In 1933, as a measure to deter the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the Civilian Conservation Corps to provide work for young men and to help with government projects throughout the nation.

The USFS quickly realized that this new work force could be vital to their efforts, and the CCC was put to work on a massive program of construction projects.

Out of this program, fire lookouts were built across the country. In California alone, some 250 lookouts were constructed between 1933 and 1942 and the fire lookout system proved to be a major benefit to providing essential information for fire detection, and the lookouts, staffed mainly by volunteers, flourished.

In 1952 the newly-built Don Landon Lookout was dedicated to a young man who had worked for the California State Division of Forestry in Lassen County. Don Landon served his country in WWII as a Sergeant in the 821st Tank Destroyer Battalion, and was killed in action in October of 1944, near Henri-Chapelle, Belgium. Don Landon received a Purple heart for his bravery. He is buried in Belgium.

From the Nevada State Journal September 18, 1952:

“Landon Lookout, one of the State Division of Forestry’s latest lookout stations in northeastern California, was dedicated Sunday to Donald A. Landon, former member of the forestry service who was killed in action in Europe in 1944.

“Approximately 50-persons attended the ceremonies, conducted by the Veterans of Foreign wars and the American Legion. The Rev. Hartzell E. Buckner of the Susanville Methodist Church delivered the invocation and benediction.

“John Callahan, deputy state forester from the Redding office, presented a short dedication speech in which he praised the personal character of Landon as a credit to the forestry service.

“Callahan stated that it was fitting that the new tower, which is symbolic of the alertness of the forestry service, should be dedicated to a former ranger whose alertness, initiative, and interest was of service to one of the nation’s most valuable natural resources. Following the ceremonies, the public was invited to inspect the new tower which was placed under construction two years ago and completed earlier this year.”

The fire lookouts in our country are slowly disappearing. Many have been turned into small overnight rentals where visitors can experience the spectacular views and see what life was like for lookout personnel. In Lassen County, several fire lookouts remain, serving a vital purpose, but will undoubtedly soon ‘take a back seat’ to new technology.

This includes busses or other transportation provided to students.

Schools in Lassen County will begin enforcing the facial covering requirement for all students and staff on Thursday.

The state has launched the Safe Schools for All Hub as a one-stop shop for information about safe in-person instruction.

For more information on the transparency, accountability and assistance measures related to California’s Safe Schools for All plan, visit the Safe Schools for All Hub.

Gunderson included text from the new guidance, which impacts everyone in the state:

People in California must wear face coverings when they are outside of the home, unless one of the exemptions below applies.

Note: Persons exempted from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition who are employed in a job involving regular contact with others must wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits it.

The SAT will be offered at Lassen High School on March 13th. Registration deadline is February 12th with late registration until March 2nd.

Searching for Student Participation. The School Site Council is currently seeking students who are interested in being an active member of a committee that oversees the schools’ academic programs and progress. If you would like to participate, please complete the nomination form that was emailed to all student school email accounts.

Boys and Girl Golfers – please stop by room 755 to see Mr. Ernaga before school, at lunch or after school to get some information.

Baseball Meeting: Anyone interested in trying out for JV or Varsity Baseball, there is a mandatory short meeting right after school on Thursday or Friday, January 21st and 22nd in room 767. Meeting starts at 2:40.

John Adams, the man who stole two coats from the store of Blum and Alexander was tried before Justice Blake yesterday. The jury being out a few minutes found him guilty. Justice Blake this morning sentenced him to 50-days in the county jail.

The Celestials here have been on their good behavior for some time, but at last their cussedness has shown itself. One Charley Wing now languishes in durance ville, cared for by Skadden.

Gee Hem owed Wing $2, and Wing to get even stole $100 and some blankets from them. Justice Blake bound Wing over to await the action of the Superior Court.

Lassen has her cowboys as does all well regulated counties. Last week they made a raid on the barroom of the Milford hotel, broke up all the furniture piled it in the fireplace and set it on fire, and by way of amusement fired about twenty shots into the lamps and ceiling.

They settled the bill of damages but not to satisfy Mr. Doyle who has commenced suit against them for $1,500.