Plumas County Connection

Submitted by William Kelley, CBO So what's the big deal?  To understand the significance      of building safety, and Building Safety Week, we need to go back a few years…and look around.     March 25, 1911, a fire broke out in the Triangle Garment Factory in New York City.  The cause of the fire was unsafe electrical wiring.  The reason 146 young female garment workers lost their lives was due to a lack of adequate exits serving the ninth floor.  Many of the young ladies, age fifteen and older, jumped nine stories to their death.     On a balmy Saturday evening in Late June, 2003 in Chicago, a common neighborhood party took an unexpected turn when a third floor covered porch collapsed killing 12 and severely injuring 57 more. It was determined that the ledger connection to the house failed.  The porch was built in 1998, without a permit.     Earlier that same year in West Warwick, Rhode Island 100 people lost their lives in a popular nightclub     when the pyrotechnic show, intended to add pizzazz to the live band's performance, unexpectedly     set the building on fire.  The unnecessary cause of death was discovered to be a failure of the exiting system.     Chances are, if you haven't lost a friend or relative     in a horrific event like one of these, you would- n't give building safety much thought. Have you ever noticed when many foreign countries suffer a magnitude 6 or 7 earthquake, tens of thousands of lives are lost; yet, when we experience     the same magnitude earthquake in the United States, it is rare if even 100 lives are lost?  This is due to our more advanced building safety requirements.       Building safety is something we have come to expect and take for granted in our wonderful country.      When our child is invited to a friend's slumber party, or when we go to see a crowded play or movie; when we sleep in our own beds at night, or shop in our stores during the day, we have an expectation          that disaster won't visit us in the form of: loss of loved ones due to building collapse, fire, entrapment,          or electrocution.  We take it for granted that our built-environment is safe. Building safety is not something that just 'happens', it's something that takes continued effort.  Here's how you can partici- pate: • Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning properly. • Identify your exiting strategy when in unfamiliar or crowded environments. • Make sure all construction work you under take includes getting a building permit.  If you're not sure you need one, ask us! Building safety and fire prevention personnel across our country and our state invite you to join us in celebrating Building Safety Week ---it really is a big deal. "GIVING A VOICE TO AND PUTTING A FACE ON— OUR VALUED COUNTY EMPLOYEES!" May 8, 2006 Feature Stories— Rose Comstock Named to NACo Building Safety Week! Gardener's Ex- change 2 Editorial Staff 2 Focus on Our Family 3 Very Special People, Very Special Occa- sions 3 Relay for Life, 2006 4 Social Services' Differential          Response Program 5 Primary Election 6 Most Noteworthy! 6 Museum News 7 Classy Classifieds 8 Funny Bones 8 Suggestion Corner 8 Important Notices 7 Regional Education and Training 7 Volume 1, Issue 3 Plumas County Connection Supervisor Rose Comstock Named to NACo's Public Lands Steering Committee On May 2, 2006, he National Association of Counties (NACo) announced the appointment of Plumas County (Calif.) Supervisor Rose Comstock to NACo's Public Lands Steering Committee.   The Public Lands Steering Committee advises the NACo Board of Directors and general membership on all NACo policy matters relating to federally owned public lands, including tax immunity problems, shared natural resource payments, payments in lieu of taxes, and federal land management programs.   NACo President Bill Hansell, commissioner, Umatilla County, Ore., said he is pleased that Comstock is joining the committee .    "Plumas County has a long tradition of sending highly effective leaders to help guide the development and implementation          of NACo's public lands policy agenda - dating back to Supervisor Bill Coates in the 1980's and including my good friend, committee vice-chair and former chair, Bill Dennison.  I look forward to working with Rose for the good of the citizens of America's public lands counties."   NACo is a full-service organization that provides legislative, research, technical and public affairs assistance to county governments.  Created in 1935, NACo continues to ensure that the nation's 3,066 counties are heard and understood in the White House and Congress. International Building Safety Week, California Building Safety Week—May 7-13th,

Looking for...a few green thumbs with big hearts! One goal of the HealthierUS Initiative is to increase Americans' consumption of fruits and vegetables. The Dietary Guidelines      for Americans in 2006 recommend that we all choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, we need to select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week.  This is difficult for many people due to the increasing         cost of fresh produce. One way to overcome this barrier is to create a gardener's exchange of fresh produce at the work site where fresh produce     can be purchased for a nominal cost, or bartered for. All of us who are backyard gardeners know of the explosion of zucchini, tomatoes and apples that happens every year. Here is your chance to do something good with the bounty that will benefit your County co-workers! What do you think? 1. Will a Garden Bounty Exchange increase your access to fresh produce? 2. Is there enough interest in doing something like this? 3. What would be the most convenient location for a County Employee Garden    Exchange? 4. Are there certain days of the week, or times that are better than others? For instance—lunchtime on every Wednesday during the growing season,     etc. 5. Who would like to participate in a Garden Exchange? 6. How many serious gardeners are out there? 7. Would County ordinances require permits for such an exchange? 8. Would we want to (sell, exchange) only fresh produce, or are processed      items acceptable, such as dried fruits, pies, jams, honey? Please send your thoughts to me, Jocelyn Cote, at PCPHA, X6454, or, email: jocelyncote@countyofplumas.com I want an honest appraisal of interest, time and produce commitment before embarking on this project. The whole idea is based upon voluntary     participation at this time. We do not aspire to make a lot of money with a Garden Exchange, but hope to improve      the health and wellness of our valuable County Employees and their families—and of course, to share in the "right to brag" about our fabulous gardens! To Your Health:  County Employee Garden Exchange Jocelyn Cote, PHN, PCPHA Name               Phone Fax    Dept        Email Joani Duncan          6315 6288 CAO joaniduncan@countyofplumas.com Jocelyn Cote          6454 6110 PCPHA jocelyncote@countyofplumas.com Sue Jones               6361 6344 Sheriff sjones@pcso.net William Kelley       6206 6134 Plan/Bldg williamkelley@countyofplumas.com Patty O'Neill-Porges 6264 6250        Child Support poporges@mindspring.com B. Palmerton           6912 6340 DA bpalmerton@countyofplumas.com Kathy Tedford   6444 6160 H.R. kathytedford@countyofplumas.com Dale Snook   6275 6146 Vets dalesnook@countyofplumas.com Kelly Stane   6398 6288 CAO kellystane@countyofplumas.com Sandy Thomas    6292 6442 Auditor sandythomas@countyofplumas.com P.S. A BIG thank you to Lorrie Bennett in I.T. for always being there and getting out any information we need to get out to all of our employees for "The Connection".  Lorrie, you're awesome !     The editorial staff …. Page 2 Plumas County Connection Editorial Staff—How to Contact Plumas County Connection

tion with Plumas County Health as a FTSA III in August of 2001 and eventually promoted      to Department Fiscal Officer.  Debbie    lives in Greenville with her husband, two dogs and three horses.  She has two children, enjoys gardening, hiking and being involved in her church activities.  Debbie's high motivation and accounting background makes her a great asset to the Auditor's Office.  If you haven't seen her in the Auditor's      Office yet, come in and say "Hello". Baby News/Celebration Great food, wonderful friends and loads of baby presents were on the agenda as Barbara     Thompson celebrated her baby shower on April 10th at Moons. Congratulations      to Barbara and her husband David Debbie Robinson, Assistant Auditor A new, yet familiar face in the Auditor's      Office!   Debbie Robinson started her new position as Assistant Auditor on April 18th.  In 2001 Debbie moved here from Sonoma County where she worked as an Accountant I for Human Services.  She took a posi- who are expecting their first child in May 2006.  The baby is going to be named Robert Walter Thompson after both grandfathers:         Robert Thompson who passed away April 17, 2001, and Walter Snelling. Barbara and David recently moved to Quincy, California from their previous home in Cold Springs, NV. Focus on Our Family: 'When we do our job right, nothing happens!      William Kelley Very Special People, Very Special Occasions! Sandy Thomas Page 3 Plumas County Connection   Employees of the Building Division of Planning & Building Services consider this motto to be pretty exciting!  What's their reason? These dedicated workers are in the prevention business, and when building safety hazards are prevented , nothing much happens: no failures, no collapses, no fires, no entrapments, and no electrocutions.  This Division's trained and certified staff is responsible for the safety oversight of our local construction activity, our county's 6th largest economic sector as measured by employment.   In a typical year these employees manage, review, inspect and administer more than 2,000 new construction permits accounting for nearly 1.5 million sq-ft of new or remodeled construction throughout our county.  This level of new construction activity is valued at more than 60 million dollars each year, and generates more than 1.8 million dollars in permit fee revenue.*   If you work in our new annex facility, work-out in our remodeled athletic club, or live in a house that was recently built or remodeled; your safety has been preserved in-part by the efforts of our Building Division team whose mission is to 'safeguard life, health, property and public welfare' within our built-environment.. *based on FY 04-05 figures Pictured from left to right are Building Division staff Maryann DeWitt, David Barnett, Randal Hicks, Christina Pierson, Rich Blanton, Carolyn Vickers, Rick Rund, Chris Hood and William Kelley.

Relay for Life Angels of Hope There will be many upcoming fundraisers    to support the American Cancer Society Tickets are on Sale NOW! GE Profile Dishwasher W/Stainless Steel Interior Donated By Quincy Appliance See Tina Venable, PCPHA, 283-6346 Famous Tri Tip Sandwiches will be available the day of the Relay for Life Watch for several exciting upcoming events to be an- nounced... THANK YOU for your support of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life—June 24 & 25, 2006 Page 4 Plumas County Connection The Plumas County Chipper team needs you.  If you would like to join the fun, contact Barbara Short in Human Resources. This year the Relay 4 Life is going to be held on June 24 & 25 at FRC.  The Survivor lap will begin at 10:00am on the 24th and the Luminaries will begin at sundown.  Everyone is invited! FUND-RAISERS FOR THE CHIPPER TEAM May 10th is Breakfast @ Employee Break Room Courthouse May 25th is Goodie day @ Lobby of Courthouse June 7th Pot-Luck Lunch 2nd Floor Courthouse And don't forget the raffle: Tickets are on sale now $1.00 ea or 6 for $5.00. Prizes include: A round of golf for 4 at Plumas Pines; Avon; Cookie Lee Jewelry; Mary Kay Cosmetics; Home Depot card; something from Rick's Lawn & Landscape and much more.  To buy tickets come to the Human Resources Department or call 283-6443. JOIN THE FUN! Relay for Life will be held June 24 & 25, 2006 at Feather River College, Quincy. 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. "There is no finish line until we find a cure!" American Cancer Society SPRING GARDEN TEA Come and enjoy tea and lots of treats...while at the same time enjoy the joyous antics of swallows and hummingbirds. Saturday, May 13th, 1-4 p.m. All of this for a small donation of $15.00 All proceeds go to Relay for Life Ticket sold in advance only. Contact:     Dolly Lake    283-2863 Relay for Life is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people will camp out at FRC and take turns walking or running the track in relays for 24 hours because cancer never sleeps!

The Plumas County Department of Social Services / Child Welfare Services has been working during the past year to implement a Differential          Response program. Differential Response or D.R. has grown out of a need for local child welfare agencies and community partners     to address the needs of families and children with increased responsiveness         and flexibility. Differential Response is an important component of California's child welfare     system improvement plan.  D.R. is a new intake and response structure that allows Child Welfare Services to respond in a strength-based and flexible    manner to referrals of suspected child abuse or neglect.  Differential Response assesses the needs, resources, and circumstances of each family and focuses on engaging and assessing families by utilizing three initial "Response Paths": • Path 1 :   Path 1 referrals are referrals     that indicate a low level of safety risk. A Path 1 response involves an initial response       by a Child Welfare Social Worker who assesses the family's circumstances. The Social Worker obtains consent to communicate the families' confidential information with a community partner. • Path 2 :  Path 2 are referrals that indicate a low to moderate level of risk. A Path 2 response involves a Child Welfare     Services Social Worker and an appropriate community partner.  The Social Worker and Community Partner(s)       work together in an ongoing collaborative           effort with the family to minimize     and eliminate safety risk to children     within the family. • Path 3 :  Path 3 referrals are referrals        that indicate moderate to high risk.  The referrals are assigned       to a Child Welfare Services Social Worker and may involve a joint response with local law enforcement.            Path 3 referrals may involve placing a child into protective     custody and out-home-care. Community Partners are invited to attend monthly round-table meetings     where the Differential Response program is discussed, modified and improved.  Individual client and family    information however is not discussed       at these meetings in order to maintain the client's confidentiality throughout the process. The Community Partners that are presently working with Plumas County Social Services / Child Protective        Services include: • Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center • Plumas Rural Services • Family Focus Network • Domestic Violence Services • Indian Valley Resource Cen- ter • Plumas County Probation Department • Plumas County Children's System of Care • Roundhouse Council • Portola C.A.R.E.S. • Almanor Basin Community     Center Working as a collaborative, grant funding was applied for, and utilized     to build the foundation for the Differential Response program within Plumas County including: Training of Social Services, staff and community partners in the "Family Wellness Model" of parenting       education and software for community partners that will increase       consistency in client intake procedures and outcome measurement        documentation. A primary goal of Differential Response is to build community partnerships with community organizations            that are effective, responsive,          and have services available     throughout the County.   The Community Partners listed above have worked diligently with Plu- mas County Social Services to build a Differential Response Program     that the entire County can feel proud about. Page 5 Plumas County Connection Social Services Implements A Differential Response Program Bill Snitkin

Purpose: The Public Policy Committee of the Planning Council is providing a 7-week series of voter information emails leading up the June 6, 2006 Primary Election. The emails provide information and helpful hints to increase voter registration and turnout in the early education commu- nity. Don't forget!! May 8th: FIRST Day to Apply for Absentee    Ballots and FIRST day to vote in County Elections Office. May 22nd:  LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE May 30th: LAST day for requesting an Absentee Ballot by mail—Absentee Ballot applications due by 5:00 pm June 6th:  ELECTION DAY!! And—the LAST day to vote in the County Elections Office—until 8:00 p.m. If you are a "Permanent Absentee Voter" - your ballot will be mailed to you by May 8, 2006. But they must be received in our office by 8:00 p.m. on June 6, 2006. They may also be dropped of at any of the four voting centers in Plumas County. PLEASE—If you have changes your physical and/or mailing address or your name, please fill out a new Voter Registration Card and get it to the Elections Office by May 22nd in order to receive voting material in a timely manner. This year we are changing the polling places in Plumas County due to several directives from the Secretary of State. Therefore, there will be FOUR VOTE CENTERS in the County: PORTOLA—Veteran's Memorial Hall QUINCY—   Tulsa Scott Pavilion GREENVILLE—Greenville Town Hall CHESTER—Chester Memorial Hall  Sample Ballots will be mailed approximately       on May 1st from our mailing house. We do not directly mail out Sample    Ballots from our office. We will, however,      have some available at our office if you do not receive yours. Primary Elections v. General Elections      :  It can be confusing to see political advertising that starts up to a year before the General Election takes place in November       2006. Understanding the difference     between primary and general elections      is important to prevent voter burnout    and to have a better informed voting body. The purpose of a Primary Election is to narrow the field of candidates so that there is ultimately only one nominee from each political party who will run against other political parties' nominees in the General Election. The purpose of the General Election is to select the final people to hold offices at the federal, state and local levels. Voters    select among the candidates from each party who were elected during the Primary Election. California has 7 political parties: Democratic · Republican · Green · American Independent · Natural Law · Peace & Freedom and ·  Libertarian Voters must declare which political party they belong to and can only vote for members of that party during the primary election. Voters have the option     to "Decline to State" their party affiliation.           Each political party then decides if they will allow these voters to vote for their candidates during the primary. In the June 6th primary, people who "Decline to State" can vote for Democratic,       Republican and American Independent        Party candidates. What Does This Mean For Me? You can help determine who the final candidate       will be for your chosen political party. - Who best represents the interests of your family, community, political beliefs? Greater voter participation improves the democratic process. - More voters means that more people's views and opinions are being repre- sented Children can't vote, but you can! - What things are important to and for your children? • Voting is a great example for your children to follow! June 6, 2006: Direct Primary Election Dorette English and Gayle Anderson through her work with Plumas Children's Network and Newborn House Calls. She also worked as a Social Worker for many years. Now she is "retired" and working 2 days a week. Plumas County can't let good folks TOTALLY retire! Barbara is working one day for Health Smiles and we are delighted! Her past experience and knowledge of the communities in Plumas County will be invaluable         as a Health Educator/Family Services      Coordinator.  Welcome Jeanne, and welcome back, Barbara! Healthy Smiles is a Maternal, Child and Adolescent     Health (MCAH) program that increases access to dental care for women, children and their families. LIFEBOAT Committee       is comprised of several "first line response agencies, is sponsoring a one-day event—the "County Summit" to educate ourselves and other agencies     in regards to services available to Plumas County residents and how to access these ser- vices. This year, the "County Summit" is being held on May 17th, 2006 in the Mineral Building. This one-day program will allow each agency to present     a 5-minute overview of their services.  If you, or any member of your agency would like to participate, please contact Carolyn Widman at 283-5515. Healthy Smiles is happy to welcome Jeanne Kessler and Barbara Olson as new members of the oral health program for children 0-12 years of age. Jeanne Kessler is an Occupational Therapist.      This is her first experience working in a Public Health Department. She is working half time for Healthy Smiles as our Health Educator/Family Services Coordinator. She comes from the Long Beach area and now commutes from "Toll Gate.". She will definitely       be an asset to our program. Barbara Olson is known by most of you Page 6 Most Noteworthy! Submitted by Sandy Norton Plumas County Connection

ART SHOW     Quincy native Dorothy Mitchell will be showing an exhibition       of her multi-media art during the month of May 2006 at the Plumas County Museum's Stella Fay Mezzanine.     Her work consists of a varied collection that includes fantasy,      figure drawing, portraits, and sculpture.     Dorothy has shown an interest in art since the age of two. She is currently attending Feather River College and plans to transfer to a four-year college to obtain her degree in Studio Art. She hopes to become a children's book illustrator in the future.     An opening for the art show is scheduled for on Friday, May 5th from 5-7 p.m. For more information call the Plumas County Museum at 283-6320. POWER TRIPS     Norman Shelton , retired P.G.&E executive, will guide these entertaining and informative tours, imparting his vast knowledge of the hydroelectric projects of the Feather River.    Each bus trip is limited to the first 25 people. Participants are to bring their own lunch. Water and snacks will be provided. Cost is $35.00 per person. Advance registration is required.    May 20 - Oroville Dam Visitor Center Overlook and Table Mountain Road wildflowers.    July 15 - Lake Almanor Dam and Intake, original Chester Jail, wildlife viewing, 'round the Lake trip, Indian Creek and Indian Valley.    September 23 —Caribou, a classic vintage Craftsman-style town, Caribou Powerhouse exterior visit, a  stop at a Gold Rush era town site along the river. All trips leave Quincy at 9 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. Reserve seats at 283-6320. HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY NIGHT     Don't forget this image-based presentation on the "History of the Feather River Highway" .  Quincy - Wed. May 17th, & Portola - Thursday, May 18th, 7-9 p.m. Call us folks at the museum for more info 283-6320. Law, County Counsel, local school district superintendent, administrators, and staff; local health department staff, law enforcement          and other community partners. For more information, and/or to register to attend, contact     PCPHA at 283-6330. HIPPA Compliance Training for all Public Health staff on May 17, 2006, 1-3 p.m., Clinic Classroom.      Register @ X6454 June 8, 2006—Satellite Broadcast and Tabletop Exercise: Pandemic Influenza     and Public Health Law. This exercise encourages community partners to work through "what if" scenarios within their jurisdiction. The target audience includes Health Officers and Department     Managers who would be involved in pandemic flu response       affected by Public Health Truly happy folks know that regardless     of what happened yesterday, last month, years ago—or what might happen later today, tomorrow, or next year—NOW is the only place where happiness can actually be found and ex- perienced. Plumas County Museum News Lori Simpson Regional Education and Training dies, the Toy Store, Social Services,       etc., throughout the month of May and June. Opportunities to win this painting $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 and can be obtained from Rozanne or any members of the Basket Cases team: Karen Barker, Carol Metzdorf, Carol Snow, Amy Carey, Marilyn Chris- tensen, or Totsie Beck. There are posters around town with a picture     of the painting displayed. Rozanne ReBell recently came out of "oil painting retirement" to do a painting entitled, "A View of Quincy" as a cancer fundraiser project for Relay for Life in June. This is a 24"x 30" canvas and was graciously framed by Eagle's Nest Frames in Quincy. The painting will be displayed at Eagle's Nest Frames the first week in may, and then will circulate to Carey's Can- Plumas County Old-Fashioned Picnic/Home and Garden Show Sponsored by Soropotomist International of Quincy. The picnic will be held at the Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 3rd. Bring your family and join the fun! For more information, contact Cheryl Reinitz at (530) 283-2266. Page 7 Important Notices! Plumas County Connection

Put your great ideas to work! Got a plan or idea that will improve Plumas County's success? A neat gadget to make work easier? A safer and saner way to get to Point B? How about an idea for a Plumas County Connection story? Fill in, clip out and send your ideas to Joani Duncan. She and Jack Ingstad will route it to the proper person. To:___________________________________________ Department:_____________ Suggestions(s):__________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Or, you may email thoughts, ideas and suggestions to: joaniduncan@countyofplumas.com who will route your suggestion in the right direction. All responses will be confidential if you request      it to be as such. Name:_________________________ (optional)   Date:_________________________ Suggestion Corner (We're Not "Boxed" In!) FUNNY BONES We're on the web! www.countyofplumas.com Classy Classifieds 2004 AQHA Chestnut Gelding. Current on all shots and de- wormings. He is doing well with ground work and is ready to start. "Jimmy" is very gentle, kind, patient and willing. He bathes, trailers and stands for the farrier. I am asking $1,200, OBO. 283-9186 or 941-3766. Free to a good home: Boer Goat. This goat was the 2005 Plumas-Sierra County Fair meat goat champion. He will make a great horse-buddy (he loves horse and people, and of course—other goats!). My system    purchased this goat to keep him from going to market. I have nowhere to keep him. His name is Mickey and he is neutered (no musky goat smell!). He is very friendly and comes to his name.  283-9186 or 941-3766. Cookie Lee Jewelry, 10% discount      for Plumas County employees.         If you host a party, you will receive $25.00 worth of free jewelry. Contact: Barbara Short in Human Resources X6443 or 251-7846. Massage: Lori Short from ARB Massage in Reno is offering a special of 2 massages for $100.00. Call 775-825-6556 to make an appointment. Plumas County Connection