Volume XVI Issue 228

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

The torch runs represent the guardianship that law enforcement has taken over the Special Olympics movement and the role it commits that movement to treating people with intellectual disabilities in a manner that is respectful and dignified, as well as being a great fundraiser for an even greater cause.

As someone who wouldn’t consider themselves a runner (unless chasing after the ice cream truck counts), I was initially apprehensive about participating. This year marked my second time participating in the Lassen County Torch Run, and let me tell you, this event just keeps getting better and better!

If you happened to be out and about on Main Street that morning, you might have caught a glimpse of us – a colorful procession of runners, clad in our vibrant gear, passing the iconic “Flame of Hope” from hand to hand.

One of the most exciting changes this year was the route itself. Instead of sticking to the quieter side streets, we decided to take our run right through the heart of Main Street. (Special shout out to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and CHP for doing patrol and blocking intersections—but also for keeping me motivated to not ditch off and hitch hike the rest of the way – I’m looking at you Officer Meghan Lee!)

As I crossed the finish line (admittedly, a little winded but beaming with pride), I couldn’t help but feel a renewed appreciation for our tight-knit community. In a world that often feels divided, events like the Lassen County Torch Run remind us of the power of unity and the joy that comes from celebrating our differences.

So, here’s to the Lassen County Probation Department (now I’m looking at you Calli!) for their dedication to this incredible cause, and to all the participants who laced up their sneakers and showed up!

And a special shout-out to the local businesses and organizations that generously supported the event – your contributions truly make a difference.

Mark your calendars, folks, because next year’s Torch Run is sure to be even bigger and better. Who knows, maybe I’ll even start training for it this time (or at least invest in some quality running shoes), after all, it is one of the reasons I love where we live.

The Rainbow Family of Living Light is a loose-knit group of people from throughout the United States and other countries who gather annually on a national forest. Since the first gathering near Strawberry Lake on the Arapaho National Forest in Colorado in 1972, the incident has taken place on a different national forest each year.

The Forest Service warns that the incident is expected to draw around 10,000 visitors, although Rainbow organizers are telling local residents to expect 20,000.

“The USDA Forest Service has mobilized a national incident management team with experience managing these types of incidents. The team works closely with the local community, including law enforcement agencies, throughout the incident to protect the health and safety of everyone involved, and to lessen environmental impacts to the site by providing information and enforcing laws.”

“An incident of this size can have significant impacts on traffic, communities, local resources, residents, and visitors. Local businesses can expect to see large numbers of Rainbow Family participants visiting stores and buying food and supplies along routes to the incident location. Forest and local roads in the vicinity may become congested during the incident and road closures and/or traffic detours may occur.”

“Every year, the Plumas National Forest sees a large surge in visitors in late June and early July, enjoying not only summer recreation in the forest, but also numerous events in our communities around the July Fourth holiday,” said Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton. “We understand the addition of the Rainbow Family Gathering on the Plumas National Forest raises concerns about additional impacts to our local communities, natural resources and environment and we will be working with the incident team to minimize adverse effects as much as possible.”

For more information about the Unauthorized Noncommercial Group Use Incident, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/rainbowgathering.

“Effective forest and fire management depends on a solid scientific foundation, and the results of these studies will ensure that we continue to build a strong foundation for the future.”

Grantees include the University of California, Cal Poly, University of Washington, Utah State University, North Carolina State University, and San Mateo Resource Conservation District.

The Forest Health Research Program was established as part of California Climate Investments to answer important questions that further our knowledge in forest health and resilience, impacts of wildfire on communities and the environment, science-based tools that aid in land management planning and best practices, effectiveness of fuel treatments, carbon storage and uptake, and many other topics.

Funding for these grants comes from Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds through the California Climate Investments program and supports the goals of the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.

A complete list of the awarded projects and their summaries can be found on the Forest Health Research website. The Forest Health Research program also hosts monthly webinars highlighting funded research projects.

“Scenarios test everything from using hoses, pumps, and equipment, to treating and transporting injured firefighters. Strength and endurance are continually tested and refined as a critical part of the job.”

There is no live fire planned during this drill. This simulation scenario will instead use smoke bombs to add to the realism of the scenario and to help aircraft know where the mock fire is located. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas during the day’s training.

“Trainees and firefighting veterans alike benefit greatly during these simulation scenario drills,” said Peter Martens, Lassen Fire Management Planning Specialist. “These drills help fire modules remain well trained and operate as a cohesive unit, giving everyone experience without the real threat of fire. During this drill, we remain ready to respond to any new wildfire activity on the Lassen National Forest.”

Despite two years of average to above-average precipitation, Regional Fire Director Jaime Gamboa knows just how quickly wildfire season can take off.

“We will not get complacent,” Gamboa said. “Our firefighting crews, equipment, and aircraft form one of the largest, most experienced wildland firefighting forces in the world. We’re ready to respond to whatever the season brings.”

Bluegrass acts already booked for the festival include Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Volume Five, Edgar Loudermilk Band, Hillbilly Fever Band, Eddy B and Pure Country, Yoseff Tucker and the Bow Ties, Red Dog Ash, Sugarpine Bluegrass and The Strung Nugget Gang.

The very popular Susanville Music Camp will also return, and will start at 10:00a.m., on June 18th, and run through the 20th. Music camp is $175 and attendees can purchase discounted festival passes.

Fairgrounds gates will open for camping beginning Sunday, June 16th. Included with the festival is an air-conditioned secured quilting room, 75+ RV sites with power and water, pets allowed, lighted picking areas at night.

A three-day festival pass is $90 and you can click here to purchase them online.

For more information visit the Susanville Bluegrass Festival’s website.

Would you like to win a pair of tickets to Saturday at the Bluegrass Festival? Of course you would!

You can enter once per day, per email address, from now until midnight, June 20th, to win a pair of tickets to Saturday at the festival. We will announce the name of our ticket winner Friday, June 21st. The more entries the better your odds of winning.

Click here to head over to SusanvilleStuff for contest details and an entry form.

Susanville in the 1950’s from an Eastman Studios photograph

Lassen Attorney Recovering From Gunshot Wounds

“More Bullets Where First Came From” Says Gunman

June 19, 1953

Hardin Barry, a leading Susanville attorney, was yesterday believed recovering from two gunshot wounds inflicted under strange circumstances Friday afternoon.

Held at Lassen County jail is Frank George Stifano, 53-year-old Susanville laborer, who is said to have admitted firing the shots at Barry as he sat in the State Café.

Witnesses said Stifano entered the café by a side door shortly after Barry was seated. Walking past his victim, Stifano suddenly whirled, drew a .32-caliber revolver and shot twice. One bullet lodged in the attorney’s back and the other passed through his shoulder near the neck.

“If that isn’t enough, there are more where these came from.” Stifano is quoted as saying as he left. He went directly to Deputy Sheriff W. F. Hoppe, announcing, “I’m in trouble,” and surrendered the gun.

Sheriff Olin Johnson said that Stifano seemed to be suffering delusions about Mr. Barry. It is possible, the sheriff added, that Stifano is nursing some vague grievance from many years back. He keeps insisting he was ‘blackballed, the sheriff said. Mr. Barry and Stifano had no known connections, Sheriff Johnson said.

Mr. Barry, who is about 61 years of age, spent a restful night at the hospital and is expected to survive his wounds.

Robb Thomas Williams April 28, 2024

Celebration of Life for Faye and Geraldine (Gerry) Roberts

Steven William Dustin – May 16, 2024

Daniel Mark Gaumont – May 28th, 2024

Scott Allen Evans – May 30, 2024