November 2021, Volume 3
Reach Out - Connect - Take Part

Community Town Halls


November's Community Town Hall

Chester Fire and Almanor Recreation & Parks District (ARPD) presented at the Community Town Hall on Monday. Chester Fire Engineer/EMT, Matt Maumoynier, spoke about Chester Fire Department's move back to the station at 198 Main Street and an upcoming tax assessment. Carlos and Susan Espana from ARPD spoke about ARPD's site development updates and "Trails Around the Lake" project.

To watch the recorded Town Hall, visit the Town Hall event on Facebook Live. You can also find the documents that accompanied the ARPD presentation there. Thank you Mt Lassen Theatre for making these Town Halls possible and effective for the community! 

And, as always we thank Mount Lassen Theatre and our Community Partners for sponsoring our Town Halls the 3rd Monday of each month, 5:15 - 6 pm: Collins Pine, Coldwell Banker Kehr/O'Brien Real Estate, Rouland Insurance, Seneca Healthcare District.

New Year's Eve Fireworks 2021! Donate Now


The Lake Almanor Area Chamber introduced Fireworks on New Year's Eve 2020. We are committed to making 2021 and even more spectacular show!

Donations towards the New Year's Even Fireworks are now being accepted. You will also see our Fireworks Donation boxes out and about in the community now.

DONATE TO THE 2021 SHOW NOW ON PAYPAL

Remember last years show?  Take a peak on our Facebook page.
 

Discover Plumas County Introduces Fall Videos



The Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce and the Feather River Tourism Association spearheaded the production of two Fall Videos to showcase our County, our people and the things to do here in the wake of the Dixie Fire. Though we grieve that which was lost, potential visitors need to see that we are still here and there is much to do. The videos were filmed in October and distribution across media channels began on November 7th.

Both videos can be viewed at  DiscoverPlumasCounty.org.

Video production by Dynamic Cinema Productions and Spanish Peak Productions. Distribution by Viacom/CBS. Major funders: Plumas Bank, Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, Coldwell Banker Kehr/O'Brien Real Estate, Feather River Tourism Association, Forever Home & Outdoor, Plumas Pines Resort.

Catch of the Week

Captain Rob


Nicole grew up visiting the "Brownsfield Family Cabin" since the early 90's.  Pictured here is Greg, celebrating his 40th birthday alongside Nicole, Grant and Natalie from Prunedale Ca.

Town Trivia

Katherine Sansone

Ann Hutchinson was the trivia winner last week with correct question: What is Highway 36? to answer, “in the winter of 1929-30, they determined since it cost millions to build to keep this highway open year-round.” She wins a $10 gift certificate from sponsor Intermountain Hardware who will be the sponsor this week as well. 

This week’s answer: It’s at an elevation of 6,753 feet, covers an area of some 592 acres, making it the largest lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park with a maximum depth of 234 feet.

Please send question to Trivia@lakealmanorarea.com.

Need sponsors! Contact katherine@sansoneplus.com

Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center Needs

The Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center will soon be moving from their location in Crescent Mills to the Elementary School in Greenville. Stay abreast of the many needs of the Center by following their Facebook page. Updated needs lists are posted often. 

Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center Facebook Page

Lara Wheeler, volunteer director of the Center, says that the biggest need they have right now is for volunteers to help run the center that is open 7 days a week, and firewood. If you can help, please message her through the Facebook page.

If you want to drop items off to be delivered to the Center, go to one of the following locations:
Cravings Cafe, 278 Main Street in Chester or Coldwell Banker Office at 499 Peninsula Drive 

Job Postings


Multiple Positions Available in Chester
Alliance for Workforce Development (AFWD) is working diligently to support the community in the efforts to recover from the devastation caused by the Dixie Fire. We are currently recruiting for multiple positions both within AFWD (Quincy and Chester locations) and with partner agencies through our temporary grant programs. Download Flyer for Chester positions. 
 

Hot Jobs: Plumas and Sierra Counties

Disaster Relief & Dixie Fire Information





 

Tzu Chi Foundation has extended its Emergency Financial Assistance Program for Dixie survivors to November 30, 2021.  Apply online at: www.tzuchi.us/chico

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Mortgage Insurance Program for Disaster Victims Section 203(H) is open for survivors to apply within a year of the Presidential disaster declaration (8/24/21 – Lassen, Nevada, Placer and Plumas Counties). This program provides mortgage insurance to protect lenders against the risk of default on mortgages to qualified disaster survivors. Go to this link for more information: 
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/ins/203h-dft

Computer Lab at Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center
The computer lab at The Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center is open to the public 9-5, 7 days a week in the Crescent Hotel in Crescent Mills, CA 3.5 miles south of Greenville. It will soon be moving to the Greenville Elementary School.

Phase II, Debris Removal & Property Clean-Up
Winter is approaching and Plumas County is working closely with CalOES to get those who qualify signed up for the Right of Entry to get their properties cleaned up. The Dixie Fire left a massive amount of debris to be cleaned up and you are encouraged to sign up and complete the Right of Entry form or contact Plumas County if you will be using the alternate program. There will be a deadline!  Go to https://plumascounty.us/2880/Debris-Removal-Programs and reach out to Plumas County staff if you have any questions. They can be reached at (530) 283-7080, or by email at ROE@countyofplumas.com

Plumas County Dixie Fire Resource List
Click Here.


Plumas Crisis & Intervention Resource Centers
Quincy: 175 Main St, (530) 283-5515: Resource mitigation
Portola: 165 Ridge Street, (530) 832-1827: Resource mitigation
Loyalton: 513 Main Street, (530) 993-1237: Domestic violence help
24/7 Crisis Line: (877) 757-0029
Mental Health Crisis Line: (530) 283-6307

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. Resources
If you were affected by the Dixie Fire and are displaced from your job or need help with employment, training, or assistance applying for unemployment, call (530) 283-1606 or email afwdcontact@ncen.org

Samaritan's Purse U.S. Disaster Relief 
Samaritan's Purse is working with homeowners in the area. This is a free service provided to homeowners who have little or no insurance. Requests are handled upon need and volunteer availability. For assistance with the Dixie Fire or to volunteer, please contact (530) 855-0426. Lake Almanor Community Church, 2610 Plumas County A13.

Damage Assessment Maps

Dixie Fire Structure Status Map (CAL FIRE)
https://tinyurl.com/2m9en9t4

Recovery Information

Plumas County Recovery Information
https://tinyurl.com/c8c8s5rd

Plumas County Resources:

About Us

The Town Chatter is made possible through the funding of our Community Partners:

Collins Pine
Coldwell Banker Kehr/O'Brien Real Estate
Rouland Insurance
Seneca Healthcare District.


Chamber Board Meetings are at 8:30 am on the 2nd TUESDAY of each month in the Chamber office at 278 Main Street. All are welcome. Zoom is available.

Lake Almanor Area Chamber
530.258.2426
278 Main St., Chester
P.O. Box 1198  96020
Info@lakealmanorarea.com


www.LakeAlmanorArea.com

Bits & Pieces

Dixie Fire Behavior West of Chester by Zeke Lunder
Zeke Lunder's video shows how a major wind event in early August, 2021, created extreme fire behavior west of Chester, California. https://youtu.be/Qp2ss13iKNA

News From the Lake Almanor Peninsula Fire Wise Group
Our Firewise Certificate has been renewed for another year! Thanks to all who participated and helped us meet the requirements. After the Dixie this summer, we should be more aware than ever on the importance of fire safe homes and communities. Our group covers Lake Almanor Pines, Penninsula Drive Neighborhoods, Bailey Creek, Foxwood and undeveloped Peninsula Lands. Find more info on our Facebook Page

SR-70 is Still Closed Due to Road Block
For those of you traveling for the holidays, please know that SR-70 is still closed due to a landslide. As crews remove the debris, more falls back down the hill. Because of this, there is no estimated time for re-opening the road. 


Right of Entry Extended to November 30th

Cal OES is offering a no-cost debris removal for residents who lost property from the Dixie Fire. Learn more about how to complete your ROE form, and how they can help you at CalOES.CA.GOV 


Why You Should Return the SBA Disaster Loan Application
Not returning the loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration may be saying no to potential federal assistance. Some may be counting on a future insurance settlement to cover all the costs of rebuilding. Maybe they don’t want a disaster loan or fear they can’t afford one. Or maybe they don’t know how to get help with the paperwork the SBA sent them. But there are good reasons to submit a completed SBA loan application by the deadline. Read more here

Small Business Development Center Nov-Dec Schedule of Workshops
All workshops and webinars are free. Register to take part. Download the schedule or register at www.sierrasbdc.com. For more info, contact Clint Koble at (775) 843-4081, clint.koble@gmail.com

Mauro, Archer and Associates, LLC is Open to Help with Your Computer Needs
David Svoboda and Anders Bettum will be available if you need to print, scan, fax, or access WiFi. They are located at 150 Main St. Call them at (530) 539-3020 to find out more about their open hours. 

Run for The New Year's Eve Fireworks Show! 
Join your fellow runners participating in the 8th annual Turkey Trot 5k at 433 Durkin Drive on November 25th. Registration is $25. You can register online. Don't forget to check out our Facebook page for more information. Proceeds will go toward a firework display for our New Year's celebration!

Wildlife Rabies Cases Continue in Plumas County
For the third time this fall a grey fox with rabies was discovered in Plumas County, this time near a  home just north of Quincy. It had died of its infection and had no known close contact with humans. Plumas County Public Health wants to again remind residents that rabies is present in many species of  local wildlife. Although potentially fatal to humans, rabies is 100% preventable if people avoid contact  with wild animals and seek immediate medical care if they are bitten by any animal. For further information contact: Plumas County Environmental Health Department (530) 283-6355


For daily (and sometimes hourly) news and information, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakealmanorarea

Seneca Healthcare District Project Botox Update


Project Botox, Project Welcome Mat, Project SWA, Project Bullhorn, and Project Lockjaw all started in the first quarter of 2021. Staff at Seneca Healthcare has been working diligently on each one of these projects.

Project Botox is a project focusing on the physical facility, from appearance to functionality. A new roof, fresh paint, and updated signage are a few of the external projects in the works. This past week the roofing material arrived and was placed on the roof! Seneca Healthcare District is excited to share the progress of this project.

Meet Your Chamber Staff

Kristal Johnson
Executive Director

Kristal Johnson joined the Lake Almanor Area Chamber as the Executive Director in May of this year. She is a marketing and communications professional with experience managing and coordinating local and worldwide marketing, communications and events to diverse audiences for The Walt Disney Studios, San Diego Christian College, KSWB Fox 5/69 and San Diego State University. 

She is wife to Ryan Johnson, who works for Chester Fire Department, and mom to three beautiful daughters. Kristal and her family moved to Chester in September of 2017 from Southern California, and are happy to call it home. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, trips to the lake/beach, camping, walking Main Street in Chester, and reading a good book by the fireplace with a cup of tea.

"Getting to know the various businesses in the Lake Almanor Basin to create opportunities based on their needs has been engaging and dynamic," said Kristal. "The Chamber staff and its Board are passionate about our community and finding ways to foster growth and provide experiences. I am excited to be part of this mission and look forward to serving this place I call home." 

Jordan Russell
Administrative Assistant


Echo Lake, in Caribou Wilderness is one of the most peaceful and tranquil places I’ve ever been. It’s quiet, like sound has evaporated out of the air leaving only the flapping of Eagles wings and flips of Trout tails behind. In the winter, the whole lake turns to ice, thick enough to walk on. And when you walk on it, you can hear the ice settling, breathing like an underwater train traveling from one side of the lake to the other. 

In the last ten years, this place has become my home base. I travel a lot. My sweetheart is a musician, which has given me the opportunity to see a plethora of amazing places. I lived in Reno, Chico, Nashville - for a short while - but I always find myself back here at Lake Almanor. 

It’s such a regenerative and calming place here. 

Before I landed here, Nashville was where I was trying to make my next career move. Unfortunately, five weeks after settling into the Nashville scene, the pandemic, a flood and a tornado shut down our jobs. With the uncertainty of things, my family and I decided to move back to Lake Almanor if only to wait out the situation we were all facing. It turned out to be the best move we could have made! Now, I’m here full time, working in the amazing community of the Lake Almanor area while simultaneously focusing on a doctorate in community psychology. You could say online higher education was a benefit that came out of the pandemic. 

I am honored to be working with such strong, and genuine people within the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to learning and growing with you all.

Merchants' Night in Chester



Merchants' Night
Friday, November 26, 2021
Merchants begin to open after 5pm
Main Street, Chester

It's the most wonderful time of the year...for holiday shopping on Main Street in Chester! You're invited to join our community at our beloved annual Merchants' Night, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving. Walk down Main Street with friends and family to experience our businesses and the delectables they have in store for you this year. Holiday sales, drawings, and goodies await you this Merchants' Night...as well as a visit from Santa Claus -- traditionally riding in on a fire truck with the Chester Fire Department.

How Chester Fire Department Met Santa Claus & The Tradition of Merchants' Night

Christopher Dean, Chester Fire Dept, Captain/Training Office


Rogers Field, otherwise known as Chester Airport (FAA ID O05), opened April 1940. At that time the airport had minimal flights and lots of room for the reindeer to gaze while Santa Claus visited the merchants and children of Chester. When Chester Fire Department was founded in 1941, Santa contacted the Chester Fire Chief and tasked him with speaking to the residents of Chester regarding fireplace and chimney safety.

The fire chief, being well aware of Santa’s entry point, was glad to assist. This has led to an amazing relationship between the fire chief and Santa. As Chester grew and the airport got busier, the reindeer were hidden in an undisclosed location near the airport. Santa became more and more busy and on a tighter schedule so he again relied on the fire chief to move him throughout Chester.

On Merchants' Night, you can find a Chester Fire vehicle taking Santa to various locations in Chester. Santa, who is rarely seen, loves the fire trucks and loves the lights and sirens. Chester Fire is happy to let Santa ride around town using the red lights, sirens and air horn. He usually gets at least two trips up and down Main Street before he starts to visit with kids. You will always know where Santa is by locating the fire truck with the red lights flashing. You can also find him most often on the bench next to Lassen Gift. 

So this Merchants' Night, when you see a fire truck with the lights on, look for Santa -- he’s usually in the back seat on the passenger side waving to everyone. Chester Fire requests that before you approach the fire truck you make sure the driver has gotten out of the truck and waves the children over to the truck. The Department also asks that if you would like to look at the fire truck to please talk to the driver prior to getting to close. The fire truck has been known to get an emergency call and need to leave quickly. In this case Santa is able to call a pre-designated person to return him to the airport where he can fly back to the North Pole.

On behalf of Chester Fire Department have a great Merchants' Night, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

The Almanor Foundation News



"Stronger Than Dixie" Ornament Fundraiser is a Huge Success

The "Stronger Than Dixie" ornaments sold out in just two days during the Holiday Shopping Tour, raising $980! Black Barn Design Company made more ornaments and they are available today at Forever Home and Outdoor located at 168 Main Street in Chester. Each ornament will be $10 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Almanor Foundation Wildfire Fund to help those affected by the Dixie Fire. 

Plumas Rural Services Receives $10,000 Grant
Plumas Rural Services is engaged in direct service to those affected by the Dixie Fire. With an office now in Greenville, and in need of funds to serve immediate relief needs, they received a $10,000 grant from our joint funders The Almanor Foundation, North Valley Community Foundation, United Way of No. Calif, and Plumas Bank.

Funders Roundtable to Tour Fire Area and Services
Members of the Funders Roundtable, lead by The Almanor Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation, will tour the area on Thursday, Nov. 18. The purpose of the tour is to give these funders a first hand view of that which is needed for relief, recovery and rebuilding after the fire. 

Funders on the tour, hosted by The Almanor Foundation, will include executives and program officers from the North Valley Community Foundation, Plumas Bank, Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, United Way of No. Calif., and Tahoe-Truckee Community Foundation.

Tour visits will include: Rebuilding Greenville Resource Center, Sierra Institute sawmill project in Crescent Mills, Plumas Rural Services, Maidu Consortium projects and community leaders.

To Donate go to TheAlmanorFoundation.org

Holiday Shopping Tour Success

The Holiday Shopping Tour on Nov. 12-13 was a huge success for our 22 participating businesses from Chester, Lake Almanor and Westwood. Here are a few photos from our amazing shoppers! We will be announcing prizes this Friday at The Giggling Crow on Facebook Live.





Greenville's Veterans Day Parade

Article by: Sara Gray Photos by: Joanne Burgueno

Greenville's Veterans Day Parade
By Dixie Fire Stories
Author: Sara Gray
Photographer: Joanne Burgueno



I’ve been driving to Greenville at least once a week for Dixie Fire Stories. The drive from Quincy is a patchwork of devastation and survival. As you cross over the Greenville Grade, you can see the fire came in hot, but closer to town the bridge blocks your view into Greenville proper. Crossing the bridge you see Evergreen and the high school, and you think maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. And then you see that other than those two buildings, there’s nothing left of the main part of town.

Most days Greenville is deserted, with a handful of people, mostly workers clearing the roads and lots. You can stop your car in the middle of the road to take a picture.
But on Veteran’s day, some of the old spirit of Greenville came back with the annual Veteran’s Day Parade. Indian Valley American Legion Post 568 organized the parade, just as they have in the past. They worked with Cal OES so that work could be stopped for the duration of the parade.

The street was lined with people, many of them Greenville residents who’ve lost homes. American Legion members came from as far as Oregon to march in Greenville.

Sheriff Johns led the Legion, proudly holding the American flag. The parade contained the usual Plumas County participants, people on horseback, historic fire trucks, and tractors carrying bales of hay. There was a solemnity that the backdrop provided, the contrast of parade festivities with the broken buildings, the remnants of lives lived and forever changed that dark day in August.

Though the parade was different without the unique backdrop of Greenville’s historic downtown, Shane Grammer’s Beautifully Broken mural provided a sense of beauty and hope.

And the energy was palpable.

People came, not just to honor the veterans who marched, but to honor the town itself. This beautiful historic mining town has created a sense of community that far surpasses the buildings themselves. The heart, love, and kindness that truly represent what it is to be an American.

Almanor Fishing Report

John Crotty

Almanor Fishing Report

11/14/2021

There has been little change since last week’s report; lake level increased fractionally, clarity and temps are unchanged. Bailey has slowed to a trickle while Ham Branch and the Feather are at seasonal flows. There is a slight chance of rain later this week that shouldn’t impact travel or fishing. 

Both USFS public ramps remained closed, it appears all of the hazardous trees at Canyon Dam have been removed; I am not sure what the holdup is at this point. The closure of public boat launch access to Almanor is a hardship to fishermen and our local small businesses. Highway 70 through the Canyon is closed indefinitely at this time all other roads leading to Almanor are open with minor delays. 

Fish remain scattered throughout the lake and water column pick your preferred fishing method and cover ground. Find the bait to find fish; the fish caught are in great shape and hard fighting. 

Fish are beginning to show up in the coves around the dam and bank fishermen are picking up a few fish. Crawlers and power bait are your best bet for bait and wiggle tails (green) for the fly fishermen. Shore fishing has been light at Hamilton Branch. 

Town Chatter - November 2021, Volume 3