Cesar is also in the ISU at High Desert and is the friendliest human being I have ever met. When I tell you that everyone loves Cesar, I mean it.

Within seconds of talking to him, you can’t help but love him. He is funny, and smart, and just the nicest kind of guy.

A fun fact about Cesar – I have literally watched him save a life. A couple of years ago at an active shooting training, a role player was choking on her lunch, and Cesar, without hesitation performed the Heimlich and saved her. It was something you watch in YouTube videos, and I had the pleasure of seeing it in real time.

The woman was so incredibly thankful, but also slightly embarrassed and Cesar was so humble and did everything he could to make her feel better.

This was not the only time Cesar has made lifesaving efforts either. Once on a work trip to Reno, he and his partner observed CHP doing CPR on a driver who was in Cardiac Arrest. Cesar and his partner stopped and took over, allowing the CHP to continue calling resources and rest. That man’s heart is always in the right place.

That is just one Cesar story. You want to have the best salsa in the entire world? Cesar Rios. You want to be friends with someone that will always, unprovoked, asked if you need help? Painting, moving, building a drawbridge for your moat – Cesar will do it. No questions asked.

Cesar is incredibly thoughtful and is a “give you the shirt off his back kind of guy.” This last week, I needed a case to lock my firearm in to fly. Within minutes of telling his wonderful wife this, Cesar had offered up not one, but two cases that I could use. He is just a kind person.

Outside of being the world’s greatest friend, Cesar is a great husband to my wonderful friend. Melyssah’s schedule is crazy, and her job is demanding, but I see the support he gives her, and it makes my heart happy.

He is also a very involved dad, and makes it look so easy. He is involved in the life of his two incredible children, often coaching their teams (the most positive coach ever!) and showing up to all their events.

In fact, another one of my favorite Cesar stories, is from when he took his beautiful daughter to the father daughter dance, and that man can move. He was in it to win it when it came to the dance competitions.

I have seen that man donate money, and his time to our community. He is an asset to us at the prison but outside of those walls as well. So, aside from the fact he was teasing Ben, he WHOLE HEARTEDLY deserved to be featured because he is truly one of the reasons I love where we live.

Looking Good! Alison Templeton’s Roop Street Mural Takes Shape

Photos by Jerry Askey

Alison Templeton and her team of artists have been hard at work this summer adorning the curved wall along Roop Street with a neat, aquatic-themed mural.

It’s awesome fun and brightens up the whole area.

Pictured from left to right is Amanda Michel, County Superintendent Patty Gunderson, and Brian Purdy.

County Board of Education Recognizes Staff Milestones

Lassen County’s Board of Education recognized staff of the County Office of Education at its August meeting who had attained milestones for years of service.

Amanda Michel, Special Education Coordinator, was present to receive a 15-year service plaque; and Brian Purdy, Network Service Technician, received a 10-year service pin.

“You name it and most likely we will be playing it!” says Symphony Conductor Ben Wade. 

The concert features a fun, family atmosphere with people bringing picnic lunches, lawn chairs and blankets to watch the show from the courthouse lawn.

To make it a truly special day for families, the symphony is letting all children sixteen and under accompanied by a parent into the concert for free.

“We want to continue to foster the family focus of this concert. Patrons are welcome to come early and set up their camp.”

There will be a raffle and prizes for those who sign up for season tickets at the Concert on the Green, as well as a prize for the best “dressed” table.

If you buy a season ticket now you will get a discounted price on the five-concert season. General admission to each concert is $30, so if you plan to see them all the $125 season ticket makes sense.

Would you like to win a pair of tickets? Of course you would!

Click here to head over to SusanvilleStuff for entry form and details. We'll announce the winners right here Friday morning.

Susanville’s City Hall and Fire Department around 1950. ~ From the Lassen Historical Society

Volunteer Firemen to Sponsor Contest

September 14, 1952

To stimulate interest in Fore Prevention Week, which will be from October 5 through the 11th, the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring a children’s poster contest.

Children from kindergarten through the eighth grade will be eligible to enter the contest, and there will be first, second and third prizes awarded in four separate groups, plus a grand prize for the most original poster.

Children must submit their posters to their class teachers by 4 p.m., October 6. All posters must be drawn in color, either crayola or paint, and be on posterboard measuring at least 18 by 24 inches.

The fore department has suggested as themes for the posters, industrial fire prevention, home fire prevention, school, fire prevention, commercial fire prevention and forest fire prevention.

Judging will be on the basis of originality, general effect and art value. All posters will become the property of the Susanville Fire Department.