September 2020, Volume 4
Reach Out - Connect - Take Part

Friday Night Movie In The Park

Mount Lassen Theatre plans to host another movie in the park this coming Friday, September 25th. (They have yet to announce which movie will play)


Last Friday's movie was lots of fun. People brought blankets or chairs and were able to enjoy the movie outdoors with their family. The popcorn was great and there was a good selection of drinks and candy. 

 

Virtual Small Business Expo

REGISTER for America's BIGGEST Virtual Business Networking & Educational Event!
Grow Your Business.
RSVP FREE // Free Webinars, Speed Networking, Exhibitors
Register Here!

ARPD Kids Night Out!


ARPD is offering a Kids Night Out Program every Tuesday for 8 weeks.  



REGISTER NOW

Donate to Lake Almanor Area Chamber

Support our efforts to promote local businesses!

Labor Law Poster Updates


Every California business must display state, federal & OSHA notices.

In California, all employers must meet workplace posting obligations. Workplace postings are usually available at no cost from the requiring agency. The Department of Industrial Relations requires employers to post information related to wages, hours and working conditions in an area frequented by employees where it may be easily read during the workday. Additional posting requirements apply to some workplaces. For a list of available safety and health postings, visit the Cal/OSHA publications page.

The following sites have resources for printing labor law posters needed. 

https://www.laborposters.org/california.htm 
https://www.dir.ca.gov/wpnodb.html 

Plumas County News

Advertise with Us!

Looking to get word out about your business, service or product? You can now advertise with the Lake Almanor Area Chamber through the Town Chatter and other venues. This feature is for members only. 

Stuff You Should Know

Plumas County Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors meet the first three Tuesdays of every month at 10 am.  Supervisors Board Room, Court House, Third Floor, 520 Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971. Meetings are open to the public at a reduced capacity in the Board Room, or are live streamed at http://plumascoca.suiteonemedia.com/web/Home.aspx

Seneca Health Care District
Seneca Healthcare District board meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month at 3:00 PM, 130 Brentwood Drive, Chester, CA 96020, 530-258-2151.  Agenda and Minutes area at https://senecahospital.org/agenda/

Chester Public Utilities District (Fire and Utilities) 
CPUD Board meetings are held on Tuesdays at 3pm at the CPUD/Chester Fire Station 251 Chester Airport Rd.  Agenda and minutes posted at www.chesterpud.org/board-meetings

Peninsula Fire District
Peninsula Fire District Board meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Peninsula Fire Station # 2, 801 Golf Club Road, Lake Almanor, California 96137, 530-259-2306. Agendas for each meeting are posted at https://www.peninsulafire.net/board-meetings

Hamilton Branch Fire Department
Regular Board Meetings are held on the Second Wednesday of every month at 4pm at 3791 Big Springs Road, Hamilton Branch CA 96137 530-596-3458. Agendas are posted prior to the meetings at https://www.hambranchfire.com/board-meetings
 
Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Board Meetings take place the 2nd Wednesday of each month 8:30 in the Chamber office or on the Patio at 278 Main Street. 

Find us at https://www.lakealmanorarea.com/community-meetings.html
If you would like your organization's meetings posted on our site, contact info@lakealmanorarea.com

Virtual Insurance Diversity Summit

The 2020 Virtual Insurance Diversity Summit taking place on November 12 - 13, 2020.

 
The Virtual Insurance Diversity Summit is hosted by the California Department of Insurance. The Summit includes a virtual Matchmaking Roundtable, Resource Expo, and engaging webinars led by experts on the topics of race and diversity in the insurance industry, diversity in the boardroom, navigating the insurer procurement pathways, building resilience in business strategies, and much more!
 
This event is free and online. 

Contact the Insurance Diversity Initiative via email at diversity@insurance.ca.gov for any questions.

Job Board




Camp Host at the Village at Child's Meadow, Highlands Ranch Resort
Immediate Opening, APPLY HERE





UDSA jobs available! 
Click here to search jobs by location! 


Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center
Executive Director
Full-time
591 Main St, Quincy, California 95971

Sierra Hospice
Inventory Associate
Part-time · $12 / hour
684 Main St, Chester, CA 96020, United States


NAPA Auto Parts - Northern California
Counterperson, Delivery Driver - Chester Auto Parts
Full-time, 445 Main St, Chester, CA 96020, United States


PictureOC Painting division of Olah Construction has immediate openings for painters.
Pay based on experience; must have reliable transportation. Call 258-4810 for more information 

Dollar General
SALES ASSOCIATE in CHESTER, CA
Full-time
376 Main St, Chester, CA 96020, United States

Alliance for Workforce Developement 
Accounting Technician 
Full-time, www.afwd.org
 

Did you know you can also find and submit jobs on Facebook as well 
Submit and Find Jobs on Facebook Here

About Us

Chamber Board Meetings take place the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Chamber office at 278 Main Street. 


The Chamber's Community Calendar is open to all. Submitting your events is easy. CLICK HERE. Go to the bottom of the page and look for SUBMIT HERE.
 
Lake Almanor Area Chamber
530-258-2426
278 Main St., Chester
P.O. Box 1098  96020
Info@lakealmanorarea.com

Chester Town Plaza Project

Susan Bryner

Though much has been stalled during the COVID-19 shut down, the development team for the Town Plaza in Chester continues to look at options and ideas for location and operations.

Location
Two locations for the Plaza have been researched and discussed, Chester Park and the corner of Main and Willow.  A Private/Public partnership at Chester Park had been discussed in earlier planning and discarded due to thoughts that capital improvements would be too expensive.  Purchasing the unimproved lot at Main and Willow was then researched looking at various options for ownership and financing the purchase.  At this time, both of these possibilities are back on the table.

Chester Park
Conversations with the County have yielded some interest in the idea of a private/public partnership at Chester Park.  A meeting is being set up with County Counsel to discuss the legal options and requirements of such a partnership.  In the meantime, the Development Team submitted the private/public partnership idea to the Board of Supervisors during their discussion of allocation of Prop 68 funds for parks and recreation. During that discussion at the September 15 BOS meeting they honored the idea by allocating $20,000 to the Plaza partnership, if it occurs.  This does not assure that the Plaza will qualify for the funds once formal application is made, however, it is a start and an indication of interest.  We were pleased.

The Development Team will meet with the County Facilities Director to discuss the funds application process and whether any future developments in the park can take the potential for the Plaza into consideration during planning.

Corner of Main St. and Willow
In looking at various ownership options for the parcel at the corner of Main St. and Willow, the best choice appears to be in creating an LLC with investors.  Forward movement with this was postponed in March due to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 shut-down.

Fundraising
The three major fundraisers planned for this first year were also postponed due to the shut-down.  Planning for the Battle of the Mountain Beer Fest and the Twilight Party in White for 2021 are underway.  The Lake on a Plate Cookbook is slated to roll out in 2021 as well.  The fundraising committee has other has for raising funds and to keep our community involved.  We look forward to rolling each of these projects forward and will look to each of you for participation.

Operations
The Lake Almanor Area Chamber, the Lake Almanor Community Foundation, and the Lake Almanor Directors of the Feather River Tourism Assoc. have participated in this, the visioning stage for the Plaza.  At this time, plans are underway for the creation of an organization that will operate the Plaza once work begins.   We will update you on this process as it occurs. 

Halloween? What's Happening?


 
For many years, the Chamber has sponsored Merchant's Safe Trick or Treat for the children in our community.  This was always planned on a weekday, after our children got out of school. This year is different with COVID, county restrictions, and different school schedules.  Because of this, our Board decided not to sponsor an "official event" this year.

However, Halloween and Trick or Treat is a long-time happy time for kids and family, it has legs of its own and doesn't rely on a Chamber to make it happen.

After polling some of our area businesses we realized that many of those who are open on Halloween (Sat., Oct. 31) intend to have treats (and maybe a few tricks) ready for those who venture out.  So look to them in the afternoon, between 2 and 4. 

Costume Contest
Dress it up for a Costume Contest either online or in-person on Halloween, 2 -4 pm during Merchants Trick or Treat on Main Street.  The Lake Almanor Area Chamber is sponsoring the contest  with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place: $100, $75, $50 respectively. Send in your photo or take one at the Knotbumber Front Deck 274 Main St, Chester.  Winners will be announced the following week. Register Here or in Person.

Stay Safe
We are happy to share this with you and in doing so, encourage all to be safe and share the following recommendations.
  • It is recommended that social distancing and the use of face coverings takes place.  
  • It is recommended that businesses pass out candy outside of their establishment.  
  • The use of gloves while passing out candy is recommended. 
  • It is recommended that each business have a sanitizing station available. 
  • It is recommended that each business mark a minimum of 3 socially distanced spots for passing out candy. 
  • It is recommended that Trick-or-treaters stay within their family group and maintain social distancing. 

Things to watch out for this Fall

Chelssa Outland

Scarecrow Contest: We are hosting the second annual scarecrow contest! The scarecrow contest will take place again this coming month! We invite any and everyone to participate. Anyone can register here to participate and the participation fee of $5 for business members and $10 for non-member goes winners of the costume contest. While monies from voting for your favorite scarecrow will go towards new lights for the Community Tree. We invite business from all around the Lake Almanor area to participate. Check out a sample of the digital map that will lead people to the different scarecrows!  


 
 
Chamber Raffle: We have almost completed gathering items for our next raffle with packages: The World According to Golf, The Local Shopaholic Package, Date Night Dream Package! We have received many great donations and I can not thank businesses and locals enough for all your support with this event! We have received donations from,The Sports Nut, Tantardinos, Bella Luna Creative Catering, The Cozy Cabin in Sierra's Fly & Tackle, My Little Lake House, Lake Bum Lake Wear, Almanor Basin, The Timber House Lodge, B&B Booksellers and The Giggling Crow. 


 
Holiday Shopping Tour: We are already receiving registration for our annual holiday shopping tour. For more information on joining this as a business click here! 

Various access to CARES funding

Gabriel Hydrick, County Administrator

There is funding with the CARES Act Programs through SBA, FEMA, IRS, Treasury, USDA, and HHS for CDBG Grantees’ Awareness for Duplication of Benefits. 

Check out the link below for more information on Cares Funding. 

https://www.chamberorganizer.com/chester-lakealmanor/docs/CARES-Programs-for-CDBG-Grantees-Enterprise.pdf

 

Almanor Fishing Association Ready for Fish Pen Season

John Crotty


The Almanor Fishing Association is gearing up for their upcoming fish pen season. They recently received their fish food delivery. Nine pallets of food at a cost of $11,000. The 50,000 fertile rainbows will be delivered in late October and 15,000 Browns at Feather River College will be ready for delivery soon thereafter. If you are interested in assisting this group of dedicated volunteers email John Crotty, jcrotty420@yahoo.com, AFA President.  AFA gives special thanks to Dave Finkbeiner for saving them a ton of work on delivery day and always supporting AFA.

 

ARPD Receives Grant Opportunity

Carlos Espana and Charlie Plopper of the Almanor Recreation and Parks District vied for a portion of $400,000 in Prop 68 funds allocated to Plumas County, at the Board of Supervisors meeting on September 15. There they shared highlights of the projects they have planned for the district. The Supervisors granted them $120,809 of the Prop. 68 funds for their projects which were shared to be "shovel ready".  We commend ARPD for their work and look forward to an update as work proceeds.  

For information about ARPD's plans for the District go to https://yourarpd.org/sitedevelopment.html

Exclusive Film Event with Sierra Institute

Moorea Stout

SAVE THE DATE:  OCTOBER 1ST, 2020 06:30 PM

You know us for our commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable Sierra region.  Whether by educating the next generation of stewards or putting people to work on forest restoration, we combine scientific research and practical expertise to create innovative and inclusive solutions.  

We invite you to participate in an online film screening of Not IF But When: Wildfire Solutions followed by a panel discussion with local experts.  From the filmaker "Wildfires are becoming a global phenomenon and California is one of the places hit the hardest because of its dry climate. Experts in the Sierra Nevada are taking on innovative solutions at an unprecedented scale and if they are successful, it could influence work around the world."

 

Details to follow.

Click here to pre-register online.

USDA Forest Service Updates and Press Release

Plumas National Forest Reopens - Press Release 
The Plumas National Forest is partially reopening at 8:00 am, Saturday, September 19, 2020 after nearly two weeks of unprecedented, emergency closures due to California wildfires and wildfire risk. Area closures for the Feather River Ranger District (in its entirety), North Complex (Bear, Claremont and Sheep Fires) and Walker Fire are in effect. The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves of any kind, smoking, etc.) throughout California also remains in place. Camping will be available on a first-come/ first-serve basis at specific developed campgrounds; dispersed camping is not allowed. Camping is allowed at the following sites: Frenchman Lake: Big Cove, Frenchman and Spring Creek will be open until Sept. 30, 2020 and then closed for the season. Lakes Basin: Gold Lake, Lakes Basin Family, Goose and Haven will be open until October 15, 2020 and then closed for the season. Lake Davis: Grasshopper Flat and Lightning Tree will be open until October 31, 2020 and then closed for the season. Additional Forest information is available at www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas and http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas 



Information Sharing
Early Closure of Outlying Campgrounds  
Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley Campgrounds are closed for the 2020 summer/fall season due to severe wildfire. 
Butte Lake Group and Stock Corral, Juniper Lake Group and Stock Corral also closed.
The areas remain open to day use only. Read more in the press release - https://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/news/fire-restriction-sep2020.htm

Fire Restriction
Campfires are prohibited in the park as of 9/9 at 5 pm (including Mineral ballfield).
This includes charcoal or any other open flame that creates ash or cannot be turned off.
Chemical stoves (propane, butane, white gas) are permitted in campgrounds and in the backcountry.

Seasonal Closures
Lost Creek Group Campground closes 9/22.
Summit Lake North - Loop B will be closing early on Monday, 9/21. Water has been shut off for the season at Summit Lake North and South Campgrounds. Both campgrounds will be closing on 9/29.

Generator Inventory
In preparation for the PG&E planned power outages, the Park needs to take a comprehensive inventory of park-purchased/provided generators, and also catalog transfer switches and extension cords at all park residences and administrative buildings.
To that end, a uniformed Maintenance representative will be entering HQ seasonal quarters this coming Tuesday, 9/22/20.  This person will knock or otherwise make his presence known, and if no one is home, they will enter through the front door and immediately enter the garage to document the model, make and serial number of each generator.  We'll try to start doing this after 10 am.

An alternative is to just open your garage door before you go to work and we can get the info that way.  

Manzanita Lake generators are stored all in one accessible spot mitigating the need for us to enter quarters, and residents there are not affected by all this. 

Thanks! Gary Mott 

Maintenance Happenings
  • D. Zelinsky has finished painting the Sulphur Works Bridge and the scaffolding has been removed. They will be moving out equipment stored down by the water treatment building this week.
  • HQ Utility Project: a) The contract to move propane infrastructure at HQ underground will be awarded this week. We are holding out hope some work can be performed in the Fall, but most would be in the Spring, 2021. b) We are in final negotiations with a contractor to award the underground electrical work. Some of that work will start yet this Fall. (no change)
  • Replacement of the roofs of the Warner Valley Ranger Station complex will be completed this week. Maintenance Mechanics Ritter and Hall will be moving on to Bldg. 20 to complete repairs there.
  • Trail crew continues with installing rock steps and retaining walls along the Bumpass Hell Trail East and will be working on the Ridge Lakes Trail as well.
  • The generator shed next to Bldg. 1 will have the extension installed in September as part of the HQ utility project.
  • Roads crew will be working at Juniper Lake this week and then moving on to the Manzanita Creek intake work.
     


Wildlife at Juniper Lake - From Fee Collector, Gary Merrill
While at Juniper Lake on 9/15/20, I observed a small flock of 7 Northern Shoveler ducks. There was also a solitary Merganser, chasing something just below the surface and looking like a salmon swimming upstream.
 
 

Lassen National Forest News
Lassen National Forest has re-opened some campgrounds. Read more - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lassen/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD807300

 

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Town Chatter - September 2020, Volume 4