organization serves more than 14.5 million meals to families in need each year throughout northern Nevada and the eastern slope of the Sierra in California. All of the food distributed through the 63,000 square foot facility must be sorted and packed by hand. The Food Bank offers volunteer sessions Tuesday through Saturday each week and the majority of open sessions are during the afternoons on Tuesday through Friday. “We traditionally see volunteer hours drop off during the summertime with the greatest influx of volunteers coming out to help in November and December,” said Mary Donnell, executive vice president of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “We could really use the help now to help us sort and pack donated food so that we can get it out to our partner agencies and the families who need it. We are so grateful to those who give their time. ” The average volunteer session is about 2 ½ hours and the work consists of either sorting food drive donations by category and making sure they are not expired, or packing produce into bags for distribution to families. Families with children are welcome to volunteer if the children are ten years of age or older and are accompanied by an adult. The Food Bank asks that volunteers wear closed toe shoes when volunteering in the warehouse. Signing up to volunteer is easy at fbnn.org. Those who are interested can fill out a volunteer application at fbnn.org, and then they will be able to view available opportunities and sign up online. Volunteers can also sign up by emailing our volunteer coordinator, Mary Burdick at maburdick@fbnn.org. Published: 08/19/15 New Tip Line Will Help Crack Down on Dangerous Drones During Emergencies Californians asked to help expose drone operators who threaten public safety by News Center on August 18, 2015 To protect firefighting and public safety operations in California, state officials have set up a special toll-free tip line for anyone who has information that could help law enforcement investigators locate irresponsible drone operators. Similar to a crime tip line, those who have information about irresponsible drone operators who have flown close to disasters and emergencies can call 1-844-DRONE11 (1-844-376-6311). This telephone line is not for reporting emergencies. If a drone is being observed flying dangerously at an active disaster or emergency, the public should call 9-1-1. Since many people operate unmanned aircraft with little or no aviation experience, the FAA is also promoting voluntary compliance and working to educate hobby drone enthusiast about how they can operate safely under current regulations and laws. The FAA has also partnered with industry and the modeling community in a public outreach campaign called “Know Before You Fly.” Know Before You Fly Website at http://www.knowbeforeyoufly.org/ Published: 08/19/15 An Excise Tax on Marijuana Could Make Sense California lawmakers are finally considering legislation to regulate medical marijuana, which has been legal under state law for nearly two decades. Among the proposals is a bill calling for an excise tax on marijuana that could raise nearly $60 million in revenue each year. As a fiscal conservative and opponent of recreational marijuana, I’m an unlikely voice in the cannabis tax policy debate. Yet after speaking with parties on all sides of the issue, I’m convinced an excise tax on medical marijuana could make sense, and if done correctly, would help ensure California taxpayers are treated fairly. I’m the first to admit that government is too bloated and that Californians are overtaxed. But the fundamental question here is who should pay the steep costs of marijuana-related activities that include trespass on public lands, water theft and unregulated use of pesticides. Simply put: Why should those who don’t use marijuana pay the environmental costs associated with growing marijuana? More funding is needed. Law enforcement officials are urging California to bolster its efforts to address the unintended consequences of legalizing marijuana for medical use at the state level. The rampant spread of unregulated marijuana grows have stretched local law enforcement thin in many communities around the state. An excise tax on marijuana would provide local law enforcement with the revenue needed to combat these crimes. Local governments would be better able to respond to complaints related to cannabis grown and sold in their communities. Revenue collected from a marijuana excise tax should not go to the state’s general fund—where lawmakers can spend those dollars on their pet projects. The revenue should be placed in a special fund where monies would be protected and only spent to combat marijuana-related crime, corruption and environmental damage. While curbing crime is a worthy goal, lawmakers shouldn’t overreach. Setting the tax too high could backfire by harming industry participants willing to play by the rules. An unreasonable tax rate would cause an increase in the marijuana black market and drive the industry further underground. As an elected tax official, it’s my job to make sure taxpayers are treated fairly. An excise tax on medical marijuana would ensure the medical marijuana industry and its end users—rather than ordinary California taxpayers—pay the costs of combating marijuana-related crimes. Medical marijuana is already subject to sales tax—that’s been a settled issue for quite some time. Excise taxes are imposed on a specific good, typically at the wholesale or distributor level. The Board of Equalization currently collects excise taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco products, but not on marijuana. Some might resist the call for a new tax, and normally I’d be with them. However, we as a society have agreed that certain shared priorities like police, schools and roads should be a government priority. Taxes provide funding for these shared priorities. The question is who should pay for needed enforcement efforts? I think the cannabis industry and its users should, not California taxpayers who don’t use marijuana. George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a taxpayer advocate and elected member of the State Board of Equalization where he serves as Vice Chair. For more information, visit boe.ca.gov/Runner. Published: 08/17/15 CHP ISSUES RESPONSE FOLLOWING ARRESTS SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow and Doug Villars, president of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, today made the following remarks following the announcement by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department that one former and two current CHP employees were arrested in connection with the 2012 murder of Turlock resident Korey Kaufmann: “I am deeply saddened by today’s announcement. The allegations themselves are extremely disturbing to a professional law enforcement organization and are a deep blow to the soul of the law enforcement profession itself,” Commissioner Farrow said. “The entire Department and I are appalled at the mere thought that one former and two current employees played any role in this incident. What our Department has learned of the allegations regarding their involvement has truly hurt the men and women of this organization. “We very much appreciate the efforts of all of those who have worked tirelessly to investigate this case,” Farrow said. “I have questions, and I know the public and the media will have questions as well. While our desire is to be as forthcoming and transparent as possible, we also do not want to say or do anything to jeopardize justice for Korey’s family, to whom I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences.” Villars also expressed his condolences to the family and said, “These charges are devastating and are not reflective of the values of the hard-working men and women we represent in the highway patrol.” As soon as the CHP was made aware of the investigation and its employees’ potential involvement, the CHP took immediate action. Walter Wells, III, is no longer employed by the CHP. Officers Scott McFarlane and Eduardo Quintanar are on administrative leave and have had their peace officer powers revoked pending the results of the department’s internal investigation. The CHP will continue to fully cooperate with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department on this investigation and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office as it prosecutes this case. “What I can assure you is this: the CHP has a long history as a professional and respected law enforcement organization. Every day, our 11,000 employees strive to be the Department the public expects and deserves,” Farrow continued. “Each and every one of them – those who wear the uniform and those who do not - have my full support as they go about their daily duty to keep California safe.” Published: 08/16/15 School DISTRICT BOARD NEWS SIERRA-PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD met August 11th in Downieville, and was videotaped in Loyalton. Superintendent Dr. Grant told of Occupational Therapist services and the hiring of Janis Hardeman as School Nurse to provide services for children on both sides of the County. Megan Meschery, President of The Sierra Schools Foundation told of donating over $120,000 to the district, schools and teachers and outlined the spring grant cycle of $22,000. She told the sad news of having to cancel the 2015 Gran Fondo, having started with low numbers and with not enough volunteer power. She is hoping to regroup with a different branding and different ride. The Board passed the Superintendent’s County Salary of $21,963.00 per year with Trustee Sharon Dryden voting no. In the District portion, the Board approved the Superintendent’s salary addendum of 5% for a total of $124,455 with Dryden voting no. Following the meeting, Dryden stated she was not in favor of a raise above the Superintendent’s contract. The addendum is 5% above his contract, same as what the teachers were given. In both sessions, public hearings were held to announce adoption of the Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2015-16 school year. It announced a diligent search to recruit a fully prepared teacher was made and an insufficient number of certificated persons met the District’s employment criteria for the mathematics teaching position at Downieville and the Board authorized Grade 7-8 Pre-Algebra and Grade 9-12 Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry teaching assignment to Robin Bolle on the basis of a California Commission on Teacher Credential Variable Term Waiver. The Board approved Bolle as Downieville Science and Mathematics, grades 7-12 and issuance of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Waiver in Mathematics and a Short Term Staff Permit in Biological Science. Robin has a BA in Environmental Studies from Santa Barbara and said she loves a challenge, has worked in child care and knows the community well. The Board appointed Melanie Larson as Downieville K-3 teacher, moving with her two kids from Auburn to Sierra City where she has a residence. She has a lot of experience teaching in multi-grade classrooms. Plant Maintenance Worker Mike Hale has retired and was recognized for his service but was absent as it was his birthday. He was approved with a CalPERS exception to continue driving school bus. Mike started in the schools in August of 1983 and had a degree in landscape maintenance. Dr. Grant told of his “endless patience and persistence and how he helped with the Christmas programs. Mike was the first trained and licensed bus driver for the district and was said to have given “great service for many, many years.” First day of school is August 31st and Teacher In-Service Days are August 27 and 28, starting off with an 8 a.m. welcome breakfast followed by a speaker from Nevada County schools. Newly-hired Loyalton High School Principal Tom Jones was present in Loyalton and talked about deep detailing of classrooms, a new copier and a 3D printer which he called “an awesome piece of equipment,” used for math and shop. He was planning a potluck breakfast for his staff. For sports, Jones told about an August 22 multi-school football scrimmage with games to follow through September 12th and “a lot of football.” There will be a volleyball game against Portola on August 25th. Published: 08/13/15 Board of Supervisors SOCIAL MEDIA was again discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisor’s meeting in Downieville on Tuesday, August 4th. Sierra County Sheriff’s Department was asking to use Facebook as a law enforcement tool. Information Systems Manager, Laura Marshall stated the $199.00 per month was for a company called Social Archive, which protects from any future litigation holds. She said this Facebook page would be an information page only, adding there would be no commenting. Supervisor Lee Adams said he appreciated it being a one-sided information page, but didn't see why they needed to go into this arena when four of the six neighboring counties aren’t doing it. Sheriff Tim Standley stated this page would conform to Lexipol’s scrutiny and 71% of people who have internet access were on Facebook. He said this is a very close knit community and it is not uncommon for someone to drop off a lost dog. Sheriff Standley stated the Sheriff’s Department doesn’t have the resources to deal with dogs, but thought it would be nice to take a photo of a lost dog and put on Facebook. He added it would also be worthwhile for winter road closures and summertime road construction areas. Standley felt Sierra County was ready to come up into modern times and stressed this was a way for the Sheriff’s department to provide a service to the community. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein felt very strongly about this service and made the motion to approve the use of a social media page. Adams worried how much time will go into providing this service and stated that today he was not sold though he might change his mind in the future. Supervisor Paul Roen was happy to hear it was an information page only. Assistant County Counsel Rhetta Vander Ploeg said her concerns were alleviated with the Facebook page being a one-way street. Adams stated with County Counsel’s comments he was apt to approve this for a small amount of time to see how it goes. Adams added he would like to limit social media to the Sheriff’s Department only and if someone else wants to join then they need to come before the Board. Schlefstein said he would amend his motion to cover this. With that the motion passed unanimously. Published: 08/13/15 SUPERVISORS' PAY RAISE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING of an ordinance amending Section 2.04.070 and 2.04.100 of the Sierra County Code pertaining to compensation for County Supervisors was discussed at the Board of Supervisor’s meeting held in Downieville on Tuesday, August 4th. Supervisor Peter Huebner stated it was never a good time for the Board of Supervisor’s to ask for a raise. He said the Supervisors received their last raise in 2006 and discovered they were the only ones not to receive a cost of living raise. Huebner added this compensation would restore the longevity along with giving them a raise. Chairman Jim Beard stated it was not a raise it was a replacement of “stuff that was lost.” Huebner made the motion to waive the first reading and adopt. The motion passed with Supervisor Lee Adams and Supervisor Paul Roen abstaining on their vote before agreeing unanimously. With this vote “each supervisor shall receive a salary of $2,737.40 per month, with the exception of the Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, whose salary shall include an additional $100.00 per month.” For longevity pay, “members of the Sierra County Board of Supervisors shall, have their salary increased by five percent (5%) after each five years of actual service.” According to County Treasurer/Auditor Van Maddox, Board Prior New Member Monthly Pay Monthly Pay Adams 2,349.27 2,874.27 Huebner 2,590.07 3,168.88 Beard 2,237.40 2,737.40 Roen 2,237.40 2,73740 Schlefstein 2,237.40 2,737.40 After 1/2016 2,874.27 Published: 08/13/15 2015 Sierra Valley Gran Fondo Cancelled The Sierra Schools Foundation and Reno Cycling Club regretfully announce that the 2015 Sierra Valley Gran Fondo is cancelled. The Sierra Valley Gran Fondo was planned for Sunday, September 13, in Loyalton, California. Full refunds will be mailed to all 55 pre-registrants for this event. Sierra Valley Gran Fondo organizers would like to thank all past and present participants for their ridership and support and send out appreciation to all volunteers who made the 2013 and 2014 Sierra Valley Gran Fondo events such a success. For more information on this cancellation or future events, please visit www.svgf.org. Published: 08/09/15 Downieville Antique Bottle Show Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 12 and come to Downieville for the annual Antique Bottles & Collectibles Show and Sale! Over 40 dealers from several western states will be featuring a wide selection of antiques. In addition to antique bottles, you will find an interesting mix of insulators, gold rush items, advertising, ephemera, stoneware, railroad collectibles, jewelry, saloon, mining, and various western-related artifacts and “go-withs”. There’s something for almost every type of collector and finding a great treasure at this one-day event is inevitable. “Early lookers” will be admitted for $10.00 between 8 am & 10 am. Admission will be free to all from 10 am - 3 pm. This year’s show will feature a display of western blown bottles with the infamous curved R attributed to the glass works located in San Francisco. All categories of bottles will be displayed including bitters, whiskies, medicines and sodas. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win some great prizes. Several beautiful examples of antique bottles, a gold nugget specimen and a pair of gold nugget earrings will be raffled to go home with lucky ticket holder winners. The show venue is the Downieville School gym which is located in the heart of Downieville. Park and walk to the Bottle Show and take time to stroll along historic Main Street. Pick up a Walking Tour Map at the Visitor’s Center and discover the many historical points of interest within easy walking distance. Visit the museum to learn about local gold rush history. There are various shops in town to poke around in, as well as several restaurants for some tasty dining or stop in the local saloon or wine bar. Downieville is on Hwy. 49, and just a two hour drive from Sacramento. The drive from Reno or Lake Tahoe is just under two hours. If traveling from the Grass Valley or Quincy areas, expect to arrive in Downieville in about an hour. September is a beautiful time to tour the northern Gold Country; the days are warm; and evenings are crisp. Make the Antique Bottles & Collectibles Show in Downieville your destination on Saturday, September 12. For additional show/dealer information, please call Rick and Cherry Simi in Downieville at 530-289-3659 or email: ricksimi@att.net. Published: 08/01/15 |