Liz Writes Life 6-16-2021 -- Greyback Road is still uncertain

 June 16, 2021

Liz Writes Life

Update on Greyback Road

Things are still uncertain regarding the official re-opening of the Greyback Road from Happy Camp, in Siskiyou County, over the mountain to O’Brien in Oregon. Local residents utilize the paved road quite often; and it is a popular tourist route in the summer, because it connects with the Redwood Highway. But, it runs through two National Forests.

Over a week ago, I contacted our Siskiyou Co. Supervisor for Dist. 5, Ray Haupt, when several Happy Camp residents called me saying they were frustrated the Forest Service had closed Greyback Road. According to the Klamath National Forest and Rogue River/Siskiyou National Forest websites, an emergency closure was put in place on May 1, 2021 under Forest Orders. A possible permit was available, but no one can find any more information or the ability to obtain one. Because of Covid-19, the USFS doors at the Happy Camp Ranger District remain closed and there are reports of only a recording, when calling the District’s office.

Ray is a retired USFS District Ranger, so I hoped he would be able to figure out the problem. On June 1, 2021, Siskiyou County sent a letter to both National Forests asking the road to be reopened for emergency and safety reasons. I had planned on trying to contact the Forest Supervisors, but by Tuesday, June 8, 2021, Ray had spoken with Rachael Smith, the newly appointed Supervisor of KNF and to Merv George Jr., the Supervisor for Rogue NF.

Ray found the culprit to the problem.

Klamath Forest Alliance, (yep, they are still around after decades of opposition to thinning the forests) a non-profit environmental group, has sued the USFS and also named Forest Supervisors Smith and George. The offense? Using a Decision of Memorandum to fell at-risk trees and include rehabilitation of reseeding and planting in the burned area of the 2020 September Slater Fire.

KFA is calling the DM a “major logging” project stating the USFS has “failed to articulate a rational explanation” for removing the blackened trees. What? Really!

Happy Camp residents are stunned by KFA’s lawsuit. Ray has also surveyed areas of the massive Slater Fire. He said that because of the high severity of the fire, there is “an abnormal amount of dead trees.” Yep, anyone visiting the area can see the miles and miles of sad black trees and desolate environment.

Apparently, a DM gives the federal agency authority to move quickly on these after-fire situations. Waiting two to three years to complete a NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process will make the trees worthless and slow the restoration process. This is a strategy KFA has often used.

So official re-opening of Greyback Road is under the constraints of the litigation filed by KFA. Yep, Greenies are the culprit and, in my opinion, KFA is stone-walling the rehabilitation of the forest and endangering residents by trying to close an important route. Despicable!

CA automatic gun ban lifted

Shockingly, a U.S. District Court Judge recently ruled in favor of AR-15 rifles.

On June 4, 2021, Judge Roger Benitez ruled in the Southern District of CA in favor of the 2^nd Amendment, when he said California’s weapons ban on assault weapons was unconstitutional. The ban had been in place for 32 years!

Immediately, CA. Governor Gavin Newsom and CA Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the state will appeal the new decision. Of course!

Judge Benitez issued a 30-day “stay” on his own ruling to avoid the testy “back and forth” request for emergency stay, reviews and gamesmanship on the part of the government in seeking the appeal.

Interestingly, the judge made a strong statement in support of the 2^nd Amendment, when writing his decision. Judge Benitez said: “Like the Swiss Army Knife, the popular AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment. Good for both home and battle … yet, the State of California makes it a crime to have an AR-15 type of rifle.”

Gun Owners of California group was more than pleased with the new decision. GOC Executive Director Sam Paredes said, “We are euphoric in the way that Judge Benitez literally took apart the state’s argument for the Assault Weapons Control Act.”

Paredes added, “Judge Benitez decision is packed with precision, facts and wisdom.  He virtually obliterated the state’s case and kicked open the door for more challenges to California’s reckless gun control laws.”

My goodness this is good news for the Bill of Rights! I just hope Newsom’s appeal doesn’t stand up in court.

Garden

My orange and salmon colored Oriental poppies were late in blooming. In other areas of the valley, the Orientals were blooming in early May, but not mine. I irrigated them every few days hoping for the typical May blooms! They started blooming during the 100-degree temps two weeks ago and boy did they perk-up when it cooled-off last week and drizzled a few times! Ah, that was so nice.

The California poppies looked great this year. My sister, in Utah, even sent photos of a flowerbed full of California poppies! Several purple/lavender columbine and one very tall pale pink and white one are blooming. The red rose bush and the orange-yellow-pink one started blooming, but unfortunately I did not get the two rose bushes pruned and now they are very tall at about nine feet. I did find one bloom low enough for me to get a good smell. Oh, the fragrance of the red one is heavenly!

The early Shasta Daisies and pink, lavender and red Sweet William are also blooming. Yay! Oh, and I am surprised the zinnias are already blooming at just eight-inches tall. The hollyhocks are growing, but not popping-out any flowers, yet. Bees buzz around the little pink bells on the comfrey, but it is four-feet tall and falling over. I need to cut it back and use the foliage for mulch, cuz it is supposed to get hot again this week. Yuck, even though it will make things really grow. The garden vegetable plants are doing well.

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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Liz Writes Life 6-9-21 - Greyback Road is closed

Liz Writes Life

Published in Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

June 9, 2021

Greyback Road is closed

Happy Camp residents are frustrated and concerned, because the paved Greyback Road has, recently, been closed by the USFS. Greyback is the shortest route into Oregon and is used as a seasonal summer road by locals and tourists. In past weeks, many vehicles, some pulling boats or rafts and groups of bikers were seen traversing the road. But near the bottom of the road, on the Oregon side, there is a new sign that states only those with a “permit” can use the road.

Several folks have called me wondering about this situation and how to obtain a permit. Like them, I checked the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Klamath National Forest websites and I can’t figure out how to obtain a permit or what kind of permit it would be. Someone wondered if a fire wood permit could suffice? Hum? In Happy Camp, the USFS ranger station remains closed because of Covid-19.

When looking at the USFS websites, it shows that both local Forests have issued Forest Orders for closure of the Slater Fire area. The Rogue NF’s closure began on May 1, 2021 and runs through July 31, 2021. The Klamath National Forest’s closure is longer and extends from May 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Greyback Road is in this area.

I checked with Siskiyou Co. Dist. 5 Supervisor, Ray Haupt, who represents the Happy Camp area. He said residents had told him the road was closed; and on June 1, 2021, the Siskiyou Co. Supervisors voted 5-0 to send a letter to the supervisors of both the KNF and Rogue NF requesting Greyback Road should “be immediately reopened.” Those letters were sent electronically and by US mail.

Ray said Greyback Road is an important emergency egress route. The residents of Happy Camp rely on the road as an “essential evacuation route.” Ray and CA Dist. 1 Congressman Doug LaMalfa told FEMA and the USFS last September, after the Slater Fire, that Greyback Road must be open for emergency and safety purposes.

Now, it looks like the Rogue NF is getting tough. I received a phone call on Sunday night stating that USFS officers or Park Rangers are stopping vehicles, but so far have only issued warnings. Some vehicle drivers and a motorcycle group have been turned back, when found on the road by these officers.

The question is: Why after all this time is the road being closed? There has been sufficient time to get dangerous snags removed.

The county wants the road open and is working to that end.

I was not able to contact either USFS Forest Supervisor for comment, because of my weekend deadline for this column. I hope to contact them for next week’s column.

Newsom on hook for $2 million

Under terms of a court settlement regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s shut-down of churches during the Covid-19 pandemic, the governor and his administration can no longer place pandemic restrictions on houses of worship.

The settlement was issued two weeks ago in a California District Court on behalf of Pasadena’s Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry; and is the first statewide permanent injunction in the United States against Covid-19 restrictions on churches and places of worship.

Newsom’s administration will have to pay the church’s attorney’s fees to the tune of $1.6 million to settle the lawsuit; and will also pay another $555,000 toward the lawsuit filed by Catholic priest, Fr. Trevor Burfitt, who oversees mission churches in the counties of Kern, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Yep, this is good news for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and a huge win for religious freedom.

Walking Tours in Yreka

The Siskiyou Co. Historical Society is holding three walking tours this weekend. They all start at 5 p.m. and cost $5 each. On Friday, June 11, 2021, the group will learn about Miner’s Street. On Saturday, June 12, 2021, the tour will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. And on Sunday, June 13, 2021, Evergreen Cemetery will be toured. Call 530-572-1099 to reserve your spot and get more info.

2022 campaign starts

The Siskiyou Co. Republican Central Committee is sponsoring a Meet and Greet with Eric Early, who is running for California Attorney General in the 2022 Election. Early earned a B.F.A degree from New York University in 1981 and a J.D. degree from Southwestern Law School in 1993. His career experience includes working as an attorney and managing partner of Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae LLP.

The Meet and Greet will be held at Mount Shasta Community Center at 621 Alder St. in Mount Shasta City at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The meeting is free to the public. Also, Siskiyou Co. Kirk Andrus, Mount Shasta Police Chief Robert Gibson and Siskiyou Co. Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue have been invited to attend and speak. Refreshments will be served.

Garden

Two weeks ago, I couldn’t stand it. The rhubarb plant that I harvested looked very bedraggled, so I harvested more stems. It actually made it much happier. A nice circle of new leaves are already up over a foot tall. Of course, it gets soaked every day, especially during last week’s heat wave.

I froze eight bags and then took rhubarb up to Shirley Gilmore, who lives behind Callahan. Over the past several decades, she (with help) has rock-terraced her steep hillside with a variety of perennial flowers and plants. It is beautiful. But, keeping it irrigated is work even with a system of hoses and timers. I can’t believe at 86 years of age that she still hikes the paths up the hillside every day! She also had roses, iris, peonies, poppies, and (I think they were) clematis blooming along with other spring plants. Yep, Shirley has created a gorgeous landscape!

My baby pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini and cantaloupe plants made it through the 100 degree heat last week. The six tomato plants are happy and the zinnias are already starting to bloom in a variety of colors. Whew! So glad it will cool down this week, but hoping it doesn’t frost!

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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Congressman Doug LaMalfa tours Siskiyou County

 Liz Writes Life

Published in Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, California

June 2, 2021

LaMalfa visits

Our California Dist. 1 Congressman Doug LaMalfa toured Siskiyou County with a little different goal last week. His staff person, Erin Ryan, contacted our Siskiyou Co. Supervisors’ Board Chairman, Ray Haupt, over a month ago asking for a special tour for his staff. This included all staff in his three California offices and in his Washington D.C. office. Ray told me that the congressman wanted his staff to know what they were fighting for. LaMalfa also held tours in the other eight counties that he represents.

So, Ray set out organizing a day of travel, sites to see and issues to discuss. Ray related the highlights of the day to me in an interview, cuz I wanted to share with you – my readers.

Yep, I am a huge supporter of Congressman LaMalfa. I have known Doug since he was campaigning on his first run for California Assembly back in 2001 and have always been impressed with his sincere concern for our county, our events, issues and people. Doug has intervened in our behalf many, many times with state and federal agencies. Ray says that Doug has a Ph.D. in saving the Klamath Dams!

Ray and county staff met Doug and his group down at Castella. They had just driven through the desolate area of the 2018 Delta Fire. Because of Ray’s forestry education and U.S. Forest Service background, he easily explained how the lack of forest management greatly increases the threat of wildfire. Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta City, and other communities in the Sacramento River canyon are certainly at high risk from forest fire. It is extremely worrisome and needs to be remedied.

The next stop was near Lake Siskiyou, where the group was joined by Professional Foresters from Jefferson Resources, who manage the forested land which is owned by Siskiyou County. Daniel Lindler presented the project objectives. Questions were asked and answered. The area has been returned to a natural-like stand and deer winter range restored by opening the meadows again.

Continuing on the forestry issue, the group then traveled to Hawkinsville and Ray explained the Craggy Stewardship Project. This is an unusual fuels project, because it is a partnership between USFS and Cal-Fire. He explained the project is a good example of how to stop the spread of wildfire and recently saved the town of Hawkinsville. The Craggy Project is the first of this kind of partnership between the federal government and California -- in the state.

The next stop was at Collier Rest Stop on I-5 for lunch, where the issues of the Endangered Species Act-listed coho salmon, fish diseases, water issues, threats of wildfire and how important the Klamath dams are to fighting fire were discussed.

“The dams have saved Hornbrook and residents at Copco several times in the last few years,” Ray said. The reservoirs are a must for fire suppression.

Doug’s staff asked questions about the effect that Klamath dam removal would have on the residents with homes on the river and what would the tremendous amount of sediment do to the river’s eco-system and water quality? Yep, really important concerns for sure.

Shasta Vista and road A-12, with the huge amount of illegal greenhouses (no permits) growing criminal cannabis throughout the area, was the last stop. Siskiyou Co. Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue gave a presentation, answered questions and then offered a tour of the illegal operations.

In 2016, Siskiyou Co. Supervisors’ Board approved a Declaration stating Siskiyou is not a commercial-cannabis grow county. State law gave each county the ability to make this decision. Our Siskiyou Supervisors continue to support eradication of criminal activity.

(Unfortunately, too many think they can get away with growing it anyway. My guess is making lots of money is the incentive!)

Recently, Siskiyou County District Attorney Kirk Andrus obtained a court abatement order for nine pieces of property in Shasta Vista. Sheriff LaRue is executing the order. So, a number of bulldozers, excavators, backhoes and dozens of local volunteers were demolishing the illegal greenhouses, abating the cannabis and cleaning-up the environmental disaster, when Ray and the congressman’s group arrived. Impressive!

Ray told me that 384 huge greenhouses were destroyed, along with 82,998 plants and 1,435 pounds of processed marijuana in two days last week.

(You can’t tell me that 1,435 pounds of processed marijuana – in Siskiyou County -- is legal. Nope. With all the controversy and outside media claims of bias, it looks to me like many people have forgotten that only 12 marijuana plants are legal to grow in Siskiyou County and those must be indoors. I have seen aerial photos of hundreds of gigantic greenhouses built in the last three years throughout this area. Doesn’t matter who or what groups are growing cannabis, it reeks of organized crime. That’s my opinion.)

Back to the congressman’s tour – “Doug has been to the county more times than any congressman I know of,” said Ray. “Typically, he comes up several times a year for events and is also here when times are tough, including visiting the Happy Camp Fire several times,” last fall.

When he worked for the USFS, Ray met with congressmen and other elected officials and finished by saying he has “never seen a congressman bring his entire staff to a county.” High praise, indeed!

Those who attend various meetings, in our county, know that Doug’s staff person, Erin Ryan, is here quite often and has a monthly time slot for individuals to meet with her. She is open and available. And, Erin claims that Siskiyou is her “favorite” county. Shuhhh, don’t tell the other counties!

Garden

Got two flowerbeds cleaned-up and one planted with volunteer cosmos. A giant pumpkin seed is up, also two zucchini, eight cucumbers and hopefully at least four cantaloupes! Almost all the soaker hoses were laid out just in time for this yucky heat wave. Whew!

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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Liz Writes Life 5-26-21 Honor our military veterans

 May 26, 2021

Liz Writes Life

Honor our military veterans

Services will be held at four Scott Valley cemeteries on Monday, May 31, 2021 by the American Legion Perry Harris Post #260. For years, Legion members have conducted honor guard services at Callahan, Etna and Fort Jones cemeteries. This year, an additional cemetery has been added. It is the Burcell Cemetery on Star Access just outside of Etna.

Legion Commander Bruce Hurlbut said there is a change in the starting time at the Callahan Cemetery, which will now be at 9 a.m. The next cemetery on the schedule will be the Burcell Cemetery at 10 a.m. Services at the Etna Cemetery will remain the same as in past years at 11 a.m. Fort Jones will follow at noon.

A big “thank you” goes out to cemetery districts, volunteers, friends and family who are busy cleaning-up our local cemeteries. I have asked my grandchildren to help me put colorful “fake” flowers on the graves of family members this weekend. We will have a picnic in the park afterwards.

Memorial Day is certainly a good time to remember our military veterans and all of our family and friends, who have passed. Let’s support our American Legion and other military veteran organizations that provide these services on Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day and for individual funerals.

Thank you Sheriff LaRue

Siskiyou County Sheriff, Jeremy LaRue, posted the following on the Siskiyou Co. Sheriff’s Office facebook page. Wow, this is such good news. So many people, in our community, want to stop the infiltration and expansion of organized crime in our county. I heard there were a significant number of volunteers that showed-up with heavy equipment. This is huge! What a great support for our sheriff. More volunteers are needed. If you are able to help, contact the sheriff’s office at 530-842-8300.

 

From the sheriff’s office facebook page: “During a two-day operation, 143 greenhouses containing 50,861 cannabis plants connected to illegal Commercial Cannabis Activity were demolished.

“If you are interested in assisting in our future operations, contact the Sheriff’s Office. We are looking for additional heavy equipment, such as dozers and excavators, and trained operators to volunteer to assist in ongoing efforts to address the illegal Commercial Cannabis Activity plaguing our county.

“As a reminder, Commercial Cannabis Activity is prohibited in Siskiyou County. State law allows individuals the ability to cultivate up to six cannabis plants. Exceeding six cannabis plants is considered Commercial Cannabis Activity.  If a property has established a commercial cannabis operation, anything directly contributing to it, including greenhouses, is prohibited.

“According to state law, “Commercial Cannabis Activity” (more than six plants) includes the cultivation, possession, manufacture, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, transportation, delivery, or sale of cannabis and cannabis products.

“People are encouraged to comply with local and state laws.”

Fire danger is high

With this continuing drought, the threat of wildfires is extreme. Yep, most of us are worried.

Kimberly DeVall, public affairs officer for Klamath National Forest sent out a press release last week stating the Klamath National Forest and surrounding areas are entering the 2021 fire season under the effects of a severe drought and that fuels, which would normally still be under snow in May are already dry enough to burn.

DeVall said that the storms from a weekend ago brought numerous lightning strikes to the area and ignited several wildfires. Some precipitation was received with the lightning, but extreme drought conditions has left both live and dead fuels unseasonably dry and ready to burn. There were seven total fires that were reported with the largest “Grouse Fire” growing to eight acres. Luckily, firefighters attacked the fires and held them to small acreages. 

Garden

For three nights I covered the six tomato and 14 zinnia plants to protect from a freeze. It really didn’t get down to 32, but I did see a few burned leaves on the volunteer potatoes and amaranthus. Luckily, the light frost really didn’t hurt anything. There are probably 100 volunteer amaranthus that are less than two-inches tall and I hope to get them thinned down to about 10 in that flowerbed. The prolific purple morning glories are growing there too, so most of them should be pulled this week as well.

Sure hoping this was the last threat of a freeze, so this week I need to re-dig the furrows and watering circles to get the soaker-hoses laid-out and timers set.

On Friday, I thought I noticed that a cantaloupe was up. By Sunday, I realized it was a just hollyhock, cuz there were a lot more coming up (outside the row) that looked the same. A whole bunch of volunteer cosmos are also up in the same spot and will need to be pulled and some transplanted to the flowerbed by the house.

When hand-irrigating Sunday evening, I did spy seven cucumbers that are poking out of the ground. Yay! I planted the cucs and zucchini on May 14th, but the zucs are not up – neither are the giant pumpkins that the grandkids helped me plant on May 11th. Something has eaten about half of two butter crunch lettuces that did finally grow from the April planting. About six others haven’t been munched yet and I will likely harvest them this week before it gets really hot. They are about eight-inches tall.

Finally, I got one rhubarb plant harvested. It was nearly five-feet tall. I probably took more than I should have, but the stems were so big they were falling down. The horse manure really did its job! Gave away about 40 pounds to friends and made several batches of rhubarb strawberry Jell-O jam. Yum!

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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Liz Writes Life 5-19-21 Snowpack very low

May 19, 2021

Liz Writes Life

Snowpack very low

Kimberly DeVall, public affairs officer for Klamath National Forest sent out disappointing information on Friday. (Remember, it isn’t her fault!) As the Forest Service employees measured the snowpack around Scott Valley, they found an “extreme plunge” in the snowpack levels. Warm weather and lack of additional snowfall along with high-elevation rain storms drastically affected the snow that was up at the 5,000 to 6,000 foot levels.

DeVall said that the early-May survey showed the snowpack is at 21 percent of the historic average and the water equivalent is at 18 percent. This was found at all the survey areas from Scott Mt., to the Boulders and on Salmon Mt. behind Etna. So this is bad news.

Then on May 10, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an expanded “drought emergency proclamation” for 41 of the 58 California counties, citing above-average temperatures and dry conditions for April and May. I see where the state government is now asking California residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10 percent. Personally, I think urbanites are going to be hit hard on water reduction – sooner than later.

Klamath farmers hit even harder

After the federal Bureau of Reclamation announced, in April, there would be a huge reduction of legally-stored water available for the Klamath Project farmers, on May 12, 2021, Reclamation sent a letter to the many irrigation districts stating the A canal would not supply any water from Upper Klamath Lake to the project. This is the same A canal that did not receive any water back in 2001 and is the life-blood to the intricate irrigation infrastructure.

Boy, this is another huge blow to the 1,200 farmers and the wildlife refuges.

Klamath Basin farmer, Rodney Cheyne, wrote this response on his facebook page: “You know in America there are programs to end hunger. Especially for children, school lunch programs so kids don’t go hungry during school day. Summer lunch programs so kids can get at least one meal a day. Food banks to help the needy and hungry who can’t afford food. My question now is how in the hell is the rest of America and other countries going to feed themselves let alone the needy? When you shut the water off to the farmers who put that stored water to beneficial use to do what? You guessed it – grow crops that help feed you, me, the needy, the kids, the tribes that claim the salmon and suckers are their staple in their diet.

“How are people so far removed from reality? No water, no farmer, no jobs, no crops, no processing, no trucking, etc, all resulting in a raw food shortage!”

Rodney then pointedly suggested that all the people that do not support agriculture should stop eating!

He finished: “The American farmer is the most efficient effective producer on the planet earth. Stop biting the hand that feeds! And stop bitching with your mouth full!”

Boy, do I agree with Rodney.

In last week’s column, I told you about our Siskiyou County supervisors coordinating with Modoc and Klamath Counties to put pressure on the federal government and Biden administration regarding this terrible situation. California Dist. 1 Congressman, Doug LaMalfa, is also putting pressure on the powers that be. For years, he has worked to implement an effective water management plan for the Klamath Basin to no avail.

LaMalfa said on Friday that the Reclamation’s newest decree was a “shocking decision to forbid delivery of Klamath Project water to our water-starved farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin and it underscores the almost total failure of the existing water management plan.”

He added that the farmers and ranchers have paid and continue to pay for the canal system and dams that store water and that court decisions have repeatedly recognized the stored project water in the lake belongs to the farmers.

“Reclamation will again seize what they do not own, without compensation, to comply with questionable Endangered Species Act requirements.” He finished by saying that he will be working with every possible partner to bring relief to the basin.

Unfortunately, it looks like there will be added long-lasting devastation from this government-made drought! Such a tragedy.

Garden

Last Tuesday, my grandson, Bryce Bowen, and granddaughter, Lexie Bowen, helped me after school in the garden. We dug up the soil and added manure for the six tomato plants, cantaloupe and giant pumpkin seeds. The soil is very dry, so I added water several times to get it to soak-in. Then we planted the Early Girl tomatoes and then the seeds and, yep, we were worn-out. It was warm last week! I sure do appreciate their help. On Friday morning, I planted cucumber and zucchini seeds. And that is it for vegetable planting.

The garlic are looking better. A month ago, I gave them a shot of sulfate- of-potash and then two weeks later a good granule fertilizer; and I have been irrigating them every other day. Throughout April, several of their long leaves tended to look dry, but they are finally looking happier. There about 20 plants and they should be ready for harvest in late June.

Looks like it will be cooling off today (Wednesday) for a few days. Yep, it could do more than just frost, but may freeze, too. So, I have cardboard boxes ready to cover the tomato plants for several nights for protection. This is why I try not to plant too early in May, cuz there is always this threat. The date I planted the vegetable seeds last year was May 23rd, so I did plant earlier this year. Hope I won’t be sorry.

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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Liz Writes Life - Siskiyou Co. Supervisors meet with Modoc and Klamath Counties to find solutions to federal shut-off of irrigation water to 1,200 Klamath Project farmers and Siskiyou County stands-up to organized crime

 May 12, 2021

Liz Writes Life

Last Friday, I listened to a significant zoom meeting. It was held in Tulelake with our Siskiyou Co. Board of Supervisors cooperatively meeting with Modoc County Supervisors and the Klamath County Commissioners. The goal of the meeting was to approve two letters: One to California and Oregon Congress officials and state legislators asking for financial help regarding the Klamath Project due to its tragic lack of irrigation water for 2021. The second was to U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. also asking for help.

Our Siskiyou Co. Board Chairman, Ray Haupt, made the motions to approve both letters, which passed overwhelmingly.

The situation is dire for not only agriculture, but many businesses throughout the Klamath Basin as unemployment will jump and the resulting domino effect will be felt. Bankruptcies will happen.

Ray told me this is a “human tragedy” and will also hurt the county with a “significant tax loss.” Much of the Tulelake area is part of the Klamath Project. In previous columns, I have discussed this 2021 and the 2001 losses of legal irrigation water to the Klamath Project farmers. During the zoom meeting, farmers explained their predicaments. These issues were addressed in the letters approved by the three county boards. Because the wording is so succinct, I have included several paragraphs, below: 

“As you are aware, Klamath Project irrigators are at the beginning of a disastrous water year where the Bureau of Reclamation has announced 33,000 acre-feet of available irrigation supply from Upper Klamath Lake, less than 10% of needed project deliveries. In recent weeks, based on deteriorating hydrology, even this projected amount now appears to be optimistic. This means that hundreds of family farms will not be able to produce the crops and livestock that have not only been the hallmark of the Klamath Basin, but that also provide food and fiber throughout the world.

“In addition, and just as importantly, thousands of farm and ranch workers will be left without employment, and businesses that rely on active farming and ranching will experience a profound decrease in business. Sadly, our National Wildlife Refuges will also suffer, which will have far-ranging implications up and down the Pacific Flyway.

“In order to assist irrigators through this season so that they may be able to continue their operations into the future, we request a minimum of $45 million for funding programs of the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (DRA). At this time there is $15 million available, for funding programs, leaving a shortfall of $30 million. We urge you to continue to work together with your colleagues and with the Administration to identify and/or earmark additional funding for farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Project.

 “We would welcome the power of your offices in channeling parties toward constructive prioritization of real needs. With that said, we are aware that tribal and non-tribal fishing communities have identified a need for disaster relief. Recognizing the many arguments about the causes of depleted fisheries, we support all efforts to pursue financial assistance for those resource-dependent communities for injury they may experience.”

Both letters can be found on the Siskiyou Supervisors website and are worth the read. The three counties also said they are concerned about fractured conditions in the basin and fear that some of the communities may be exploited by outside interests.

This is not the first time for the three counties to coordinate and use their clout of representing two states in a regional area that is continually at risk. Ray said they work collaboratively at various times, especially on water issues. One has been to defend “saving” the Klamath dams.

“Solutions must be offered,” Ray said.

I applaud the three county boards for their leadership and desire to defend and aid their residents. Thank you!

Next situation!

Hundreds of residents in Siskiyou County protested last Thursday at the Siskiyou Co. Courthouse in Yreka. Inside the courthouse, a hearing was being held regarding a civil case alleging water from an agriculture well, in Shasta Valley, was used for the illegal growing of marijuana. The case cited a county ordinance that does not allow water to be “wasted” from agriculture wells and alleges that water was wasted when used for a criminal activity. From what I have learned, no decision has yet to be made from the hearing.

The protesters held signs saying they deserved to have water. In my opinion that is not the problem. Yes, they deserve to have water. The problem is that significant underground water is being used to grow illegal crops and contributes to organized crime, which Siskiyou Co. Sheriff, Jeremy LaRue, has said is the biggest challenge facing our county.

I showed-up to see the protest, but couldn’t hear much of what the suited organizers on the courthouse steps said. I do believe they interacted with Sheriff LaRue. Police vehicles stopped traffic to the courthouse-block allowing for pedestrian access and the crowd to stand in street. From what I could see, it remained calm although there was chanting.

Another reason for the protest was the recent much-tougher urgency water ordinances the Siskiyou Co. Supervisors’ Board approved on Tuesday. The first Urgency Ordinance on Well Water makes it illegal to pump and move well water off the parcel (or adjoining parcel) from which it originates unless there is a permit issued by the county. Yes, this sounds onerous, but in April I took a drive up A-12 and was shocked to see so many water tanker trucks traveling back and forth in just that small area. It is illegal to grow commercial marijuana in Siskiyou County, so why have 100s of new greenhouses been built in the Shasta Vista area? Even I have seen the aerial photos of masses of marijuana plants.

Another new ordinance is centered on any vehicle hauling over 100 gallons of water in the county. It must have a permit to do so and the ordinance also makes the use on certain roads in the county illegal -- without authorization. The fine is $100. The ordinances passed. The size of the fine is established by state judicial rules.

From what I have learned is that these tougher ordinances place the burden of how the water (being hauled) will be used to the truck driver and or owner of the vehicle. This is much more cost effective and simpler for law enforcement. Much more practical to my mind.

I will stick my neck out here and be vocal against these illegal marijuana grows, illegal use of agricultural water and the massive organized crime that I allege is the culprit. Sheriff LaRue, CHP and all law enforcement agencies need our support against any and all criminal activities. I want our county to be a safe place to live and work for all county residents.

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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Liz Writes Life 5-5-2021 Plant sale, History Tours in Yreka and Congressman Doug LaMalfa tries to improve power grid

 May 5, 2021

Liz Writes Life

With it being Mother’s Day this coming weekend, lots of spring activities are cropping-up. For those in need of garden plants, the Yreka Garden Club and Yreka Community Garden will jointly hold a plant sale on Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the garden on Knapp Street. You might just find something for mom there!

Masks and distancing will be required, according to Peggy Heide, the garden coordinator, but she said to stop by as there is a nice selection of veggies, flowers and older perennial potted plants in the Yreka Garden Club Nursery. I asked if there were any Black-eyed Susans and they have a good batch. I better get over there. I only want one or two for my new row of perennial and annual flowers I am planning for the outside border of my garden.

Peggy said there are a variety of tomato plants and one is called “Tumbler” that is blooming and small tomatoes have already set-on. These are in one-gallon pots. This is a small cherry and can be grown year-round inside. Hum, sounds great for a nice sunny window in the winter. I wonder how big they get and if you need to keep them pruned to a smaller size, when grown indoors?

After the sale, people can still purchase or visit the nursery by calling Peggy at 530-842-6456 for an appointment.

After checking three different weather stations, I will wait one more week before turning-on what I call my outside water. It is a below-ground plastic line that gives me three faucets to use. But, just in case it may freeze after a predicted rain and cooler temps on Friday or Saturday, I have decided to continue to hand-water with the hose this week. I do not want the pipes or a faucet to break. Yeah, it probably won’t get that cold, but I am not ready to plant the garden anyway.

The soil is dry and pretty warm. I think many folks are already planting. I am just being a bit lazy and I need to put my energy into weed-eating. The bright yellow Marlahan mustard is blooming (yuck) as is the lavender-colored lupine and California poppies. Because of the drought, my weeds are not nearly as invasive as they could be. But, a good rain would change that and I do hope for a good rain. Yep, wishful thinking, I know!

Because fire season is already upon us, Cal-Fire encourages us to get a defensible space around our homes and outbuildings. Yep, we are probably all quite leery about wildfires this year. I am so thankful for our firefighters, police and other safety folks. They certainly have tough jobs.

History Tours

The next tours sponsored by the Siskiyou Historical Society will be held in mid-May. The schedule includes a City-Ranch-Greenhorn Walking Tour on Friday, May 14, 2021. An Evergreen Cemetery Walking Tour will be Saturday, May 15, 2021. On Sunday, May 16, 2021, there will be a Third Street Walking Tour. And a Miner Street Tour will be held on Monday, May 17, 2021. These tours begin at 5 p.m. and cost a mere $5 each. They are in the Yreka.

On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, a special “Memories of Hilt” will be at 1:30 p.m. with a cost of $5. Call 530-572-1099 to reserve your spot and get more info.

Bipartisan Legislation

Yep, a bipartisan congressional bill sounds odd in today’s political polarized realm, but our CA. Dist. 1 Congressman, Doug LaMalfa, has joined with California Democrat Representatives, Jared Huffman and Doris Matsui, and several Texas Representatives to introduce legislation expected to weatherize electrical grids across the nation. What a great idea!

The proposed legislation is titled “The Preventing Outages with Enhanced Resilience and Operations Nationwide Power On Act” and would assist electricity providers and suppliers with federal funding to protect their facilities and infrastructure against future extreme weather events, like wildfires in California or the February 2021 deep freeze in Texas.

What makes this legislation a real possibility is that California Democrat Senator Alex Padilla and Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn have introduced companion language in the U.S. Senate.

 

LaMalfa said, “California and much of the West have been dealing with electric service blackouts for several years due to severe wildfire seasons, and this year’s forecast suggests this devastating trend will continue.” LaMalfa has advocated upgrading the power grid for years.

Senator Padilla stated: “Once-in-a-generation weather events are now becoming a regular occurrence. Whether it be public safety power shutoffs or electric system failures due to extreme weather events, we must invest in grid resilience and modernization in order to keep the power on in impacted communities. We can’t leave another family in the dark during wildfire season or without heat in a blizzard. That’s why Senator Cornyn and I are proposing these necessary, smart investments to strengthen our electric grid and create jobs to boost our economy in the process.”

The bill, if passed, will authorize $100,000,000 (yep, that’s a lot of zeros) annually for fiscal years 2022 through 2026. One thing I like about the bill is that the monies cannot be used for new construction, but to improve equipment and the electric grids to withstand extreme weather, wildfires and other natural disasters. Yep, this would be a really good thing!

May peace and calm be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!

Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.

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