williams pioneer review 01/14/2013

Williams pioneer revieW U (530) 924-0225 • January 14, 2013 • • [email protected]

Volume 6 • Issue 1 • sequence 120 call us: (530) 924-0225www.WilliamsPioneerReview.com

january 14, 2013

50¢

Jason& Pharis

New Year, New Beginnings

RomeRoan old time country fiddle-banjo sensation...


Williams Pioneer ReviewP U B L I C AT I O N

530.924.0225FAX: (530) 924-0225

PO Box 1124Williams, CA 95987

www.WilliamsPioneerReview.com

Publisher & Editor in Chief: Lloyd Green Jr.

Writiers & Contributors: Pat Ash • Blanca Dahlstrom

Denise Denton-Rinzler Jennie Green • Richard Lau

Please e-mail Submissions, Editorials, Press Releases, Community Breifs,

and Advertising Requests to:[email protected]

2013 Publication DatesPrinting Date DeaDline Date

January 28 January 25

February 4 February 1

February 18 February 15

March 4 March 1

March 18 March 15

April 1 March 29

April 15 April 12

April 29 April 26

The Williams Pioneer Review is locally published by:

Lloyd Green Printing & MarketingWilliams, California

We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Content submitted may be reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions or representations contained in the articles, letters, etc. within these pages.

LoCaLLy oWned & oPeRaTed SinCe 2008PRinTed in WiLLiaMS CaLiFoRnia

iSSn 2161-7139

From the Publishers Desk

There isn’t much I can say about 2012, except it was a horrible year for many.

A community has suffered such great loss – young lives have left us too early. To many of my readers, it is known that I lost my brother on October 2, in a dual fatality vehicle vs. farm equipment crash. Since his death, it has been immensely hard to begin my day – my identity in this world seems to be lost. Our family is forever changed. As it has taken every fiber of my energy to produce the Williams Pioneer Review these last few months, I feel like I have let down our community and readership. This is not what

I want for the publication, nor the community. You deserve better! I intend to fix and get back on my feet – because as I have said many times before. This news publication is here to stay. After much soul searching, I look forward to resuming the Williams Pioneer Review back on its regular track for 2013. With this very issue alone, I hope I can display some of the changes that are being made to your beloved publication – hopefully for the better. Since its creation, the Williams Pioneer Review has focused on the positive side of life; although we have to adjust with the times, I foresee our publication printing even more positive, community oriented

featured stories. For the ‘hard news’, we will cover certain events and inform the public, but we will ultimately shed a new light for 2013. I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement these past couple of months. I also want to thank our readers who have been patient with me as I handled my personal tragedy. I wish everyone the best of luck, a safe, and joyous new year. I thank you for your support of the Williams Pioneer Review.

Regards,Lloyd Green [email protected](530) 924-0225

By: Denise Denton-Rinzler

There are over 216,280 self-improvement books for sale on-line. My New Year’s resolution? Do by not doing. Crazy talk, right? But think about it. There many things improvable by you simply not doing them:

1) Not buying more than you need.

2) Not letting other people set your agenda.

3) Not forgetting that emotions are waves and will

pass. They are not reality and one shouldn’t base decisions on them.

4) Not doing anything unimportant. Perhaps watching the sunset is important to you. Do that. Perhaps keeping the perfect lawn is not so important. Don’t do that.

5) Not letting the media set your moral compass. Sometimes it’s best to take a media vacation. Turn off the TV, radio, websites, email, etc. Think your own thoughts for a good long while. Refreshing.

6) Not forgetting to show love. Even plants respond to love. But don’t tell Aunt Sally that I put her and plants in the same category. Not that her conversation isn’t sparkling…

7) Not living in fear. Life has always been crazy from the Big Bang up. Read history. Get a grip. Compared to caveman days, the Dark Ages, the 70’s, or 2005 the future’s got to be an improvement!

Happy New Year!

New YeaR... New BegiNNiNgs...

mY LittLe maYBeRRY Do BY Not DoiNg


LocaL weatheR foRecastMondayJan. 14

TuesdayJan. 15

WednesdayJan. 16

ThursdayJan. 17

FridayJan. 18

SaturdayJan. 19

SundayJan. 20

50°FPartly Cloudy

52°FPartly Cloudy

55°FClear

54°FClear

55°FClear

55°FClear

59°F Clear

Community Announcements■ Colusa Crab Feed Dinner: The Colusa Firefighters Association will be hosting its annual Crab & Steak Feed Dinner & Dance on Saturday, January 26th. at the Main Exhibit hall at the Colusa Fairgrounds. This year guests will be entertained by the Kenny Frye Band as guests feast on crab and steak. Silent Auction will also be held. For tickets and Information, please contact the Colusa City Firefighters at 750 Market Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for cocktail hour, dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., auction begins at 7:30 p.m., dance begins at 9:00 p.m. The cost is $40 before Thursday, January 17th and $45 after.

■ Colusa Farm Show: The 48th Annual Colusa County Farm Show will be held on February 5 – 7th, 2013. This ‘Granddaddy of Farm Shows” boasts hundreds of farm equipment and service exhibitors. Free Admission and Free Parking.

■ Maxwell FFA Tri-Tip Dinner: The Maxwell GGA will be hosting a tri-tip take-out dinner on Thursday, January 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner is to include tri-tip, salad, bread and dessert. Tickets are $10 a plate.

■ Colusa County Basketball Association: A meeting of the Colusa County Basketball Association will be held on Thursday, January 17th at 5:45 p.m. at Williams City Hall.

■ Little League Sponsors Needed: The Colusa Little League is seeking sign sponsors at the ballpark. For more information, please call (530) 682-2438.

■ Sacred Heart Card Party: The Sacred Heart Sodality of Maxwell will hold their annual card party on Saturday February 2, 2013, at 11:30 am at the Maxwell Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room located at 146 North Street in Maxwell. For a $15.00 donation participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon followed by an afternoon of playing bridge, whist or pinochle. In addition to many prizes to be awarded to high point card winners there will be a raffle with lovely prizes. Partners are encouraged! For more information please contact Karen Riordan, 438-2921(Pinochle), Dolores Reckers, 438-2200.

■ Williams ZUMBA: Williams Zumba will be held Monday – Thursday from 6pm to 7pm at the Williams Jr. High Multipurpose room. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to party yourself into shape! For more information please call 530-473-2955 ext. 117 or 118.

■ UK Soccer Camp: The City of Williams Parks & Recreation Department will host a U.K. Soccer Camp from April 1-5th, 2013. Mini Camp: Ages 4-6 from 9AM-10:30 PM - $70 per child; Half Day Camp: Ages 6-14 from 9AM-12PM- $95 per child; Full Day Camp: Ages 8-14 from 9AM-3PM $145 per child; Sign-Up today at the Williams City Hall 810 E Street. For more information please call 530-473-2955 ext. 117 or 118

■ Williams Lego Camp: For the first time ever the City of Williams will be offering a Lego Camp for children of the ages 5-12. What will you build? Space is limited so don’t wait, sign-up today for only $107 or $150 for Art+Lego Camp! Pre-Engineering Lego Camp for ages 5-6 9AM-12PM on April 1-5, 2013. Bashem Bots Lego Camp For ages 7-12 1PM-4PM on April 1-5, 2013. This event will be held at the Williams “Old Gym” 1491 E Street. Sign-Up today at the Williams City Hall 810 ‘E’ Street. For more information please call 530-473-2955 ext. 117 or 118.

■ Williams Art Camp: The City of Williams in collaboration with the Colusa County Art Counsel Art Camp for ages 7-12 9AM-12PM on April 1-5, 2013; Ages 5-6 1PM-4PM on April 1-5, 2013; This event will be held in the Williams “Old Gym” 1491 E Street. Sign-Up available at the Williams City Hall 810 E St. $75 per child or $150 for Art+Lego Camp.

■ Because We Care!: Become apart of your community and assist in the efforts to keep our town clean. Volunteer with the Citizens for a Better Williams. Meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at Louis Cairo’s.

■ Maxwell Parks & Recreation Vacancy: The Maxwell Parks board is looking for an individual to fill its vacant seat. Applicants can apply for an appointment made by the board members. Requirements for applicants: Must be a resident of the district, the term expires

December 2015. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2012. Appointments will be made on February 12, 2012.

■ Calling all Artists!: 9TH GRADE & UP you’re invited to the Colusa County Arts Council’s Mobile Mural Paint Fest! Colusa Count Arts Council will be making two 8x16’ Mobile Murals that will cruise through Colusa County to help support the Arts in our area and they need your help! Deadline for application: Jan 31st 2013 Adult Artist: Please submit application along with an art piece on a regular piece of paper (8 1/2” x 11”) Student Artist: Please submit application along with an art piece on a regular piece of paper (8 1/2” x 11”) to the front office of your school Chosen artist will be called February 11th-15th

■ Seniors Come Join us for Lunch!: If you are 60 years of age or older and are interested in getting out of the house and meeting others over a delicious hot lunch, please join us! The congregate meal site is located at the Boy Scout Cabin, 901 Parkhill Street, in the City of Colusa. Lunch is served Monday through Thursday at noon. Please call Colusa County Public Health at 530-458-0380 to let us know you are coming! A donation of $3.00 per meal is recommended, but not required.

■ Tobacco Education Recruitment: If you are looking to make a difference in our community, the Colusa County Tobacco Prevention Coalition is currently recruiting new members to help promote a tobacco-free lifestyle! Time commitment is minimal and lunch will be provided at meetings. To join or find out more contact the Tobacco Education Program at [email protected] or call 530-458-0381.

■ Williams Community Center Association Activities: Our temporary location is at: 901 ‘E’ Street in the Library Building for: MONDAY NIGHT BINGO. Everyone Welcome! * Early Bird Games Starting Time at 6:00 P.M. Regular Games Begin at 6:30 P.M. Refreshments Available at Reasonable Prices, Home Made Desserts. Game Day: NEW TIME! Third Wednesday of the month,12:30 PM. Join us to play games, have fun and meet people! Movie Day: NEW TIME! Fourth Wednesday of the month, at 12:30 P.M. Price: FREE Refreshments: Popcorn, Soda & Candy are available at a low price. ■

Submit your Community Announcement by giving us a call or email:(530) 924-0225

[email protected]


• The California Highway Patrol arrested Mitchell Holmes, 24, of Arcata, at 11:41 AM on 12/28/2012, at Highway 20, East of King Road, Colusa County on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher; Possession of Marijuana 1oz or less while driving and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Gunnar Taylor, 22, of Arbuckle, at 4:00 PM on 12/28/2012, at Grimes Arbuckle Road, Arbuckle on charges of Failure to appear after written notice and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Saul Guzman, 37, of Colusa, at 5:30 PM on 12/28/2012, at 1000 Block of Hall Street, Arbuckle on charges of Assult by means of force - producing great bodily injury and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Valdez Valenzuela, 45, of Willows, at 8:30 PM on 12/28/2012, at Northbound Interstate 5, Maxwell Rest Area on charges of Disorderly Conduct: Loitering in or about toliet and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa Police Department arrested Nicholas Barrett, 27, of Princeton, at 1:13 AM on 12/29/2012, at 5th & Webster Street, Colusa on charges of Public Intoxication and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Williams Police Department arrested Moises Carmona, 21, of Williams, at 2:45 AM on 12/29/2012, at Eighth Street & H Street, Williams on charges of Carry a loaded firearm in a public place; Participate in criminal street gang; Possession of a controlled substance, paraphernalia and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Allen Baumgartner, Jr., 24, of Clearlake, at 2:53 AM on 12/30/2012, at Highway 20, West of Vista Point, Colusa County on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Doreen Von Reyn, 60, of Talent, Oregon, at 2:20 PM on 12/30/2012, at Southbound Interstate 5, Maxwell Rest Area on charges of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested James Bradsher, 34, of Arbuckle, at 2:44 PM on 12/31/2012,

at 900 Block of Gail Avenue, Arbuckle on charges of Threaten Crime with the intent to terrorize and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Vicente Vargas, 43, of Knights Landing, at 8:44 PM on 1/2/2013, at 10th and Market Street, Colusa on charges of Failure to Present Proper Identification; Driving without a License; and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Antone Crawshaw, 29, of Colusa, at 11:48 PM on 1/2/2013, at Orange Avenue, Colusa on charges of Public Intoxication and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Silvia Gonzalez, 44, of Red Bluff, at 12:34 AM on 1/3/2013, at Northbound Interstate 5, South of Husted Rd on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher; Driving with a suspended licence and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Jose Ruiz, 42, of Fresno, at 2:40 AM on 1/3/2013, at Northbound Interstate 5, South of Husted Rd on charges of Public Intoxication and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa Police Department arrested Zakaria Walker, 18, of Colusa, at 11:17 AM on 1/3/2013, at Fremont Street at 3rd Street, Colusa on charges of Warrant Arrest: Taking Vehicle without Owners Consent and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Williams Police Department arrested Joshua Cavallaro, 35, of Grass Valley, at 10:45 AM on 1/4/2013, at Highway 20 at E Street, Williams on charges of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Jeffery Dooley, 26, of Clearlake, at 4:05 PM on 1/4/2013, at Walnut Rd at Highway 20, Williams on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Shawn Forbes, 41, of Stonyford, at 4:30 PM on 1/4/2013, at Lake Park Drive at Coppermine Rd, Stonyford on charges of Riding Bicycle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs; Public Intoxication; Possesion of Marijuana 28.5 Grams or Less or with

Prior and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa Police Department arrested David Hickel, 51, of Colusa, at 7:30 PM on 1/4/2013, at Wescott Rd and Cynthia Rd, Colusa on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Williams Police Department arrested Alfredo Mendiola, 30, of Arbuckle, at 2:52 AM on 1/5/2013, at Southbound Interstate 5, South of E Street, Williams on charges of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher; Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa Police Department arrested Roberto Espindola, 23, of Colusa, at 12:21 PM on 1/5/2013, at 700 Block 6th Street, Colusa on charges of Violation of Parole and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The California Highway Patrol arrested Barton Scofield, 45, of Woodland, at 10:53 AM on 1/7/2013, at Southbound Interstate 5 South of Arbuckle on charges of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Williams Police Department arrested Vicente Mercado, 25, of

Stockton, at 12:21 PM on 1/7/2013, at Southbound Interstate 5 at Highway 20, Colusa County on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Omar Colsa, 22, of Arbuckle, at 4:30 PM on 1/8/2013, at Mission Ave, Arbuckle on charges of Exhibiting a Deadly Weapon; Assult with a Deadly Weapon and was booked into the Colusa County Jail.

• The California Highway Patrol arrested Gregory Branscum, 47, of Castella, at 8:03 PM on 1/8/2013, at E Street at Vann Street, Williams on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher; Driving with a suspended licence and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Williams Police Department arrested Luis Mendiola, 42, of Arbuckle, at 12:15 AM on 1/9/2013, at Cupello Drive at Padre Pio Dr, Williams on charges of Driving under the influence of Alcohol/Drugs with .08% or higher and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Williams Police Department arrested Herald Rodriguez, 26, of Williams, at 2:12 PM on 1/9/2013, at I Street and 7th Street, Williams on charges of Carry a loaded firearm in a public place; Participate in criminal street gang; Possession of a controlled substance for sale; Possession of a concealed firearm and was booked into the Colusa County Jail. • The Colusa County Sheriffs Department arrested Timothy Delaney, 48, of Maxwell, at 11:04 PM on 1/9/2013, at 4000 Block of Maxwell-Sites Road, Maxwell on charges of Inflict Corporal Injury on Spouse/Cohabitant and was booked into the Colusa County Jail.

Arrest Report


As the new year begins, Californians are experiencing moderate

fluctuation in gas prices compared to last month. Many metro areas in Northern California saw a decrease of at least two cents over the past month. According to the latest report from AAA California, gas prices are expected to be lower than in 2012, barring any unforeseen events. California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.61, down one cent since last month’s AAA report on December 11, 2012. For perspective, gas prices today are nine cents cheaper than California’s average price on this date last year. Among all 50 states, California has the fourth highest state average price for regular, unleaded gasoline. Hawaii is the highest at $4.01. Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.56, with no change in price from

last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $3.68, which is down three cents from last month. The California state average price of $3.61 is down one cent, which is 31 cents more than the national price of unleaded regular gasoline, $3.30. “In the first 90 days of 2012, geopolitical tensions with Iran pressured the national price at the pump almost 65 cents higher. The beginning of 2013 does not have a similar situation that is moving the market,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Nevada spokesperson. “In light of this, AAA continues to expect gas prices in 2013 that will average less than the annual record of $3.60 a gallon set last year.” The national average price today of $3.30 is a drop of three cents from last month’s AAA report of $3.33 a gallon. While retail prices nationally are currently rising at a slower

rate than at the start of 2012, the average is driven higher by crude oil prices that have continued to slowly increase in recent weeks. At the close of formal trading yesterday on the NYMEX, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil settled at $93.19 per barrel, up 10 cents on the day. These are the highest settlement prices since September 18, but still well below the 2012 high of $109.77 on Feb. 24. Only 12 states and Washington, D.C. currently have an average price at the pump that is more expensive than one year ago. Not coincidentally, these are also the states where gasoline supplies and distribution were most heavily impacted by Hurricane Sandy this fall. Tight supplies in the Northeast linger and continue to buoy prices in the region. The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Modesto, where regular is $3.44 per gallon in that metro area. Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has the highest average price at $3.78. Only six states report prices below the $3.00 mark – Oklahoma, $2.99; Idaho and Minnesota, $2.98; Colorado and Wyoming, $2.92; and Utah, $2.90. The highest price of gasoline in the nation’s metro areas is in Wailuku, Hawaii, at $4.02 per gallon. To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also helps conserve gasoline. U

Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death of

teenagers across the United States and in California. Each year, thousands of young drivers and their passengers are killed in collisions. According to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System for 2010, the most recent year for finalized data, there were more than 57,000 drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 involved in collisions in California. A teen driver was determined to be at fault in 67 percent of those collisions. “The first year behind the wheel for a teen driver can be one of the most dangerous times in their life. Teens are far more likely to be killed in a vehicle collision than in anything else,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Developing safe driving habits is the first step toward avoiding a collision.” Designed for newly licensed teen drivers and their parents, the CHP offers Start Smart, a two-hour driver safety education class that is conducted throughout the state. The free program is an interactive driver safety class for teens and their parents. During the course, officers and speakers illustrate the critical responsibilities of safe driving and collision avoidance techniques. Parents are also reminded of their responsibility to teach their new driver and model good driving behavior. “Our goal is to have teens and their parents leave the class more aware, better educated, and better prepared,” added Commissioner Farrow. Parents and teenagers can sign up for a Start Smart class by contacting their local CHP office. To locate a CHP office near you, visit www.chp.ca.gov. U

gas pRices hoLD steaDY as New YeaR BegiNs

chp eNcouRages

teeNs to ‘staRt smaRt’ aND staY safe


Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today proposed a balanced state budget that boosts investment in

education, implements health care reform and keeps California on a long-term path to fiscal stability. This budget builds on the work of the last two years to eliminate the ongoing deficit. “The budget cuts made in the last two years and the passage of Proposition 30 make it possible to both live within our means and to increase funding for education,” said Governor Brown. When Governor Brown took office, the state faced a $26.6 billion budget deficit and estimated annual gaps of roughly $20 billion. The first two state budgets under Governor Brown’s watch eliminated these deficits with billions of dollars in cuts as well as temporary revenues. The 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 budgets provided three dollars of spending cuts for every dollar in temporary tax revenues approved by the voters. To maintain the fiscal stability that has been achieved, the budget reflects the continuation of spending cuts made in the last two years, continues to pay down the “wall of debt” and recognizes risks that remain. “Fiscal discipline is not the enemy of democratic governance, but rather

its fundamental predicate. In fact, it is through fiscal discipline that this budget can invest in education, expand health care and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable,” said Governor Brown. Significant Details of the 2013-2014 State Budget: Maintains Long-Term Fiscal StabilityBy aligning expenditures with revenues, paying down debt and creating a $1 billion reserve, this budget provides long-term fiscal stability on a level that California has not enjoyed in more than a decade. Invests in Education and Increases Local ControlAfter years of decline, this budget significantly increases state funding per student in K-12 schools – $2,700 by 2016-2017. Funding for K-12 and community colleges increases by $2.7 billion next year, and by $19 billion by 2016-2017. While K-12 school districts across the state will benefit from the increased funding—through a new school funding formula—school districts serving those students who have the greatest challenges will receive more generous increases—so that all students in California have the opportunity to succeed. The budget increases flexibility at the local level so those closest to the students can make the decisions. Increases Funding to Strengthen Higher

Education and Increase AffordabilityThis budget increases state funding for UC and CSU by an additional $250 million, 5 percent. It proposes a multi-year stable funding plan to strengthen our higher education system, ensure affordability and reduce student indebtedness. Higher education costs have risen rapidly and middle class students have paid the price. By shortening the time it takes a student to successfully complete a degree and calling on UC and CSU to deploy their instructional resources more effectively, the system can be made more affordable—both for the students and the state. Implements Federal Health Care Reform This budget expands access to health care for Californians by implementing federal health care reform. It expands coverage by simplifying Medi-Cal eligibility and extending coverage to childless adults and uninsured parents. Given promised federal funding, the budget outlines two alternative pathways. It also recognizes that implementation of health care reform will require changes in the respective responsibilities of the state and the counties. The full budget document can be found here: www.dof.ca.gov U

goveRNoR BRowN pRoposes 2013-2014 BuDget

California is joining together with other states from across the country in recognition of National AMBER Alert Awareness Day on Sunday, January 13. The occasion is a time to acknowledge the collaborative efforts and successes of the AMBER Alert program in assisting in the recovery of abducted children. In California, more than 200 AMBER Alerts have been issued since the inception of the program in summer 2002. These vital notifications have resulted in the safe recovery of more than 240 children. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) serves as the statewide coordinator for the AMBER Alert program and other

emergency response activities associated with child abduction. “When it comes to the swift, safe recovery of a child, AMBER Alerts have proven time and time again to be a lifesaver,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Working together, law enforcement, the media, the public, and other government entities have been responsible for reuniting hundreds of children with their families.” The AMBER Alert program was created in 1996 after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman of Texas was abducted and later found murdered. The program evolved from a local network of radio broadcasters to include programs in all 50 states. During the past decade,

California’s AMBER Alert notification network has continued to grow. In addition to the activation of the Emergency Alert System by the National Weather Service, there are now numerous ways to reach the public with critical information about a child’s abduction. Through the use of the California Department of Transportation’s changeable message signs on freeways, Wireless Emergency Alerts, social media and the California State Lottery, AMBER Alerts can now reach millions of people throughout the state within minutes. “An AMBER Alert is a tool we never want to have to use,” added Commissioner

Farrow. “However, when the circumstances arise, and thanks to the cooperative effort of many, the program has proven that it works and children’s lives are being saved.” U

chp commemoRates NatioNaL amBeR aLeRt awaReNess DaY

SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY

BRIEF

[email protected]

call (530) 924-0225


A Colusa man has been arrested for kidnapping,

false imprisonment, and felony assault after holding a 33-year-old woman and her three year old son, authorities report. Just after 11:00 p.m. on New Years Eve, the victim was approached by 35-year-old Jermaine Lonell Roberts, forcing her to drive to his home on Oak Street, just outside Colusa City limits – her son in the back seat. Once at Roberts home, he held the victim and her son for several days. When the victim tried to flee, Roberts intervened and severely beat the victim, inflicting significant injuries. The victim was finally able to flee the house on Thursday, January 10th while the suspect

was asleep where she was discovered by a passerby and drove the victim and her son to the Sheriff ’s Department. Roberts fled his home when approached by officers, but was

found hiding in a nearby residence. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Colusa County Jail. The victim was treated for her injuries and released from Colusa Regional Medical Center. Police have established that the victim and Roberts once had a dating relationship that

ended months earlier. The Colusa County Sheriffs Department and the Colusa Police Department are continuing their investigation. U

coLusa maN kiDNaps

motheR & chiLD

Suspect: Jermaine Lonell Roberts

Subscribe to the Williams Pioneer Review

Name: ___________________________________________ Phone:_______________________

Mail Delivery: _________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ____________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________________

Pay by: ☐ Check #_________ ☐ Credit Card (Visa, Master, Discover)

__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __

Exp: __ __ / __ __ CCV: __ __ __

x__________________________________

Make Checks Payable to: Lloyd Green Printing

Mail payment and form to: WPR Subscriptions

PO Box 1124Williams, CA 95987

(530) 924-0225

☐ U.S. Mail ......................................................................$40/yr☐Senior Citizen, Active Military, Veteran, Police, Firefighter..................................$30/yr


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Williams will conduct a public hearing on January 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m., at City Hall, 810 E Street, Williams, CA in order to discuss possible applications for funding under the fiscal year 2012-2013 State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and to solicit citizen input on possible activities to be included in the application. The Community Development and Economic Development Allocations of the State CDBG program will publish a combined “Notice of Funding Availability” (NOFA) each program year. Eligible cities and counties may submit applications for CDBG funds under the NOFA. It is estimated that up to $2,000,000 will be available in total. The Economic Development “Over-the-Counter” (OTC) Allocation requires a separate application with a maximum limit of $3,000,000 per year. The NOFA also includes the Native American and Colonia’s Allocations. The Native American Allocation is only for areas with high concentrations of low-income Native American residents, who are not part of a federally recognized Native American Indian tribe or Rancheria. The Colonia’s funding is only for designated communities within 150 miles of the Mexican-American border. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES UNDER THE ABOVE ALLOCATIONS IN THE NOFA CONSIST OF: HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE AND HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAMS; PUBLIC FACILITY AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS (INCLUDING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN SUPPORT OF NEW HOUSING CONSTRUCTION); PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS, PLANNING STUDIES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND MICROENTERPRISE ACTIVITIES. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES PAID FOR WITH STATE CDBG FUNDS MUST MEET ONE OR MORE OF THE THREE NATIONAL OBJECTIVES LISTED IN CDBG FEDERAL STATUTES AS FOLLOWS: BENEFIT TO LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS OR PERSONS; ELIMINATION OF SLUMS AND BLIGHT; OR MEETING URGENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEED. The City of Williams anticipates submitting an application under the NOFA. The purpose of this public hearing is to give citizens an opportunity to make their comments known regarding what types of eligible activities the City of Williams should apply for under the State CDBG program. A separate public hearing will be held to discuss and approve the application prior to submittal to the State. If you require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please contact Susan L. Vannucci, Deputy City Clerk at (530) 473-2955. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, you may direct written comments to the City of Williams, Planning Department, 810 E Street, Williams, CA 95987 or you may telephone Monica Stegall at (530) 473-5389. In addition, general CDBG information is available for your inspection at the above office address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday in the public information file. The City of Williams promotes fair housing and makes all its programs available to low and moderate income families regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual preference, marital status or handicap.

Notice ID: 201212-CW00016-R2

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Williams (‘City’) will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday February 20, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 810 E Street, City of Williams, CA 95987, to consider the adoption of increases to the rates for its water service fees to the parcel for which you are shown as the record owner or customer of record. The amount of the rate increases proposed to be imposed on your parcel and the basis upon which they were calculated is described in more detail below under the caption “Proposed Rate Increases.” The purpose of the hearing is to consider all written protests against the rate increases to the City’s water service fees proposed to be imposed on parcels within the City. As the record owner or customer of record of a parcel identified to be subject to the imposition of the proposed rate increases, you may submit a written protest against the proposed rate increases. Provided, however, if the identified parcel has more than one record owner and/or customer of record, only one written protest will be counted. Each protest must (1) be in writing; (2) state that the specific water rate increase for which the protest is being submitted in opposition; (3) provide the location of the identified parcel (by assessor’s parcel number or street address); and (4) include the original signature of the record owner or customer of record submitting the protest. Protests submitted by e-mail, facsimile, or other electronic means will not be accepted. Written protests may be submitted by mail to the City Clerk, City of Williams, at P.O. Box 310, Williams, CA 95987, or in person at the public hearing, so long as they are received prior to the conclusion of the public hearing. Please identify on the front of the envelope for any protest, whether mailed or submitted in person to the City Clerk, that the enclosed letter is for the Public Hearing on the Proposed Water Rate Increases.At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council will consider adopting the proposed rate increases to the water service fees. Oral comments at the public hearing will not qualify as formal protests unless accompanied by a written protest. If, at the close of the public hearing, written protests against the proposed rate increases as outlined above are not presented by a majority of the record owners or customers of record of the identified parcels upon which they are proposed to be imposed, the City Council will be authorized to impose the rate increases. If adopted, the rate increases for the water service fees are proposed to be effective for bills dated on or after December 1, 2013, and on each December 1, thereafter through and including December 1, 2015. ●PROPOSED RATE INCREASESCity staff has reviewed the current water rate structures and determined that increases to the rates are necessary in order to recover sufficient revenues to operate and maintain the City’s water systems. The proposed rate structures for the water service fees will provide revenues that (1) recover costs reasonably borne in providing the services; (2) are equitable to all customer classes; and (3) are proportionate to the cost of the service attributable to the parcels within each customer class. This equates to an approximate annual increase of 7% per year over the three year period.

●WATER RATE INCREASESThe water rate increases are needed in order to fund: (1) the addition of water filters, booster pumps, maintenance of adequate water service and supply, and a water reservoir; (2) current and projected increases in the costs of operations and maintenance of the water system; and (3) ongoing repair and replacement costs for current water system capital facilities. The rate structure for water service fees has two components: (1) a fixed monthly component; and (2) a variable (water consumption-based) component. The first component is a fixed amount calculated to recover the City’s fixed costs of operating and maintaining the water system and is established on the basis of the customer class of the property owner or customer receiving water from the City. The variable component of the rate structure will generally impose higher charges as the level of water consumption increases. The variable component is structured in such a way as to internalize the costs of providing water and to deter waste and encourage efficiency. Together, the components are calculated to recover the proportionate cost of providing water service attributable to parcels within each customer class. The proposed water rates, if adopted, and the effective dates for their implementation are as follows:

Proposed Water RatesCustomer Class Residents 2012 2013 2014 20155/8”-3/4” Meters 1,182 $16.67 $17.84 $19.09 $20.431” Meters 117 $27.47 $29.40 $31.46 $33.671.5” Meters 21 $54.24 $58.04 $62.11 $66.462” Meters 21 $86.49 $92.55 $99.03 $105.963” Meters 8 $188.72 $201.94 $216.08 $231.214” Meters 1 $323.05 $345.67 $369.87 $395.77

Consumptive Rates ($/hcf**)5/8”-3/4” Meters 1,182 $1.46 $1.57 $1.68 $1.801” Meters 117 $1.46 $1.57 $1.68 $1.801.5” Meters 21 $1.46 $1.57 $1.68 $1.802” Meters 21 $1.46 $1.57 $1.68 $1.803” Meters 8 $1.46 $1.57 $1.68 $1.804” Meters 1 $1.46 $1.57 $1.68$1.80

*Includes a minimum consumption of 5 hcf per month.**hcf = hundred of cubic feet

For further details or questions regarding the reasons for the proposed rate increases for the City’s water service fees to be imposed on your property parcel, please contact Rex Greenbaum, Finance Officer, at (530) 473-2955 located at 810 E Street, Williams, California 95987 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofwilliams.org.

Notice ID: 201301-CW00017-R1

C I T Y O F W I L I A M SNotice of Public Hearing

In Connection with Proposed INCREASES TO RATES FOR WATER SERVICE FEES

C I T Y O F W I L I A M SNotice of Public Hearing

DISCuSSION OF POSSIbLE STATE CDbG APPLICATION


Williams Native, Jason Romero (son to Shelley Foley) discovered his passion for banjos after

hearing a traditional Irish band – since then Jason and his Wife Pharis have become a new sensation in the mountain music style. “I started playing the banjo when I was 20, going to college and living in Chico,” said Jason Romero, “I was a closet picker for the next ten years, taking lessons.” In 1997, Jason relocated to Humboldt County and started his own old time band, and a bluegrass band – playing weekly. Romero’s love of classic rock music began to morph into early bluegrass and then into old time music. Jason is not only a banjo player; he also builds them. “Although I have been playing banjos for years, I had not thought about being a banjo builder until I moved to Arcata in 1997,” said Romero By trade, Jason mastered in fine woodworking and cabinet making and began his career working at the Wildwood Banjo Company in Arcata, California. He also worked at the P.W. Crump Instruments and Clinesmith Guitars. “I was the first banjo player to work there,” said Romero, “I was able to develop my eye and skills.”

Having a strong connection to the artistry of banjos, Jason knew that he wanted the banjos to sound, perform and look alike. “I believe that being a banjo player makes me a better builder,” said Romero, “So I left Wildwood to focus on my own business, full time.” For a better part of a decade, Jason has

been handcrafting banjos for his customers. With orders booked several months in advance. “We do not use CNC Machines in our shop; everything is handmade,” Said Romero. Jason met his wife Pharis at an old time jam in Victoria, BC. Taking an 8 hour detour from a fly fishing trip, Jason and Pharis met for the first time after a mutual friend set them up. “Jason brought his banjo; I played the fiddle and guitar,” said Pharis, “a few days later we both knew we’d be together for a long time.” Both Jason and Pharis have played the music for decades. Sharing an similar passion for early country, old time, blues, and bluegrass music they married in 2007. Pharis and Jason began expanding their creativity and passion for banjos and its

music alike, together. Moving to Pharis’ hometown of Horsefly, B.C. in 2010, they settled in the wilderness building hand crafted banjos, and writing and singing the tunes they love.

In 2011, Jason and Pharis released their first duo album, A Passing Glimpse, a collection of songs that are sourced from old recordings or written by Pharis herself. A Passing Glimpse is an album of acoustic & National

guitars, finger style and claw hammer banjo, with plenty of strong duet singing. Bringing memories of hard mountain days where hard work and difficult times echo through the lyrics. In September of 2012, Jason and Pharis recently made a quick stay in Jason’s hometown of Williams, California where a friend hosted a backyard concert showcasing the Romero’s workmanship and musical talents. Guests enjoyed beautiful tropical summer evening where tunes of bluegrass, old time country, and blues bellowed through the back yard making it a relaxing way to end summer and celebrate the bounty of the upcoming harvest. “I have been waiting for Jason to come home and play for the masses of friends and family that love him,” said Shelley Foley, mother to Jason Romero. After their release of, A Passing Glimpse, it won the Best Americana Album at the Independent Music Award; additionally was the number one hit on the North American Folk DJ. In 2012, the album won the Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist of the year and continues to capture audiences and radio play globally. U

Jason& Pharis

RomeRoan old time country fiddle-banjo sensation...


Winter is here! The days are shorter, the outside temperature

is lower, and in some places, it’s cold, icy and snowy. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in weather and a time to think about home-heating safety. Improper use or poorly maintained heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire deaths across the country. In fact, half of all home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. “The cooler weather means an increase in usage of space heaters, fireplaces and other heating devices,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal. “Sadly, when not used safely, heaters and fireplaces can often lead to fires, injuries and deaths that could have easily been prevented.” With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

CAL FIRE offers the following fire safety tips:• Keep anything that can

burn at least 3 feet away

from heating equipment such as a furnace, fireplace, woodstove or portable space heater.

• Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Always turn portable heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping.

• Allow fireplace ashes to completely cool before disposing of them. Place in a tightly covered metal container at least 10 feet away from your home and any other nearby buildings. NEVER empty fireplace or woodstove ashes directly into a trash can.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.

• If using fossil fuel heating, install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms as well.

•For more information on safe home heating visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov. U

homeowNeRs askeD to Be safe with

heatiNg equipmeNt

No matter what your financial situation is like,

there’s one way you can give back to your community that won’t cost you a penny. According to the American Red Cross, more than 44,000 blood donations are needed daily. While it’s always the right time to give blood, January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, a great reminder to make an appointment.

As the new year begins, consider making regular blood donations a part of your 2013 schedule. One donation can help save the lives of up to three people. To find out where you can give blood and to schedule your appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. U

JaNuaRY is NatioNaL voLuNteeR BLooD DoNoR moNth

There has been a lot of talk lately about the costs of public employee

pensions and whether governments have set aside enough money to make good on their promises. Concerns are real -- and growing -- about these retirement benefits and what must be done to honor the obligations if enough money is not available to cover the benefits public employees have been promised. When local and state governments have not set enough money aside to adequately fund pension obligations, the conversation very quickly turns to whether making up for the shortfall could mean tax increases, service reductions, or cuts in retirement benefits. To best understand the size and impact of your government’s pension liability, you should find out what type of pension plan your government offers and its current pension obligations and funded status. New Standards Offer Transparency In an effort to equip interested parties with the tools they need to evaluate government pension benefits, new pension standards issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)—which are set to take effect in 2014— will require state and local governments to plainly show their net liability for pension benefits on the face of the financial statements, alongside other liabilities. The GASB is the independent group that sets accounting and

financial reporting standards for U.S. state and local governments. Under the new standards, anyone interested in pension information will be better able to assess a government’s overall financial picture as it relates to pensions by helping them evaluate such questions as: What pension promises has my government made? How much is it obligated to pay? How is my government doing compared to other communities? Where to Find This Information While governments are becoming familiar with and preparing for the new financial reporting standards, there are steps that taxpayers and public employees can take to better understand their governments’ financial obligations: •Contactyourgovernmentofficials: Ask how your elected officials are preparing for the changes and how they will address funding pension benefits. •Gettalking:Talktofriends,neighbors, and colleagues and share what you know. Find out how pension funding issues may affect the future of your community. • Stay Informed: As acitizen, you can access pension information on your own through Internet searches or government websites that provide access to local financial reports. Whether local and state governments are prepared to pay promised pension obligations now and in the future are issues that will affect every taxpayer. U

what taxpaYeRs NeeD to kNow aBout

goveRNmeNt peNsioNs

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!call (530) 924-0225


SHOP LOCAL• SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES •

HometownResouRce Guide

173 East Webster Street - Colusa(530) 458-8050

501 “E” Street – Williams(530) 473-5255

at one of our locationswe are here to keep you healthy

For 20 years and we look forward to serving the community for

another 20 years!


California Farm Bureau Federation

Representatives of farm and produce-business organizations promise a thorough review of

proposed federal food-safety regulations unveiled last week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In California, analysts said they’ll focus on any differences between the proposed FDA rules and practices already being followed by California farmers and produce packers. “California has taken the lead in developing food safety practices for fresh produce and in many ways these proposed rules build on what our farmers are already doing,” said Josh Rolph, California Farm Bureau Federation international trade and farm policy director. But he added that the fresh-produce rule alone totals nearly 550 pages, and “the devil is in the details.” “It’s entirely possible the proposed FDA rules go beyond what we’re doing, but we’ll need to thoroughly review these rules to figure out what they include and how they may impact California agriculture,” he said. The FDA released two proposed rules intended to help implement the Food Safety Modernization Act, which Congress passed in 2010. Public comment on the proposals will be accepted during the next 120 days. The first proposed rule would require food makers to develop formal plans for preventing foodborne illness and to have plans for correcting any problems. The rule would apply to food to be sold in the U.S. whether produced at a foreign or domestic facility. The FDA proposed that

manufacturers be in compliance with the new rules one year after they become final, but said small and very small businesses would be given additional time. The second proposed rule includes what the FDA called enforceable safety standards for production and harvesting of produce on farms using science- and risk-based standards. The rule sets standards for what the FDA described as “identified routes of microbial contamination of produce,” including agricultural water; biological soil amendments of animal origin; health and hygiene; animals in the growing area; and equipment, tools and buildings. Larger farms would need to be in compliance with most of the produce safety requirements 26 months after the rule becomes final. Small and very small farms would have additional time to comply—and all farms would have additional time to comply with certain requirements related to water quality, FDA said. In California, producers of leafy greens, tomatoes and cantaloupes have all implemented programs that require government inspectors to audit farms and packing facilities to ensure compliance with food-safety practices. The president and CEO of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Scott Horsfall, said California leafy-greens producers “are accustomed to operating under a system where food is produced with mandatory government oversight to provide a safe product for consumers.” He said he is confident programs such as the leafy-greens agreement “can provide a mechanism to immediately implement this law.”

A spokesman for the United Fresh Produce Association, Ray Gilmer, said his organization will analyze the proposed rules to make sure they follow principles that produce-business groups supported throughout development of the Food Safety Modernization Act. He said rules should be commodity-specific, based on the best available science, risk-based, consistent no matter where produce is grown or packaged, and flexible “to allow for advances in science and production technology.” The proposed rules would not apply to produce used for personal or on-farm consumption or commercial processing that adequately reduces the presence of microorganisms, and it would not cover farms with $25,000 or less in sales during a three-year period. “We know one-size-fits-all rules won’t work,” FDA Deputy Commissioner Michael Taylor said. “We’ve worked to develop proposed regulations that can be both effective and practical across today’s diverse food system.” Bryan Silbermann, president and CEO of the Produce

Marketing Association, noted that the two proposed rules released last week are the first of many “that will have implications for every aspect of the global produce supply chain.” FDA said additional rules will be released soon that include new responsibilities for importers to verify that food products grown or processed overseas are as safe as domestically produced food and accreditation standards to strengthen the quality of third-party food safety audits overseas. Improving oversight of imported food is an important goal of the Food Safety Modernization Act, officials said. About 15 percent of the food consumed in the U.S. is imported, with much higher proportions in categories such as produce.The FDA said it will also propose preventive control rules for animal food facilities, similar to the controls proposed for human food. Online information on the proposed rules may be found at www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/default.htm.U

faRmeRs aNaLYze pRopseD RuLes oN fooD safetY

williams pioneer review 01/14/2013

Documents

williams pioneer review

i o n530

williams californiaissn

publication printing

news publication

pioneer reviewp u b

community breifs

beloved publication