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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMisc Correspondence submitted to BOS from Tom Kelly Paradise Roads 7:2:09 712109 7:58 PM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, Calif. July 2,2009 Editor Enterprise Record/Mercury Register Dear Sir: Your Editorial Wednesday "Escape route " shows a complete lack of understanding of the road problems on the Paradise ridge, The Grand Jury has a clear report. Please read it. There has been a total lack of planning for upper ridge growth by the Butte County Planning Department which has resulted in the Town of Paradise Residents incorporating 30 years ago to solve our own problems,. initially addressing the need for an operational onsite waste management system. It is now the largest onsite district in the United states and is functioning well. The ridge has been treated as the orphan stepchild for too long. We are totally impacted by the lack of planning which excludes us in the General plan. A county which can manage to get grants and build major highways to Chico and to Bucks Lake should also have a plan to build some major new roads in our area, Last year the county board of Supervisors was approached several times by Paradise and Magalla residents with petitions for improving the roads on the ridge, completing route 131 extension, a route which have built a 4 lane road around the Magalia dam, highyway 191 extension, improving Garland road/Doe Mill to Powelton and the Skyway and repairing the Whiskey flat bridge and Jordan Hill road. We were rejected. The reason route 171 from Inskip to Butte Meadows was proposed by the County was because Federal funds have been obtained to build it. I have lived in Paradise 40 years and have yet to see any work done on that road except to grade it. It is a shame to waste so much effort on a road that is only used in the summertime and is mostly on private property. Last year that road was on fire for weeks. The breakneck fire closed it above Sterling city and fires on highway 32 prevented exiting Butte Meadows. The only roads which were open on June 12 last year were Jordan Hill road and Garland Road/Doe Mill Powellton. Jordan Hill road was closed shortly thereafter leaving the only road open to the ridge the Garland road crossing. The road was in terrible shape, incredibly rutted and washed out. It resembled a mountain jeep track due to years of neglect. Incredibly hundreds of cars crossed the road that way by people who had gone to work in Chico and surrounding areas and were prevented from getting back into Paradise when all the westbound roads were closed by brushfires. Page 1 of 2 Paradise Roads 7:2:09 712109 7:58 PM This tiny little road is incredibly important to the Ridge because it is located in a spot which has never been on fire and presents a 7.2 mile crossing from major highway to major highway .It has always been considered the fire road since it was built as part of the Ponderosa highway in 1933. Most of the properties along this road are private properties except for a section of Bureau of Land Management properties at Butte Creek. The bridge is on BLM property. Lastyear a major amount of work was done on this road by a little known organization called the Butte County Resource Conservation district. This group sought grants to improve the Butte Creek watershed and improve the road with the help of BLM engineers and hired private contractors to install major culverts, place road base and grade the road on the north side of the bridge, They had planned to complete grading the south side (Paradise side)this spring but State of California and Federal Grants were suddenly cut off and the work has to stop. The last section needing work is just over one mile long. The County has recently graded the 171 route from Inskip to Butte Meadows and the road is now open to all vehicles. It is a graded dirt road in good shape for travel by any vehicle at 15 to 20 mph. It would not likely be used to evacuate people during a fire because it would be a 62 mile route from Paradise to Chico without any services on route and only a one pump gas station at Butte Meadows Everyone on the ridge knows that the Skyway is the major route out There has been a lot of work done on the roads and bridges on the Paradise ridge by private groups, The Town of Paradise, The PGE, Sierra Pacific Industries and even Butte County. ( Rt 171 ) We ridge citizens are not a bunch of ignorant hillbillies to be treated as stepchildren but request representation as a major part of Butte County's population. Our police and fire departments, the Sheriff and the volunteer groups have done a lot of work and made major planning changes to prepare for this fire season. ( Thanks and keep up the good work.) There are 32,000 people in Paradise, 18,000 + in Magalia 300 in Sterling City and a number of people in between. There are a significant number of people living in Butte Creek Canyon A as well. This area approaches on quarter of Butte county's population. We pay taxes but are getting shortchanged in the County General plan. We need two new bridges to replace the 73 year old bridges at Whiskey flat and Butte creek and need the 134'extension built around the Magalia dam. We need a new all weather road 7.2 miles from the Skyway to Garland road above Forest Ranch. A new major road in the area will relieve traffic congestion in Paradise and solve a number of other problems as well. We need our fire protection „ not cancellation of funding for Station 33 in Magalia , .and major brush and grass removal in Chico from the Humboldt road to the Skyway and into Butte Creek Canyon each year. We deserve a new General plan which includes these elements. Tom Kelly Paradise Page 2 of 2 Herger 2 3:10:10 4110110 9:12 AM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, California 95969 4114110 Congressman Wally Herger U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I am requesting that you as my representative help in providing Government aid for Butte County California. There is a blanket list of things which are needed to protect this County from another massive forest fire. Two bridges need to be replaced immediately. Both of these bridges were built by the CCC in 1936 as part of the Ponderosa way National highway for Forest Fire Prevention. They are 74 years old and though structurally sound need various repairs. Both bridges are on Federal property and are under the Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction. The Whiskey flat bridge on the Feather River above Paradise provided fire access to a large area of this county. Calfire has issued orders that their fire engines may not use this bridge. This cuts off access to a massive area which is in the critical risk area. The bridge on Butte Creek near the Forks of Butte provided fire access to the upper ridge for 74 years. The BLM has derated it to 3 tons load limit. Calfire has issued orders to not use this bridge as well. During the 2008 fires, the only access to Paradise and Magalia was across these bridges during the week of June 11. I have been working to improve the roads to each of the bridges and have supported the work done especially by the Butte county RCD who deserve a great deal of thanks for their work in rebuilding a large section of Garland/Doe Mill road . There is only 1.2 miles of roadway which need to be rebuilt but they have run out of grant money. Pleas find a way to support them. The second item is to help in securing a better communications system for this county. Than you for the work you have already done. Mrs . Weedy Hazard at Butte County Office of Communications has requested a Federal Grant. Please follow up on this. The las item. This is in regard to the needs of the Red Cross. The Red Cross has a massive job in Northern California. The Three Rivers Chapter in Yuba City manages the whole north state. There are only a small number of members in this area and our Directors have launched recruiting and training programs and have trained a number of volunteers. There is a massive need for a better means of communications which can link the Red Cross, County Offices of Emergency Services and city and town Offices of Emergency services with the f=ederal Government. I dont know exactly what is needed but do know that it has been 2 years since the massive fires in this area and no changes or improvements have been made in Page 1 of 2 Herger 4:10: 10 4110110 8:38 AM Page 2 of 2 665 Brookhaven Paradise,California August 12,2009 Representative Wally Herger U.S.Congress Dear sir" Thank you for representing this district and standing up in Congress and speaking out against the idiotic health plan proposal. You are doing your job, Keep up the good work. I need your help. You were instrumental In getting funding for Forest Highway 171 Inskip to Butte Meadows. Thanks for this road. The road unfortunately even If paved will provide little measure of fire protection for the Paradise ridge and 1/4 of the population of Butte County who live on the ridge. We need major roads built NOW. There is only one road which Is adequate(cf. Butte County Grand Jury Report July 6 The Skyway is the only road which can provide an adequate escape route. The Skyway crossed Magalia Dam. It is a two lane county road, It is ALWAYS blocked in emergencies. The solution is to build route 131 Bader mine road around the dam. The engineering was done in 1991 the proposal was finished in 1995 and promptly buried. A 4 lane road to Magalla would have cost 995,000 in 1995. This figure will be double or even triple but it provides a permanent solution to upper ridge firefighting. Garland, Doe Mill road provides egress to the West.This 7.2 mile road has been a major fire road since 1933 when it was built as part of the Ponderosa highway. 6 miles of the road is graded and in good shape, thanks to the efforts of the Butte County RCD who raised 850000 for work on the road last year. I mile needs to be finished.Their funds were cut off. The road crosses Butte creek on an old GCC bridge.the bridge is 150 ft long 15 ft wide. It has been derated to 3 tons limit.This prevents fire engines from crossing the bridge and lengthens response time, The BILM owns the bridge and is aware of the problem- I have been working on this issue for one year and have been keeping them informed. Steve Anderson at BLM Redding office Is trying to get Federal funds to survey the bridge and fix It. Similarly,Jordan hill road and Whiskey flat bridge provide fire access to the South. The bridge is damaged,the road is in terrible shape. THIS WAS THE MAJOR FIE FIGHTING ROAD LAST YEAR.The BILM owns this bridge also. I!am asking you to obtain,fund's to rebuild both bridges NOW.Also I am asking for funds to grade both roads NOW,Then you can shift your emphasis to funding!route 13and providing two new bridges to replace the old bridges which have served us h so far. These roads are part of the Ponderos highway. The projects are not only shovel ready.. volunteers have been )s working on these roads all year and we are rea y to go. Pleas help. I have detailed engineering plans for these projects Sincerely: Tom Kelly 665 Brookhaven Paradise,California August 12,2009 Representative Wally Herger U.S.Congress Dear sir" Thank you for representing this district and standing up in Congress and speaking out against the Idiotic health plan proposal. You are doing your jab, Keep up the good work. I need your help. You were instrumental in getting funding for Forest Highway 171 Inskip to Butte Meadows. Thanks for this road. The road unfortunately even it paved will provide little measure of fire protection for the Paradise ridge and 1/4 of the population of Butte County who live on the ridge. We need major roads built NOW. There is only one road which is adequate(cf. Butte County Grand Jury Report July 6) The Skyway is the only road which can provide an adequate escape route. The Skyway crossed Magalla Dam. It is a two lane county road, It is ALWAYS blocked in emergencies. The solution is to build route 131 Bader mine road around the dam. The engineering was done in 1991 the proposal was finished In 1995 and promptly buried. A 4 lane road to Magalla would have cast 995,000 in 1995. This figure will be double or even triple but it provides a permanent solution to upper ridge firefighting. Garland,Doe Mill road provides egress to the West.This 7.2 mile road has been a major fire road since 1933 when it was built as part of the Ponderosa highway. 6 miles of the road is graded and in good shape, thanks to the efforts of the Butte County RCD who raised 850000 for work on the road last year. I mile needs to be finished.Their funds were out off. The road crosses Butte creek on an old CCC bridge.the bridge is 150 ft long 15 ft wide. It has been derated to 3 tons Iimit.This prevents fire engines from crossing the bridge and lengthens response time. The BLM owns the bridge and is aware of the problem.. I have been working on this Issue for one year and have been keeping them informed. Steve Anderson at BLM Redding office is trying to get Federal funds to survey the bridge and fix it. Similarly,Jordan hill road and Whiskey flat bridge provide fire access to the South. The bridge Is damaged.the road is in terrible shape. THIS WAS THE MAJOR FIE FIGHTING ROAD LAST YEAR.The BLM owns this bridge also. I am asking you to obtain funds to rebuild both bridges NOW.Also I am asking for funds to grade both roads NOW.Then you can shift your emphasis to funding route 131 and providing two new bridges to replace the old bridges which have served us so far. These roads are part of the Ponderosa highway. The projects are not only shovel ready.. volunteers have been working on these roads all year and we are ready to ga. Pleas help. I have detailed engineering plans for these projects Sincerely: Tam Kelly 665 Brookhaven Paradise,California August 12,2009 Representative Wally Herger U.S.Congress Dear sir" Thank you for representing this district and standing up in Congress and speaking out against the idiotic health plan proposal. You are doing your job, Keep up the good work. I need your help. You were Instrumental In getting funding for Forest Highway 171 Inskip to Butte Meadows. Thanks for this road. The road unfortunately even if paved will provide little measure of fire protection for the Paradise ridge and 114 of the population of Butte County who live on the ridge. We need major roads built NOW. There is only one road which is adequate(cf. Butte County Grand Jury Report July 6) The Skyway is the only road which can provide an adequate escape route. The Skyway crossed Magalia Dam. It is a two lane county road, It is ALWAYS blocked in emergencies. The solution is to build route 131 Bader mine road around the dam. The engineering was done in 1991 the proposal was finished in 1995 and promptly buried. A 4 lane road to Magalia would have cost 995,000 In 1995. This figure will be double or even triple but It provides a permanent solution to upper ridge firefighting. Garland,Doe Mill road provides egress to the West.This 7.2 mile road has been a major lire road since 1933 when it was built as part of the Ponderosa highway. 6 miles of the road is graded and in good shape, thanks to the efforts of the Butte County RCD who raised 850000 for work on the road last year. I mile needs to be finished.Their funds were cut off. The road crosses Butte creek on an old CCC bridge.the bridge is 150 ft long 15 ft wide. It has been derated to 3 tons Iimit.This prevents fire engines from crossing the bridge and lengthens response time. The BLM owns the bridge and is aware of the problem.. I have been working on this issue for one year and have been keeping them Informed. Steve Anderson at BLM Redding office is trying to get Federal funds to survey the bridge and fix it. Similarly,Jordan hill road and Whiskey flat bridge provide fire access to the South. The bridge is damaged.the road is in terrible shape. THIS WAS THE MAJOR FIE FIGHTING ROAD LAST YEAR.The BLM owns this bridge also. am asking you to obtain funds to rebuild both bridges NOW.Also I am asking for funds to grade both roads NOW.Then you can shift your emphasis to funding route 131 and providing two new bridges to replace the old bridges which have served us so far. These roads are part of the Ponderosa highway. The projects are not only shovel ready.. volunteers have been working on these roads all year and we are ready to go. Pleas help. I have detailed engineering plans for these projects Sincerely: Tom Kelly 665 Brookhaven Paradise,California August 12,2009 Representative Wally Herger U.S.Congress Dear sir" Thank you for representing this district and standing up in Congress and speaking out against the idiotic health plan proposal. You are doing your job, Keep up the good work. I need your help. You were instrumental in getting funding for Forest Highway 171 Insk€p to Butte Meadows. Thanks for this road. The road unfortunately even if paved will provide little measure of fire protection for the Paradise ridge and 1/4 of the population of Butte County who live on the ridge. We need major roads built NOW. There is only one road which is adequate(cf. Butte County Grand Jury Report July 6) The Skyway Is the only road which can provide an adequate escape route. The Skyway crossed Magalia Dam. it is a two lane county road, It is ALWAYS blocked in emergencies. The solution is to build route€31 Bader mine road around the dam. The engineering was done in 1991 na d the proposal was finished in 1995 and promptly buried. A 4 lane road to Magalla would have cost 995,000 in 1995. This figure will be double or even triple but it provides a permanent solution to upper ridge firefighting. Garland,Doe Mill road provides egress to the West.This 7.2 mile road has been a major fire road since 1933 when it was built as part of the Ponderosa highway. 6 miles of the road is graded and in good shape, thanks to the efforts of the Butte County RCD who raised 650000 for work on the road last year. I mile needs to be finished.Their funds were out off. The road crosses Butte creek on an old CCC bridge,the bridge is 150 ft long 15 ft wide, it has been derated to 3 tons Iimit.This prevents fire engines from crossing the bridge and lengthens response time. The BLM owns the bridge and is aware of the problem.. I have been working on this Issue for one year and have been keeping them informed. Steve Anderson at BLM Redding office is trying to get Federal funds to survey the bridge and fix it. Similarly,Jordan hill road and Whiskey flat bridge provide fire access to the South. The bridge Is damaged.the road is in terrible shape. THIS WAS THE MAJOR FIE FIGHTING ROAD LAST YEAR.The BLM owns this bridge also. I am asking you to obtiain funds to rebuild both bridges NOW.Also I am asking for funds to grade both roads NOW.Then you can shift your emphasis to funding rroute 131 and providing two new bridges to replace the old bridges which have served us so far. These roads are part of the Ponderosa highway. The projects are not only shovel ready., volunteers have been working on these roads all year and we are ready to go. Pleas help. have detailed engineering plans for these projects Sincerely: Tom Kelly BARBARA BOXER COMMI rl"EES: ('AI IFORMA CONIMF'RCE-SCIENU, ANDTHANSPOR i'ATiON ENVIRONW"N"I' AND PUBLIC WORKS U- nited �5- tates �6cnatc FOREN"N RELATIONS I IARTSENATE'OFFICE BLAt DING SUITE 112 WASHINGTON,DC20510-0505 (202)224-3553 November 4, 2009 Mr. Tom Kelly 665 Brookhaven Dr. Dear Mr. Kelly: Enclosed please find the correspondence I received from the Federal Communications Commission regarding an inquiry that was made on your behalf I hope that this information is of assistance. Thank you for allowing me to address your concerns. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator BB- cfn 17(10 NIONITGOMMY 151 REFT M?NORTH SPHIN6 51 XH- 501 V"'THHA" 25W)'i Ul ARi'-'STRETT 6007'4:4 STRUIT 201 NORIH T' S]"RP,:T St T1,IT,140 ISUITF 17,18 SLUT 7=600 SUTE 5290 SUITE 2240 SUIT 1210 SAN FRANC`NC'0,CA 9,11110 N S AGC ELES, A 90012 SACRAMl�N'1'0,CA%8 lei FRESNO,CA 93721 SAN DIF- GC O, A 92 10 1 SAN HERNAWC INO, A 92401. 1'i P5�4 03 0 100 2�13)894 50W V-)l6')'1'18-27H7 497 5]09 (619D 239-3881 0909)888-8525 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPE'R "OMMuy�^ fee��,py �a Federal Communications Commission ` Washington, D.C. 20554 OMMIS$�O October 23, 2009 In Reply Refer To: 091425 The Honorable Barbara Boxer United States Senate Attn: Chloe Neilson 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240 San Francisco, CA 94111 Dear Senator Boxer: I am writing in response to a letter dated August 14, 2009, forwarded by your Director of Constituent Services, Mr. Eric Mose Vizcaino, on behalf of your constituent, Mr. Tom Kelly, of Paradise, California. Mr. Kelly states that Concow, Butte County, CA, and the surrounding area are "not equipped with an,emergency broadcast [radio] system to alert residents of a need to evacuate." Mr. Kelly states that during the wildfires of last summer, people in parts of Paradise and Magalia were unable to receive either news of the fire or emergency planning and evacuation information from authorities because the area lacks "an emergency broadcast radio station with enough power to be heard throughout the county." Mr. Kelly requests the Commission to take appropriate action to enable emergency broadcasts throughout the area. I appreciate and share Mr. Kelly's concern regarding the critical role radio broadcasts can serve in providing information and alerting the public in times of emergency, and I have requested my staff to look into the matter. After reviewing the radio coverage in Paradise where Mr. Kelly resides, our analysis indicates that Paradise and the immediately surrounding vicinity currently are se ved by various radio broadcasters. As the enclosed map indicates, Paradise .end. Butte County are within the 21-station Chico, CA radio market. Two FM stations and one AM station are licensed to the community of Paradise. Additional AM and FM radio stations, while licensed to other communities in the Chico market, place a city-grade signal over Paradise and Magalia, and at least one'FM.station is licensed to the community of Magalia. Based on this analysis; neither coverage issues nor the power limits specified in the Commission's rules appear to explain the difficulties experienced by Mr. Kelly and others in receiving radio signals. However, I point out that the specific terrain features in Mr. Kelly's community could be one factor affecting actual coverage. The Honorable Barbara Boxer October 23, 2009 Page 2 Mr. Kelly may be able to improve reception of FM stations by using a rotatable rooftop FM or VHF-TV antenna attached to the antenna terminals of the FM receiver. In the event that he is using an FM dipole antenna (a T-shaped wire antenna), he should orient the antenna to point the ends of the wire along the line between his household and the desired transmitter location. Receivers with enhanced tuning capability also may improve reception of the desired station. In addition, some radio stations stream their programming over the Internet so that persons with Internet access may listen to such programming by using a computer. While residents in Mr. Kelly's community should be able to enjoy AM and FM reception, the Commission's rules currently do not require such stations to provide local emergency information. Nonetheless it is our experience that most broadcasters do in fact provide alerts and other information during emergencies. If this is not the case in his area, Mr. Kelly may wish to contact his local broadcasters. Additionally, Mr. Kelly also might consider contacting the chair of the State of California's Emergency Alert System ("EAS"), Mr. James Gabbert. Some emergency alerts originate as activations of the EAS by State and local emergency authorities. Broadcaster and other media participation in the EAS is governed by Commission rules and procedures that are set out in state EAS plans mandated by the Commission's rules. Mr. Gabbert's contact information is Next Century Enterprise, 123 Second Street, Sausalito, CA 94965 (Phone: (41 5) 331-6020). Besides radio and television broadcast media, a wide variety of other media typically furnish alerts and other emergency information and Mr. Kelly may also wish to look into the availability of these media in his area. The Commission in fact relies on a variety of communications services to assist in disseminating emergency information, including cable television service providers, wireless cable, wireline video, and satellite- based media. The Commission also is working with the wireless industry to develop a Commercial Mobile Alert System which will eventually allow consumers to receive emergency information from their wireless communication (cellphone) provider. I thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, and I welcome any additional questions you may have. ely, J es Arden Barnett, Jr., Rear dmiral (R .) hief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau COMMITTEE ON WALLY REWAYS ,AND MEANS Ear EEismi�E:"r,CAUFr, OVA PV E A L REPLY W: � (1 WASHINGTON OFFICE: I�'� 2"42 C;Ar*.aR40N R�2111 E OH RF BUILDIN,5� RANKING MEMBERMEMBER2,02)2253076 r. � ALfRG ( TRADE 2635 F csr,o Ava Nut-Sm 7 E'100 (u Aura, 4 Q,a3{M)S93E3 R363 3Ci3 Congvog of w iia M)mr;,CA 96002 ` tiuZc of Aepre5elltatiW $5307 223-5698 ¢ g (° w�www.house.goWhe.rr�r;r a ington, 3 515—''("�a 50 September 24, 2009 Tom.Kelly 665 Brookhaven Paradise, CA 95969 Dear Tom: Thank you-for expressing interest in meeting; with Congressman Herger. We are its the process of scheduling his next few visits to the district, and we will be in touch with you when plans are finalized. Due to the number of requests, we appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Currently,the House is in session with votes scheduled most Fridays. There are no scheduled work recesses until Congress adjourns in late October, and there is a strong possibility that Congress will be in session until November or even December. If your circumstances require immediate attention, please feel free to contact our Redding or Chico office to arrange an appointment with our field representatives. They are available to assist you and communicate any federal issues of concern directly to Congressman Her, er. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at the Chico District.Office, (530) 893-8363. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. cerely, f41%.P44L.-O, Fran Peace District Director WALLY HERGER { COMMITTEE ON, r �,� WAYS AND MEANS 2,a)DISI awie.�-,u:;r�.LIr+�Farvau,� � fq�lr = a' mase REPLY v xra ¢ SUBC'O MMI r MES: E:7 vwArlRNeTcrN OFFICE: 242 CAhVgc� hlou"e O i ea a 55111., IN(N ttandic�rw MEMBER w_ HEALTH (202)225-3076 TRADE LJ 2'6,35IFOR SFAvurile.,Sui'r�E100 04w'o,CA 95328 � 95 of the i (5=893-8363, El 410 HIMSTE.D Dim,S"n'rE 115 REUDINU,CA 960,02 0645C of epre S.,ntati 45301223.,-5898 npp Qp'o X 20515-0502 pq50q0diq wvow.hoosp.gov(hof ger March 3, 2009 Tom belly 665 Brookhaven Paradise, CA 96969 Dear Tom; Thank you for your recent letter concerning emergency broadcasting and the difficulties associated with continuous broadcasting service during.the 2008 Butte County fires. My office contacted a local radio station to evaluate the local impacts FCC regulations may have during times of emergency. After some research, and through the cooperation and assistance from one of our local radio stations, we learned that existing laws permit local stations to "use their full daytime facilities during nighttime hours to broadcast emergency information when necessary to the safety of life and property." For further explanation of the regulation, I have enclosed a copy of FCC Section 73.1.250 (f). We have also contacted the FCC for further information that may be of assistance during times of emergency. Due to your initiative, our local stations will now be able to assist our communities even further during times of disaster. Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with this matter. cerel ,. VVAL 1-lERGE12 Member of Congress WH:ff enclosure A! LY HERGER COMMITTEE ON 2w,DISTRIC1,CAHFORNIA !j WAYS AND MEANS PLEASE BVik:k''IV if "� val,1f31"fJCu'1@4tl Y"T@'.P:".i; �_..I WASHINGTON OFFICE: 212 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE ICE BUILDING7 "* RANKING MEMBER. (2172)2253076 '�� �. C HEALTH DISTRICT t7FFVC," 4: TRACE wI 2635 FORES i AvENuE,Suirr 706 Cmco,CA 95928 V5301893-830 Uva A110 FIENIS I EU DHIVE,SU11L'91 5 IlForxrve,CA 96002. o o &. 1 1 (530)22:3--53:33 WVVWl10crS.0.gcV1hf.Iy er '"" a5bington, Cdr 20515-05012 November 10, 2009 Mr. Thomas Kelly 665 Brookhaven Drive Paradise, CA 95969-3812 Dear Mr. belly, Thank you for contacting me regarding the need for forest highway funding. I appreciate your comments on this important issue. .As you know, an unseasonably dry month of June of last year resulted in over a thousand wildfires across Northern California, including the worst fire in recent Butte County history, Cal Fire provided me with a tour of the Humboldt Fire and a comprehensive briefing of the damages incurred by many property owners. Fire is one of the most devastating,of all disasters, but it is heartening to listen to fire victims who vow to rebuild amid the charred landscapes and ashes. For many years, I have supported the escape route from.Paradise through Sterling City, Inskip out to Butte Meadows and Highway 32. 1 believe the construction of this escape route is critically important for ridge residents and I have consistently pursued federal support. Since 2000, 1 have helped secure $13 million in federal funding for the roadway. Most recently I secured an additional $998,450 in the FY 2010 appropriations bill and have requested an additional $5 million in the surface transportation reauthorization bill. The project is broken up into three construction phases over three years. The current funding should carry the project through the first two phases of construction. Under federal law, however,, transportation projects that use federal dollars require matching funding from the state and local governments. State and local funding is critical in securing all the necessary funds to complete the $1.9 million project. 'While construction on the first phase began in September, continued support from all levels of government will be critical to complete the project. The recent fires across our region also serve as a reminder that we need to allow professionals to strategically thin unhealthy dense forest conditions to reduce the threat of wildfires and protect people and communities. In that vein, the Firesafe Councils are to be commended for their efforts on behalf of the local communities. The only way to truly protect our communities is through an aggressive program of strategic forest management that will make our forests more fire resilient. Again,thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Please don't hesitate to contact me in the future regarding this or any other federal issue important to you. In addition, I would like to invite you to visit my website at http://hergerehouse.gov where you can find additional information on my position on a variety of issues and sign up for occasional e-mail updates on the federal issues important to you. Sincerely, WALLY 1��C HERG�ER 1_1 .. f Member of Congress WH:jr WALLY HERGER, WAYS AND 2No DISTRICT,CALIFORNIA AND MGCANS PLEASE REPLY TO: SUBCOMMITTEES: ❑ WASHINGTON OFFICE: 242 CAIVNQN HOUSE OFFICE BUTMING RANKING MEMBER (202)225-3076 HEALTH TRADE DISTRICT OFFICES: 2635 FOnEST AVENUE,SUITE 100 A95928 (530)893-8363 Congre,o of the Uniteb �tatez [530}8 ❑ 410 HEMSTED DRIVE,SUITE 115 BEDDING,CA 96002 Zkouge of Repm5entatibeg 15301223-5898 www.houso.govlherger a5bington, -3DC 20515-0502 March 3, 2009 Tom Kelly 665 Brookhaven Paradise, CA 96969 Dear Tom: Thank you for your recent letter concerning emergency broadcasting and the difficulties associated with continuous broadcasting service during the 2008 Butte County fires. My office contacted a local radio station to evaluate the local impacts FCC regulations may have during times of emergency. After some research, and through the cooperation and assistance from one of our local radio stations, we learned that existing laws permit local stations to "use their full daytime facilities during nighttime hours to broadcast emergency information when necessary to the safety of life and property." For further explanation of the regulation, I have enclosed a copy of FCC Section 73.1250 (f . We have also contacted the FCC for further information that may be of assistance during times of emergency. Due to your initiative, our local stations will now be able to assist our communities even further during times of disaster. Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with this matter. cerel , WAL HERGER Member of Congress WH:ff enclosure Herger 3:12:9 3118109 8:24 AM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, Calfi. March12,2009 Congressman Wally Herger 242 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0502 Dear Wally: Thank you for your letter regarding the emergency broadcasting provisions.. I have passed this information on to the Town of Paradise and to Mr.John Gulserian the OES Director for Butte County. This is the kind of Congressional help we need. If there is any of the pie left to cut try to snatch a piece big enough to build two new bridges in Butte County. The bridges at the Forks of Butte and the Whiskey flat bridge on the Feather river are 73 years old and are not large enough to permit new firefighting equipment to cross. Both bridges are the property of the BLM . I wave photos of both bridges, Whiskey flat bridge is in need of immediate repair. The other bridge on Garland road is in pretty good shape but really needs to be checked by structural engineers to determine how much of a load rating, structural integrity,etc. These bridges were built in 1935 and are part of the Ponderosa Way National Forest Highway. The roads have been neglected for years . These roads provided the only access to the upper ridge area during last year's fires and are extremely important. The Butte County Resources Conservation Group has been working on Garland road all last year to improve the watershed, prevent soils erosion and as a side benefit improve the fire access road. I have been working with them for the last six months to do everything possible to complete this road.This group is not only shovel ready but already has picks and shovels in the ground ready to go. They are working with the BLM closely on this project. Please help here. During last years fires this was the only road open to the upper ridge. There was a major study done several years ago Reference: 191 state highway. I will send you details. Keep up the good work. Stand up in Congress again and vote no. That was great. You sure represent my point of view. Sincerely: Tom Kelly Page 1 of 1 Prom the Desk o Representative Wally Herger The Reality of Government-Run Health Care August 11, 2009 Dear Friends, Recently, the House Ways and Means Committee, the committee on which I serve, considered legislation (H.R. 321'0) that would dramatically increase government's rale in health care in.America. The President and Speaker Pelosi are calling for a vote by the full .House as early as September. l am. writing to you because 1 am very concerned about the long term havoc this legislation will wreak on our economy, health care system and nation if it is passed by Congress. Put simply, I believe it is one of the most overreaching and potentially devastating bills that I have sun in my years in Congress. I agree that we need to work together to improve our health care system. Rising health care costs are putting the squeeze on families, businesses, and government alike, while placing quality health coverage out of reach for too many Americans. However, the non-partisan Congressional Budget. Office (CBO) has said that the bill being considered by the House will do little to bring costs under control, and instead would add hundreds of billions of dollars to our already unsustainable federal deficit despite implementing massive tax increases. The Director of the non-partisan CBO has estimated that H.R. 3200 would increase the deficit b $239 billion over the next 10 years. Central to the House bill, and one of my greatest concerns, is the creation of a "public option," or more accurately, a new government-grin insurance plan— a first step toward a single-payer system life those in. Canada and Britain. According to an independent study by the ]Lewin Group, nearly 84 million people who currently have employer-sponsored coverage will find themselves under this new goverment-run plan because private insurers will find it impossible to compete with the federal government and will exit the marketplace entirely, and many employers who currently offer coverage will simply drop it. Experience shows that under single-payer systems, appointed bureaucrats have unacceptable power and control in medical decisions — decisions that should be made solely by patients and their doctors. For example, in Great Britain, an unelected board has been known to deny coverage for potentially life- saving cancer treatments that are determined to be too expensive. l offered an amendment at Ways and Means to specifically prohibit the denial of treatments on the basis of cost, but it was defeated. This mailing was prepared published and inailed at trrxpa.Yer tnpense, Continued.. President Obama has promised that health care reform legislation would keep medical decisions in the hands of physicians and patients. If so, why would there be opposition to my amendment to protect Americans from rationed care decisions? In order to cover some of the massive costs of the bill, H.R. 3200 would institute one of the largest tax increases in American history, one that would hit small businesses hardest. Virtually every business would have to provide government approved health coverage for their employees—those who do not would face a new 8% payroll tax. Finer; everyone would be required to obtain government- approved coverage or pay a new tax, one #hat wouldextend even to";,' ammlies making less than $20,000 per year. In the end, this legislation will end up costing 4.7 millionjoW;and includes $828 billion in tax increases. Worse yet, those tdx increases Won even pay£or the erihre bill and more debt will be irresponsibly heaped upon our children and grandchildren. There is a better way. I am supportreform plan that harnesses>the power of free markets to lower costs and expand access to affordable health care—without pq ing government in charge. First, it institutes reforms to rein in frivolous malpractice lawsuits that, by some estimates, are resulting in billions each year in added costs to physicians rand patients One independent estimate finds that defensive medicine costs our health care sstem 12.4bllion 12er year. Our plan would help extend coverage to millions of uninsured Americans at virtually no cost to the federal government throu h commonsense reforms such as allowing young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance until they turn 25; striking down barriers that prevent small businesses from accessing affordable coverage; and encouraging employers to automatically enroll employees in their health plans. It would also fix the inequalities within our tax code that offer deductions on health insurance to larger businesses but not to individuals who don't get health insurance from their job. In addition, I support allowing individuals to buy insurance plans offered in other states that better suit their needs. Americans want real health care reform--- a plan that lowers their costs and lets them keep their current coverage if they like it. I believe the current reform legislation will provide no savings for taxpayers, while running the deficit even higher over the next decade and be and and most im ortantl lace even more power in the hands of government—to the detriment of our freedom as Americans. Please don't hesitate to contact me or visit my website, www.house.gov/herger, to share your thoughts on this critically important issue. Sincerely, ally Herger Member of Congress §73.1226 47 CFR Ch. 1 (10-1-07 Edition) accordance with §73.154 and made pur- promptly certifies in writing to the suant to the following requirements: FCC that removal of the logs or records (i) Section 73.68, Sampling systems will hinder law enforcement activities for antenna monitors. of the agency, stating insofar as fea- (ii) Section 73.69,Antenna monitors. sible the basis for his decision and the (iii) Section 73.61, AM direction an- date when it can reasonably be ex- tenna field strength measurements. pected that such records will be re- [43 FR 45846,Oct.4, 1978;43 FR 50683,Oct. 31, leased to the FCC. I978,as amended at 51 FR 41629,Nov. 18, 1986; (c) The following contracts, agree- 51 FR 44478,Dec. 10, 1986;57 FR 48333,Oct.23, ments, or understandings, which need 19921 not be filed with the FCC (per§73.3613, §73.1226 Availability to FCC of station Filing of contracts), must be kept at logs and records. the station and made available for in- The following shall be made available spection by any authorized representa- to any authorized representative of the tive of the FCC upon request: FCC upon request: (1) Contracts relating to the sale of (a) Station records and logs shall be broadcast time to "time brokers" for made available for inspection or dupli- resale. cation at the request of the FCC or its (2) FM subchannel leasing agree- representative. Such logs or records ments for subsidiary communications. may be removed from the licensee's (3) Time sales contracts with the possession by an FCC representative same sponsor for 4 or more hours per or,upon request,shall be mailed by the day, except where the length of the licensee to the FCC by either reg- events (such as athletic contests, musi- istered mail, return receipt requested, cal programs, and special events) or certified mail, return receipt re- broadcast pursuant to the contract is quested. The return receipt shall be re- not under control of the station. tained by the licensee as part of the (4) Contracts with chief operators or station records until such records or other engineering personnel. logs are returned to the licensee. A re- ceipt shall be furnished when the logs [43 FR 45847.Oct. 4, 1978;43 FR 50683,Oct.31, or records are removed from the licens- 1978,as amended at 45 FR 41151,June 18.1980; ee's possession by an FCC representa- 48 FR 28457,June 22. 1983] tive and this receipt shall be retained §73.1230 Posting of station license. by the licensee as part of the station records until such records or logs are (a) The station license and any other returned to the licensee.When the FCC instrument of station authorization has no further need for such records or shall be posted in a conspicuous place logs, they shall be returned to the li- and in such a manner that all terms censee.The provisions of this rule shall are visible at the place the licensee apply solely to those station logs and considers to be the principal control records which are required to be main- point of the transmitter, tained by the provisions of this chap- (b) Posting of the station license and ter• any other instruments of authorization (1) Logs and records stored on micro- shall be done by affixing them to the film, microfiche or other data-storage wall at thee posting location, or by en- systems are subject to the require- closing them in a binder or folder ments pertaining thereto found in which is retained at the posting loca- §73.1840(b). tion so that the documents will be (b) Where records or logs are main- readily available and easily accessible. tamed as the official records of a rec- ognized law enforcement agency and [60 FR 55480,Nov.1,1995] the removal of the records from the possession of the law enforcement §73.1250 Broadcasting emergency in- -� 6enc agency will hinder its law enforcement formation. activities, such records will not be re- (a) Emergency situations in which moved pursuant to this section if the the broadcasting of information is con- chief of the law enforcement agency sidered as furthering the safety of life 280 Federal Communications Commission §73.1250 and property include, but are not lim- a detailed showing, under the ited to the following: 'Tornadoes, hurri- provisisons of that paragraph, that no canes, floods, tidal waves, earthquakes, other broadcast service existed or was icing conditions, heavy snows, wide- adequate. spread fires, discharge of toxic gasses, (f) AM stations may, without further widspread power failures, industrial ex- FCC authority, use their full daytime plosions, civil disorders and school facilities during nighttime hours to closing and changes in school bus broadcast emergency information (ex- schedules resulting from such condi- amples listed in paragraph (a) of this tions. See also§73.3542, Application for section), when necessary to the safety Emergency Authorization, for require- of life and property, in dangerous con- ments involving emergency situations ditions of a general nature and when not covered by this section for which adequate advance warning cannot be prior operating authority must be re- given with the facilities authorized. quested. Because of skywave interference im- (b) If requested by responsible public pact on other stations assigned to the officials, a station may, at its discre- same channel, such operation may be tion, and without further FCC author- undertaken only if regular, unlimited- ity, transmit emergency point-to-point time service, is non-existent, inad- messages for the purpose of requesting equate from the standpoint of cov- or dispatching aid and assisting in res- erage, or not serving the public need, cue operations. All operation under this paragraph (c) If the Emergency Alert System must be conducted on a noncommercial (EAS) is activated for a national emer- basis. Recorded music may be used to gency while a Local Area or State the extent necessary to provide pro- emergency operation is in progress, the gram continuity. national level EAS operation must (g) Broadcasting of emergency infor- take precedence. If, during the broad- mation shall be confined to the hours, casting of Local Area or State emer- frequencies, powers and modes of oper- gency information, the EAS codes or ation specified in the station license, Attention Signal described in §11.12 of except as otherwise provided for AM this chapter are used, the broadcasts stations in paragraph (f) of this sec- are considered as being carried out tion, under a Local Area or State EAS plan. (h) Any emergency information (d) Any emergency operation under- transmitted by a TV or Class A TV sta- taken in accordance with this section tion in accordance with this section may be terminated by the FCC If re- shall be transmitted both aurally and quired in the public interest. visually or only visually, TV and Class (e) Immediately upon cessation of an A TV stations may use any method of emergency during which broadcast fa- visual presentation which results in a cilities were used for the transmission legible message conveying the essen- of point-to-point messages under para- tial emergency information. Methods graph (b) of this section, or when day- which may be used include, but are not time facilities were used during night- necessarily limited to, slides, elec- time hours by an AM station in accord- tronic captioning, manual methods ance with paragraph (f) of this section, (e.g.. hand printing) or mechanical a report In letter form shall be for- printing processes. However, when an warded to the FCC in Washington, DC, emergency operation is being con- setting forth the nature of the emer- ducted under a national, State or Local gency, the dates and hours of the Area Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasting of emergency informa- plan, emergency information shall be tion, and a brief description of the ma- transmitted both aurally and visually terial carried during the emergency. A unless only the EAS codes are trans- certification of compliance with the mitted as specified in §11.51(b) of this noncommercial ization provision of chapter. paragraph (f) of this section must ac- [43 FR 45847,Oct.4,1978,as amended at 50 FR company the report where daytime fa- 30947,July 31, 1985:59 FR 67102, Dec. 28, 1994; cilities are used during nighttime 60 FR$6000,Nov.6, 1995:65 FR 30003,May 10, hours by an AM station, together with 2000] 281 Herger 3:12,9 3118109 8:24 AM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, Calfi. March-12,2009 Congressman Wally Herger 242 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0502 Dear Wally: Thank you for your letter regarding the emergency broadcasting provisions.. I have passed this information on to the Town of Paradise and to Mr.John Gulserian the OES Director for Butte County. This is the kind of Congressional help we need. If there is any of the pie left to out try to snatch a piece big enough to build two new bridges in Butte County. The bridges at the Forks of Butte and the Whiskey flat bridge on the Feather river are 73 years old and are not large enough to permit new firefighting equipment to cross. Both bridges are the property of the BLM . I wave photos of both bridges, Whiskey flat bridge is in need of immediate repair. The other bridge on Garland road is in pretty good shape but really needs to be checked by structural engineers to determine how much of a load rating,structural integrity,etc. These bridges were built in 1935 and are part of the Ponderosa Way National Forest Highway. The roads have been neglected for years . These roads provided the only access to the upper ridge area during last year's fires and are extremely important. The Butte County Resources Conservation Group has been working on Garland road all last year to improve the watershed, prevent soils erosion and as a side benefit improve the fire access road. I have been working with them for the last six months to do everything possible to complete this road.This group is not only shovel ready but already has picks and shovels in the ground ready to go. They are working with the BLM closely on this project. Please help here. During last years fires this was the only road open to the upper ridge. There was a major study done several years ago Reference: 191 state highway. I will send you details. Keep up the good work. Stand up in Congress again and vote no. That was great. You sure represent my point of view. Sincerely: Tom Kelly Page 1 of 1 Merger 3:12:9 3118109 8:24 AM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, Calfi. March12,2009 Congressman Wally Herger 242 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0502 Dear Wally: Thank you for your letter regarding the emergency broadcasting provisions.. I have passed this information on to the Town of Paradise and to Mr.John Gulserian the OES Director for Butte County. This is the kind of Congressional help we need. If there is any of the pie left to out try to snatch a piece big enough to build two new bridges in Butte County. The bridges at the Forks of Butte and the Whiskey flat bridge on the Feather river are 73 years old and are not large enough to permit new firefighting equipment to cross. Both bridges are the property of the BLM . I wave photos of both bridges. Whiskey flat bridge is in need of immediate repair. The other bridge on Garland road is in pretty good shape but really needs to be checked by structural engineers to determine how much of a load rating,structural integrity,etc. These bridges were built in 1935 and are part of the Ponderosa Way National Forest Highway. The roads have been neglected for years . These roads provided the only access to the upper ridge area during last year's fires and are extremely important. The Butte County Resources Conservation Group has been working on Garland road all last year to improve the watershed, prevent soils erosion and as a side benefit improve the fire access road. I have been working with them for the last six months to do everything possible to complete this road.This group is not only shovel ready but already has picks and shovels in the ground ready to go. They are working with the BLM closely on this project. Please help here. During last years fires this was the only road open to the upper ridge. There was a major study done several years ago Reference: 191 state highway. I will send you details. Keep up the good work. Stand up in Congress again and vote no. That was great. You sure represent my point of view. Sincerely: Tom Kelly Page 1 of 1 r The Town of Paradise • t - Invites Applications for Public Safety Dispatcher '��ynorry with tlntlf� The Town of Paradise is situated in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains spanning 18 '/2 square miles. The Town's population is approximately 27,000 with another 20,000 living in the adjacent unincorporated areas. Our elevation ranges from 1700 to 2200 feet. Located about 90 miles north of Sacramento and 7 miles east of Chico; Para- dise is a beautiful community offering a scenic and semi-rural lifestyle surrounded by picturesque canyons, beautiful mountains, streams and tall pines. Paradise is known for its four distinct season climates. The Town's altitude keeps Paradise generally cooler than the valley floor during the summer and above the valley fog in the winter. The winters offer an occasional light and beau- tiful snowfall. Paradise averages 257 sunny days per year. Paradise offers its residents a rare combination of advantages. From great natural beauty and charm, affordable homes, a variety of recreational pursuits, to cultural activities and shopping. Recreational opportunities are plentiful as this beautiful countryside offers outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, golfing and many family friendly activities. For water sport enthusiasts, Lake Oroville recreational area is within minutes of Paradise. Paradise has public, private and charter school systems that provide excellent curriculum for our young residents. For those adults wanting to further their education, Butte Community College and California State University at Chico are within close proximity. The Town of Paradise, Incorporated in 1979, is celebrating 30 years of incorporation. The Town of Paradise is a general law city in Butte County, California and is governed as a Council/Manager form of municipal government. The Town of Paradise is a progressive, full-service municipal government. The Paradise Police Department currently has 58 employees and proudly serves a supportive, diverse community. The Police Department works around the clock to protect lives and property within the Town of Paradise. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships to make our community a better, safer place to live, work and play. Paradise is the second largest city in Butte County and is considered one of the safest communities in the area. '4 AM Paradise Lake, Photo: Glenn Harrington SALARY BENEFITS $2,577.47 to $3,288.13 per month Benefits provided by the Town of Paradise pursuant to the Paradise Police Officers Association MOU for this posi- APPLICATION PROCEDURES tion at the time of appointment will apply. The probation- Interested persons who meet the minimum qualifi- ary period for this position is eighteen months. The fol- cations are invited to submit a completed Town of lowing are current benefits: Paradise Application for Employment in a sealed • PERS retirement plan (2%@55) envelope to the following address: Town of Para- • 9% EPMC paid by Town dise; Human Resources Department, ATN: Public . Retiree Medical Safety Dispatcher Testing, 5555 Skyway, Paradise, . Tuition Reimbursement up to $550/annually CA 95969 Telephone: (530) 872-5920. . Uniform Allowance $682/yr. • Sick Leave 96 hrs/yr. This recruitment is continuous. Faxed applications . Vacation Leave Starting at 80 hrs/yr. + seniority will not be accepted. . Holidays 13 days/yr. • Floating Holidays 8 hrs/yr. SELECTION PROCEDURE PERS Medical Plan Following a review of the applications, candidates . Ameritas Dental Plan who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to . Superior Vision Plan participate in a testing process. Candidates who (Some employee costs apply) pass the test will be invited to participate in an oral . Long/Short-Term 2/3 of base salary board testing process. Disability Plan Life Insurance $100,000 The successful candidate will be required to pass an . Longevity 2.5% @ 10 years extensive background check, consisting of credit 5.0% @ 15 years and fingerprint check; polygraph, psychological test, . Housing Assistance Program for Employees pre-employment physical examination at the Town's expense, and final background review prior to ap- The information contained in this announcement is pointment. general in nature and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Employee benefits may vary with different employee bargaining units. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Modern office methods, equipment and procedures; correct English usage, spelling and punc- tuation; use of computers and various programs. Ability to: Remain calm in emergency situations; handle confidential matters with a high degree of discretion; learn to operate public safety radio and 911 PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) communications equip- ment; operate local public safety Computer Aided Dispatch system and confidential state-wide telecommu- nications systems; read maps quickly and accurately; learn and apply rules and procedures involved in the maintenance of public safety records; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; work coop- eratively with others. Education/Experience: Graduation from high school or equivalent. One year of general clerical experience in- volving public contact desirable, preferably in a law enforcement or fire department setting. Skills: The ability to produce a document at a net rate of 40 words per minute with less than a 5% overall error rate. The Town of Paradise is an Equal Opportunity/Afflrmative Actlon Employer Visit our website for more information at www.townofparadise.com Herger 3:12:9 3112109 8:23 AM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, Calfi. M arch 12,2009 Congressman Wally Herger 242 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-0502 Dear Wally: Thank you for your letter regarding the emergency broadcasting provisions.. I have passed this information on to the Town of Paradise and to Mr.John Gulserian the OES Director for Butte County. This is the kind of Congressional help we need. If there is any of the pie left to cut try to snatch a piece big enough to build two new bridges in Butte County. The bridges at the Forks of Butte and the Whiskey flat bridge on the Feather river are 73 years old and-are not large enough to permit new firefighting equipment to cross. Both bridges are the property of the BLM . I wave photos of both bridges . Whiskey flat bridge is in need of immediate repair. The other bridge on Garland road is in pretty good shape but really needs to be checked by structural engineers to determine how much of a load rating,structural integrity ,etc. These bridges were built in 1935 and are part of the Ponderosa Way National Forest Highway. The roads have been neglected for years . These roads provided the only access to the upper ridge area during last year's fires and are extremely important. The Butte County Resources Conservation Group has been working on Garland road all last year to improve the watershed, prevent soils erosion and as a side benefit improve the fire access road. I have been working with them for the last six months to do everything possible to complete this road.This group is not only shovel ready but already has picks and shovels in the ground ready to go. They are working with the BLM closely on this project. Please help here. During last years fires this was the only road open to the upper ridge. There was a major study done several years ago Reference: 191 state highway. I will send you details. Keep up the good work. Stand up in Congress again and vote no. That was great. You sure represent my point of view. Sincerely: Tom Kelly Page 1 of 1 ti ! '.. 11/12/09 1:06 PM 665 Brookhaven Paradise, Ca. 11/13/09 Mr. Chuck Rough Town manager, Paradise, Calif. Dear Chuck: I have just received a letter regarding our Communications System for the ridge from Senator Barbara Boxer and James Barnett chief of Public Safety and Homeland security. I requested this information some time ago.. I am forwarding you a copy of this letter and a letter from Rep. (Nally Herger which I received earlier, I hope this may be of some help in assessment of this area's communications system. Sincerely: Tom Keller cc: John Gulserian Page 1 of 1