Return to Press Releases11/15/18Dear Jan,Regarding the two dogs running loose attacking the F.F.A. sheep and now killing a cat; are we waiting for a child to be attacked before someone takes action? Hard to believe there isn't someone in Loyalton who doesn't have 2 bullets. Theresa Green Red Rock Dare I Say Dump the Proposition Process I recently received my “Voter Information Guide†in the mail. It contained an assortment of twelve propositions, along with a list of judges, all seeking voter approval. Propositions ranged from confinement of farm animals to regulation of outpatient kidney dialysis charges, along with four bond measures. Now, being of average intelligence, I'll admit it's not always clear which propositions I should support. The analysis and Pro/Con arguments are of little help, often filled with useless political spin and conflicting facts. Bond measures never get my support unless for true emergencies. Unfortunately, we've become accustomed to simply borrowing the money through bonds, leaving future generations responsible for paying the bill. Frankly, the whole proposition process has gotten way out of hand. It's a lousy way to run a state. Taking responsibility out of the hands of elected representatives, no matter how well intended, and putting it in the hands of ill-informed voters, verges on insanity. How can we hold elected officials responsible for the overall health of the state, financially and otherwise, when voters play such a significant and unpredictable role in the decision-making process? Dare I Say, it's time to dump the proposition process in California. Pete Stiglich Cottonwood Editor, It seemed during the recent election all the Republicans were running against Socialism and Nancy Pelosi. Pretty funny since Nancy is a nice lady from San Francisco and we are surrounded by Socialism. Let me comment on Socialism. Police, fire, and the military appear to me to be Socialists. When a cop busts into an active shooter situation, risking his life, he has no capital investment in his employer nor is he expecting huge profits and a favorable tax rate for his efforts. This police officer, fireman, or soldier risk their life for the common good… that's you and me, you know “we the peopleâ€. They do not charge in expecting wealth. They do this for their community, friends, and family. These workers risk their lives for us all. That's Socialism. Don McKechnie Sierraville, CA Jan, Regarding “median household income†and water rates. In Beckwourth rates for our sewer system have increased from $72 per year to $540 per year based on “median household income,†approaching or in some cases exceeding the county's property taxes on the same parcel. While I barely made it past arithmetic in high school and that was before “new math,†please check my arithmetic below. 1.48% 100% - 1.48% of median household income 98.52% of total median household income 1.48% = $ 49.63 x 12 = $595.56 per year x 98.52= $58,674.51 is that not the median household income for Loyalton? Seems a little high. I don't know how many folks over your way live on Social Security alone, but my total family income from Social Security is a tad under $20,000 per year. With a $15 per hour minimum wage, both parents (if you're fortunate enough to have two), can actually reach that median household income. It works out, doesn't it? And the kids can supplement that with lemonade sales if there are enough lemonade drinkers in your area. Feets As we say a prayer for Paradise and the surrounding areas, Please keep in mind, first of all we are and will be in a Red Flag Fire Warning until further notice. Notice being by mother nature dropping some kind of moisture. Not before. With that in mind, the temperatures are dropping so PLEASE do not dump your fireplace ashes in the yard and assume they are cool enough.. They are not! They can spark up without notice. Please contain your ashes and remain fire safe. Cheri Asher Sposito Calpine Improvement Association President Sierra County Fire ProtectionDispatch Coordination CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IN LOYALTON: By Sandi Sumner It was not my idea to become a member of a Brownie troop in Loyalton. My mother told me I was joining the Brownie's. Off we went to Reno to buy the required dress, cap and I think maybe some special Brownie shoes. I have shared this story with good friends, calling it the beginning of my leadership training! It was our first excursion, a picnic. Together, holding hands with a pal, and a lunch pail in the other, we walked towards Sierraville, soon turning uphill on a dirt road, towards the Loyalton cemetery. (My memory of this Brownie trip is not real vivid except I felt awkward wearing a uniform.) I do remember being uncomfortable having a picnic in the actual cemetery, maybe sitting on a headstone to eat my lunch. The leader of our troop, her name long ago forgotten, stopped beside a large tree outside the cemetery where we ate our homemade sandwiches. When we finished eating, I asked two friends sitting with me to take a shortcut back to town. I am guessing one girl was named Georgia and the other was Earlene. The "shortcut" back into town was through the old sawmill, in full operation in the early 1950s, when I decided the three of us could get home before the rest of the troop. One look, or rather a scowl on my mother's face, told me I was in big trouble as I bounded through the back door, ready to talk about a first day as a Brownie. This was my one and only day as a Brownie. Submitted: 11/15/18 Article By: Sierra Booster |