PNP comment: I am sorry. I keep forgetting to post my columns that run weekly in our local Siskiyou Daily News. — Editor Liz Bowen

April 2, 2013

Liz Writes Life

Many of us breathed a small sigh of relief with this recent rain. I am surprised at how warm the temperatures were last week, when March rains tend to bring in the last of the “winter lion” bluster and cold. Folks who planted crops were especially grateful for nature’s irrigation.

I decided not to procrastinate getting my garden roto-tilled, mostly cuz it hadn’t had a good grinding up for several years. The last two springs, I have just used my push plow to dig up rows or resorted to my grubbing hoe. Jarom Hiett came out last week and roto-tilled just before it rained. Boy the soil looks nice.

Yep, it is time to get peas, greens and more lettuce planted. But don’t let these warm temperatures catch you off guard as we still have at least two months, where it could freeze and will sure take out beans, corn, cucumbers and tomato plants.

Wolves

A big “thank you” goes out to Congressman Doug LaMalfa. He joined 72 members of Congress in writing a bipartisan letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urging the agency to delist the gray (Canadian) wolf from the Endangered Species Act. Currently, the USFWS is re-evaluating the ESA listing of the wolf, so now is the perfect time for the letter, which states that wolves are not an endangered species and do not merit federal protections. The letter adds that State governments should manage wolf populations according to its needs.

Gold heist

I was surprised to see that Siskiyou County made the front page of FOX news on the internet on Sunday with an article about the gold heist. And that story was led by an L.A. Times story.

Siskiyou Sheriff Jon Lopey and his detectives have been diligently investigating all leads on the robbery of the gold from the courthouse display last year. To finally release the names of two suspects means evidence must be pretty conclusive. Felony warrants were issued for David Dean Johnson, 49, of El Cerrito and Scott Wayne Bailey, 51, of El Sobrante. This is good news indeed.

Fire Fee

At the Scott Valley Protect Our Water meeting last week, we learned of two more home owners who received a second billing for the Cal-Fire Protection Fee (tax). But, Cal-Fire claims it has not sent out a second billing due to the fact that it received over 87,000 complaints of incorrect billing and or demands for refunds. So it is in the process of going through those 87,000 complaints. Yet, it is the State Board of Equalization that sends out billings, so I wonder if the two state agencies are communicating; or if there is a computer that has decided to send out only a few bills?

Bottom line: If you receive a second bill (which we knew we would receive for the 2012 – 2013 year) call the Cal-Fire Suisun City number and ask to speak to a supervisor to make sure it is legit.

Integrity

I commend the Siskiyou Co. Board of Supervisors, who will likely have approved a formal complaint letter to the federal Dept. of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar regarding scientific integrity of Klamath Dam removal at their meeting today. I read the draft letter on the county website and it is hard-hitting with facts.

One paragraph states: Despite the tremendous amount of time and taxpayer money that has been devoted to this process proves the Overview Report and underlying materials are completely overshadowed and tainted by Sec. Salazar’s publicly-announced, predetermined outcome “dam removal will not fail!”

The letter then outlines 14 major issues that have been blatantly ignored and adds: The Overview Report is replete with examples of bias, distortion and circumvention of legal, scientific and scholarly standards.

This letter also cites the fact that the federal agency’s own scientific integrity officer was fired after questioning these bias, distortions and fraudulent science.

Which brings me to Paul R. Houser Ph.D., who was the first scientist to stand up to the Dept. of Interior bureaucracy. He was fired last year for doing his job as the integrity officer questioning Salazar’s biased statements and the agency’s distorted science. Last week a DOI internal panel rendered a decision of not guilty. Yep, this is the fox watching the hen house.

Dr. Houser quickly responded that the panel did not address or respond to all of his complaints and then the panel admitted scientific inaccuracies were “normal practice.” Yes, the charades and lies continue. But, I still say “thank you” to Dr. Houser for standing up to Goliath.

Liz Bowen lives in Callahan and writes biographies, blogs and radio news. Check out Pie N Politics.com and Jefferson News Service.com on the internet for more info. If there is anything in this column you question, please investigate it and find out for yourself.

PNP comment: I am sorry. I keep forgetting to post my columns that run weekly in our local Siskiyou Daily News. — Editor Liz Bowen

March 26, 2013

Liz Writes Life

Published in Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA.

Scott Valley Protect Our Water will meet on Wed. March 27^th at the Catholic Parish Hall in Fort Jones. We share desserts first at 7 p.m. and then will follow with Mark Baird discussing his meeting with Senator Jim Nielsen in Sacramento about the state Water Bond initiative.

Looks like there is some backroom wheeling and dealing going on, but the Water Bond could be detrimental to Siskiyou County if $210 million is included for Klamath dam removal. So far the state has not designated the amount of monies needed to pay for its portion of the cost of dam destruction – and we would like to keep it that way.

When someone disagrees?

False piety is all the rage. How dare someone have a different point of view? And express it! Better shut them up and quick.

Up in Oregon, at Benson High School, a teacher has been placed on leave, because he is outspoken against Planned Parenthood and abortion. One would think that under the Bill of Rights, a school teacher should able to express many points of view. Heaven knows, teachers are caught many times spouting the liberal-progressive stance; and I do not recall those teachers being muffled or expelled for their views.

Oh, to make things even more unbalanced, Planned Parenthood it a partner to the school district where the controversial school teacher works. Now that brings in another question about “ethics.”

Yes, hypocrisy is reigning supreme. But, for those of us who still believe the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are the law of the land, we will speak up with our views and, if given the chance, can even prove our statements are truth and fact. I applaud this school teacher, Bill Diss, for not caving. In a tolerant society, which we are touted to be, Diss has a right to his opinion, just like the pro-abortionists have a right to theirs.

I, too, will continue to share the truths that I know — along with facts. And I allow that those with differing opinions will to try to silence or mock.

Mark Baird

Speaking of distorting facts, the CA. Dept. of Fish and Game (Wildlife) was put on notice last week, when Mark Baird, the president-elect of Scott Valley Protect our Water, wrote Regional 1 Manager Neil Manji. Baird explained how the agency’s newest project is wasting $200,000 of California taxpayers’ monies; and contracted with a company under false pretenses. You see, Baird explained that under the Public Resources Codes 10000 to 10005, no further water rights are possible in a watershed where the water is fully adjudicated. Both the Scott and Shasta River watersheds are adjudicated.

“Use of public money to perpetrate a fraud is poor judgment on your part, as well as a misuse of public funds. This may possibly be a crime,” states Baird.

Next Baird calls out Manji and the department for continually claiming salmon numbers are declining; and that they are declining, because of agriculture.

Funny, but we can prove by DFG’s own statistics that the salmon numbers have increased significantly, including the coho. And recent news articles are proving that state and federal agencies are expecting another great year for returning salmon. And agriculture is co-habitating with salmon like it has historically.

But the lies just keep coming.

Bottom line: Baird said that POW supporters will not cooperate with poorly and fraudulently conducted instream flow studies.

Mark Baird’s letter can be read at Pie N Politics.com. Type Baird’s name in the search box and it should come up.

Fire Tax

Only one person that I know of has received a second bill for the Cal-Fire Protection Fee (tax). The first bill last fall was for the year 2011, I believe. This next one that rural home owners will receive is for 2012; and, yes, there will be another bill this fall for 2013.

Right now, I have am trying to learn if we need to file for a refund, called the Petition for Redetermination, again or if the paperwork we sent in with the first paid-in-protest-bill is sufficient. I don’t trust the State of California, so would lean towards re-doing all that paperwork.

I did learn that a surprisingly high number of California property owners opted not to pay the $150 tax. More than 850,000 bills went out from the State Board of Equalization with an expectation of bringing in over $84 million. Less than half the property owners have paid, which brought in only about $41 million.

Also, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assoc. announced it is moving forward with its lawsuit against the State to have the fire tax declared illegal in court and refunds issued to residents. Last week, it performed in-person service on Cal Fire, the board of Equalization and Dept. of Justice. But the wheels of justice do move slowly.

Liz Bowen lives in Callahan. She writes biographies, radio news and blogs. Check out Pie N Politics.com and Jefferson News Service.com.

Sept. 11, 2012

Published in Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA.

Like most grown-up folks, I remember exactly what I was doing when I heard about the September 11^th attacks on New York and the Pentagon back in 2001. Must say I am pleased the bickering and politicking finally gave way and a memorial and museum have been built at Ground Zero in New York and a memorial at the Pentagon. What a shock it was for Americans that day, as we have rarely been attacked on our Main land.

There are a variety of stories of family or friends affected by the 9-11 attacks, but our local hero is Ralph Geidel, who has been living in Seiad Valley since 1995. He had been a New York firefighter, like his brothers and father. Yes, one of his brothers, Gary Geidel, was a first-responder with Rescue Co. 1 into the World Trade Center. He did not survive. Ralph was allowed to participate in the excavating and search beginning Sept. 14, 2001 and worked at Ground Zero for over 230 days earning the nickname of “The Crow.” Ralph had an unusual ability to locate human remains in the huge piles of broken steel and cement.

It was a few years later, when Ralph called me concerned 9-11 Memorial Services were not scheduled in Siskiyou County. It was a Saturday. School was out. The courthouse was closed. So Ralph, his wife Barbara, and a friend decided to hold their own memorial at the courthouse in Yreka. I attended to take photos and write an article for the “Pioneer Press” newspaper. I also attended, because I believe memorial services are important for healing. A passerby stopped and watched as Ralph hoisted a flag up the pole at the courthouse. The photo and article made front page.

Today, I pay tribute to Ralph Geidel and the thousands of 9-11 searchers for their tenacity and dedication. Ralph never found his brother. But he did find pieces of many others, who had died, giving a semblance of closure for families. Terror attacks and war are horrible, yet this is now a part of our history. May we never forget 9-11 — or our soldiers’ valiance in any other wars. May we teach our children the importance of standing for freedom. Whether in a large crowd or home alone, may we each hold a memorial and say a prayer honoring courageous Americans — both the dead and the living.

Sheriffs’ Event

Our Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey will participate in the 7^th Support Rural America Sheriffs Event to be held in 2012. This one is in Oregon as Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson will host it at the county fairgrounds in Grants Pass on Sat. Sept. 22^nd. Time is 1 p.m. It is free.

So far, four other sheriffs will speak on issues critical to their counties, including: Trinity Sheriff Bruce Haney, Del Norte Sheriff Dean Wilson, Modoc Sheriff Mike Poindexter and Oregon’s Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer.

This will be the last Support Rural America Sheriffs’ Event this year. We expect to hold more next year. And a new organization is kicking-off at this Sept. 22 Event called National Constitutional Sheriffs Association. The organizers are planning a conference in Reno, in October, to address the drastic over-crowded forest problems. This is a second national sheriffs association addressing the Constitution. Retired Arizona Sheriff, Richard Mack, held a convention last January in Las Vegas with over 100 sheriffs from across the nation attending, including Sheriff Lopey, who on the board of Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association.

Public Lands Council

Scott Valley’s Theo Dowling works for the Public Lands Council in Washington D.C., whose membership consists of state and national cattle, sheep and grasslands associations. Theo spoke at the Grazing Meeting held in Fort Jones last month and writes a monthly newsletter as the legislative analyst for PLC. There are significant items in the recent newsletter I want to share. I am trying to figure out how to put pdf documents on the Pie N Politics.com blog, but haven’t gotten very good at solving technical problems. So I will put the most important issues up on Pie N Politics.com. You can also email or phone me and I will get a copy to you.

Jefferson News Service

Which reminds me. I’ve started a new blog called: Jefferson News Service.com. Besides, writing “Liz Writes Life” and commenting on many articles I post on Pie N Politics, I also write radio articles called “News in Jefferson Country.” So it just seemed time to put them together in one place. And I will also try to keep up with the lighter Liz Bowen.com. So please check out the mostly short articles on Jefferson News Service.com.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, blogs and news. Contact her at LIZBOWEN @SISQTEL.NET or 530-467-3515. She lives in Callahan, CA.

August  21, 2012

Published Siskiyou Daily News Yreka, CA

An important informative meeting about controversial cattle grazing on our public lands will be held this Wed. night, Aug. 22 at the Catholic Parish Hall in Fort Jones. Time is 7 p.m. This is a pro-active response to Felice Pace’s meeting to “train” monitors of cattle grazing two weeks ago. Seven local groups support this meeting, which will provide the facts and results of water quality programs.

Last year, after complaints by Pace, scientific studies were held in conjunction with a State agency over water quality and the results showed cattle were not contaminating any streams with e coli. Good news for resource users. Bad news for elitist Greenies.

A panel of specialists are lined up for this meeting and it will start with Theo Dowling, who works for the National Cattlemen’s Assoc. Public Lands Council. She is home from Washington D.C. visiting her parents, Bern and Bev Dowling in Scott Valley, and said she has up-to-date information to share.

Also speaking will be Carolyn Pimentel, a local grazer on the Klamath National Forest, who obtains a Permit to graze her cattle in a specific area. She has also been involved in the water quality studies and monitoring.

Stephanie McMorris, from the U.S. Forest Service, is the local Rangeland Specialist, who will explain scientific studies and the Permit process.

Roy Hall Jr. is Chairman of the Shasta Nation providing historical knowledge and the dire need to reduce fuel loading of grass, brush and trees. The forest is deathly over-crowded with trees and forage.

John W. Menke, Ph.D. is also a rangeland specialist, who will address scientific facts. There will be a question and answer period. The public is invited and the meeting is free. Donations will be appreciated to help pay building rental. Cookies and coffee will be available.

The groups supporting this Grazing Meeting are: Siskiyou County Cattlemen, Siskiyou Farm Bureau, Siskiyou Pomona Grange, Scott Valley Protect Our Water, Siskiyou Co. Water Users Assoc., Shasta Nation and Siskiyou Co. CattleWomen.

Sheriffs’ Event

It was hot on Saturday in Ukiah, but the building at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds had air conditioning as five sheriffs once again shared critical issues in a Town Hall meeting. This was the sixth Support Rural America.com event held for sheriffs who are standing on the Constitution as the law of the land. Mendocino Sheriff Tom Allman served as host. Our Siskiyou Sheriff Jon Lopey attended as did Tehama’s Dave Hencratt and Del Norte’s Dean Wilson.

Oregon Josephine Co. Sheriff Gil Gilbertson was able to attend and told the group that 70 percent of his department has been cut. He will be holding the next event on Sept. 22 in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Garden

Guess what?  This is one of those crazy years, when you don’t know why plants are not producing. My first producing zucchini plant wouldn’t grow a zucchini longer than 5 inches and the end would rot.  I cut it out and the next two are doing better and just starting to grow an over-abundance. Dayna Crow told me that her squash have tough skins and wondered why. I don’t know.

My tomato plants hardly have blossoms and I can only find one green small tomato. Even the cherry tomatoes are not producing. I have heard from other folks that their tomatoes are not doing fabulous this year either, but at least most have said they have tomatoes.

Green beans are just starting to produce. I cooked a huge batch with onion and bacon. Boy were they good.

Cantaloupes are behind, but have tennis ball size and should ripen before it frosts.

There is only one large watermelon set on and several small ones that may not get ripe in time.

Cucumbers are in good deep soil and get plenty of water, but wilt in the afternoon (when they are getting irrigated by the soaker hose) and half of the cucs have been bitter. A friend said that her cucs have been bitter this year too.

Because of the predicted hot temps last week, I harvested six cabbages. Four were good and pretty solid. But two did not even produce a head. I left one cabbage to grow a bit more. So I cleaned off the outside leaves and narrowly sliced the four cabbages to make sauerkraut. It is in the crock, but is not a large batch this year. My friend Sophie McBroom said she wants to try some, so I will share.

Speaking of Sophie and Clint McBroom, they gave me a large batch of apricots from their tree that produced really well this year. I made two batches of apricot-pineapple marmalade. Sliced up lemons in it and boy is it good. Thanks McBrooms.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, blogs, radio news and freelances. Check out her blogs at: Pie N Politics.com and Liz Bowen.com

Aug. 14, 2012

Published in Siskiyou Daily News in Yreka, CA

Guess what? I am Felice Pace’s #1! According to the hand-signal he showed me last Saturday morning. I have it on video. You see, Felice sent out an announcement that he was holding a “Volunteer Grazing Monitor Training” sponsored by his “Project to Reform Grazing Practices on the Klamath National Forest.”

Some of us who learned of the meeting decided to show up and see what Felice had up his sleeve. He set the time for 8 a.m. at Wildwoods Crossing in Etna. There were 10 of us who arrived from the cattle rancher’s side and there may have been 2 or 3 women to hear what Felice had to say; and a man who told us he had drank too much the night before at the bar. He was still pretty woozy.

Felice Pace, founder and director of Klamath Forest Alliance

We all gathered in the back room at Wildwoods, then Felice told us he had a bum knee and had canceled the meeting. Hum. Mark Baird asked him what gave him the authority to teach about grazing practices? Felice responded that Mark would just have to “stay curious.”

Carolyn Pimentel and her daughter, Jaclyn, also attended. Carolyn said she was there as a “grazer” and followed-up with more questions to Felice, who did not provide answers. She asked him why he didn’t bring up these additional monitoring concerns at the USFS grazing stakeholders committee meetings that were held this year. Felice participated in those meetings.

Felice made an interesting statement, when he said he should be invited to speak at one of our meetings. I think he meant a Scott Valley Protect Our Water meeting. Although President Tom Pease and two vice-presidents were there, none of us took Felice up on his offer. We believe no one in our group would attend a meeting where Felice could spew his continued bias.

Oh, I was video-recording Felice when Carolyn was asking questions. He said he didn’t like being filmed and then gave me the #1 hand-signal – you know — the bird.

I believe Felice was holding a meeting as part of the criteria for obtaining a grant, which is how he is continuing to make his living. According to the Klamath Forest Alliance information on-line, Felice’s total revenue in 2008 was $166,050. It was a little odd that his total expenses were $200,370. In even more mystery, KFA was involved with “Boy and Girl Scout” activities and his environmental quality and protection mission includes “beautification.”

Also as part Felice’s “reform” on grazing practices, he is hoping to hire several young people to stand at the trailheads and ask hikers if they like cattle or not, using a questionnaire. Not too difficult to figure out what their answers will be.

For those who would like to read the entire announcement by Felice of his grazing monitoring training, the document will be handed out at the next Scott Valley POW meeting or go to Pie N Politics.com. On the right-hand side, in red, is a long list of categories. Click on “Greenies & Grants” or just put Felice’s name in the search. It is worth checking out his connection with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

POW meeting

We will hold a Scott Valley Protect Our Water meeting on Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Catholic Parish Hall in Fort Jones. It is located on the corner of Main St. and Carlock. Time is 7 p.m. for Pie N Politics, which is sharing of desserts. We will begin the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

BILLS

Assembly and Senate bills are up for approval as the State Legislature is back in session. There are several that we should be calling for a “No” vote. One is AB 2179 that will give CA. Dept. of Fish and Game huge authority to circumvent our local sheriff, D.A. and Superior Court by acting as its own judge and jury with fines up to $10,000. We believe this is a direct threat to irrigators, who DFG says must get a “permit” to use their water. Honestly, the water is part of the owner’s property and can be proven on the land deed, so additional permits are not constitutional and create another “tax.”

Fair flowers

I won several blue ribbons with the dill and parsley at the fair; and in the flower classes. There were even a few classes, where mine wasn’t the only entry! I was surprised the purple zinnia won a Best of Show and with that big pink rosette ribbon came a $25 check. Wow. I need to make a list of what is blooming right now, so I can remember what to enter next year.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, free lances, and writes news for radio. Check out her blogs: Pie N Politics.com and Liz Bowen.com

Aug. 7, 2012

Published in Siskiyou Daily News

Yreka, CA.

Several important meetings were held last week on issues critical to landowners. There was an over-flowing audience for the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s staff meeting on the Scott River TMDL. The TMDL has been established through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will only allow pollutants up to a certain point in the river. (We have complained the agency doesn’t understand nature will do her own thing!)

TMDL stands for “Total Maximum Daily Loads” referring to the total maximum amount of “pollutants” the agency will allow for the river.

A significant amount of water conservation projects for irrigation, protecting streams and farmland have been done during the past 30 years. There river is so clear of sediment, you can see through it to the bottom. But the agency says the water gets too warm in the summer and we have yet to figure out how to run it through a refrigeration system.

Elaine Dolcini asked why it took over two weeks for a staff person to drive from Santa Rosa up to her ranch, after unfriendly neighbors complained of ammonia in the Oro Fino creek? And water tested by the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation showed the water was pure – no ammonia — but QVIR failed to tell the regional agency. And when Bryan McFadin of the regional agency tested the water, there were no pollutants. Then several folks complained of what looks like harassment by the regional agency.

It is believed the state employees are looking to create fees and fines on landowners to pay their salaries. And government employees continue to be inept.

On those lines, the Siskiyou Resource Conservation District voted to accept a grant of $50,000 from this same regional agency, which wants the RCD to find “willing” ranchers to develop a Ranch Plan. Sounds all soft and fuzzy they way Bryan McFadin explained it during the meeting with over 30 Scott Valley POW supporters there. But McFadin finally spilled the beans when he referred to the Ranch Plan as a “Water Quality” Plan.

POW truly believes if you sign up for this Ranch Water Quality Plan, you will be listing your ranch’s own potential problem sources, which will guide the regional agency right to your door step and will demand compliance with their outrageous un-attainable water quality regulations. Yep, this is another strangling Permit in the making.

Garden

Well I am not sure if many of my flowers are fair-show worthy; and I probably entered more things than I can get together Tuesday morning for judging. I still need to get the dried herbs in half-pint jars and labeled. Did find the blackberry jam I made last fall, so it is labeled and ready.

Back to my flower problem. Apparently, I admire them from afar and on examining them close-up, these flowers are far from perfect. I don’t see any bugs, but nearly all the petals have been chewed on – a lot. The zinnias are coming on and may hold more quality. Unfortunately, the Shasta daisy and purple monarda are about done. And I can’t believe how many petals on the Echinacea are crocked.

The cucumbers are barely past the bloom stage, so there may be five pickling-size cucs. Oops, I forgot to enter pickling cucumbers. But I did enter the white garlic I pulled and dried last month, except I gave the biggest ones away already. Found a huge red potato. Now I need four more the same size. My tomatoes are barely putting on blossoms, so I may be making lots of green tomato relish this year in October!

Talking Waters

Fifty people attended the Talking Waters meeting sponsored by the Siskiyou Water Users Assoc. last Friday night in Yreka. Dr. Richard Gierak addressed the “Truth About Salmon in the Pacific Northwest” and the truth is that there are lots of salmon. Dr. Gierak has done extensive study on salmon numbers and their health in the Klamath River and in the Pacific Ocean, since the listing of the coho salmon to the federal Endangered Species Act back in 1996.

In studying the federal government’s own websites, Dr. Gierak learned that population and amount of salmon caught has increased a healthy percentage – more than double – in the last 50 years. The salmon caught in 1950 was 149,000 metric tons to over 400,000 metric tons caught in 2009. Wow that is incredible.

And yet, there is a constant outcry that the salmon numbers are declining and the blame goes to farmers using their legal irrigation water? Fraudulent science and devious Greenie and government officials have perpetrated these lies that are destroying the culture and livelihood of agriculture. Oh, coho numbers have increased too, which I’ll share next week.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, radio news and freelances. Check out Pie N Politics.com and the new photos on Liz Bowen.com

Published in Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA.

Been working on the timers and soaker hoses in the garden this week. One hose cracked so much that I decided Gorilla glue just wasn’t going to fix it a second time, so I replaced it with a hose I purchased last year. This was on the green beans and I was able to get the new hose in place before they grew too much and the process may have damaged the plants. Whew.

Received information from friends about my zucchini with weepy leaves on the inner stems and stunted four-inch long zucchinis. Kathy sent me to a blog that suggested it may be an insect, but I sure couldn’t find any. Nan said she has had problems with the zucchini rotting from the blossom end. I found one that was rotting and several other zucchini had not grown in a week and were still only four-inches. So I took the plunge and cut it off at the ground. Two more plants are growing on the same hill and about to produce, so will see if they are any better. This is the first time I have a problem with zucchini.

I did get some flowers, herbs and a jam entered into the Siskiyou fair. Now, I must find the very best blossoms at the right time. What pressure!

TMDL meeting

This Thurs. Aug. 2, staff from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board will be at the Fort Jones Community Center to hold a public workshop on proposed changes to the Scott River TMDL Waiver for Waste Discharge requirements. Time is 9:30 a.m. to noon. Scott Valley Protect Our Water claims our irrigation water is not a waste. It is fresh snow-melted water and is purified as it seeps through the ground back into the Scott River aquifer.

Eventually, the state agency will be demanding a permit with huge fees and fines for your “waste discharge.” The Permit to Farm will soon follow.

The best way to deal with this permit is to not sign up. If you admit you need a permit, you will then be treated as a” new” project. As a new project, you will need to meet requirements of the really costly environmental CEQA — California Environmental Quality Act. Cost for all the biological studies is well over $20,000.

This state agency is using fear to trap you into paying fees and fines. Tell them “no way.”

Then Thurs. Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. the Siskiyou Resource Conservation District is holding its monthly meeting. Bryan McFadin from the Regional Water Quality Control Board will be there offering “grant money” to the RCD to help “willing” farmers or ranchers write up a “Ranch Plan.” Yep, you guessed it, this Ranch Plan will be the basis for the “permit” you will then need in order to operate your ranch.

Permits and over-regulations are destroying industry, business and ranching. These over-regulations destroy livelihoods and also destroy the environment.

I see the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation folks took a float on July 2^nd down the Scott River from Horn Lane to Eller Lane. It was beautiful, according to an article in the Siskiyou Daily. Guess what? In August, I bet they will try to float the same reach of the river, only the water flow will be too low.

But, I predict QVIR and other Greenies will then claim it is the “industrialized” farmers and ranchers fault for irrigating their crops. Guess what? There are no industrialized farmers in Scott Valley. All the farmers and ranchers are family-owned small businesses.

And yep, the snow has melted in the mountains resulting in a much reduced flow, if any, in creeks and the Scott River; also making little available water for irrigating. Livestock must be moved from pastures, because the creeks and ditches have dried up. Please, do not get caught up in this crazy scheme. Look at the mountains. The snowpack is gone, because of summer heat.

Elk and wolves

Last week, Butte Valley ranchers met with Sheriff Jon Lopey, staff from Senator Doug LaMalfa’s office and leaders of Scott Valley POW trying to find solutions to their elk problem. Some years ago, CA. Dept. of Fish and Game planted elk in their area and now herds are up to 300 head. The elk are eating the ranchers’ alfalfa fields with no compensation from DFG. Their livelihoods as hay farmers are being destroyed. But the latest fear is that DFG will now decide there is enough prey to introduce Canadian wolves into the area. This weekend a calf was attacked by wolves in Oregon. I will state again that wolf litters increase packs too fast causing devastation to wildlife and livestock. Leave the Canadian wolves in Canada.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, radio and freelances. Check out blogs: Pie N Politics.com and Liz Bowen.com

July 24, 2012

Published in Siskiyou Daily News

There is much on my mind today as President Obama called for a day of prayer and reflection in the wake of the tragedy by the deranged shooter at a theater in Colorado on July 20. Because it is so difficult to understand how someone can conceive and carry-out such a cruel attack, it is easy to become embroiled in the accusation discussion. ABC News and other media have not been objective and do indeed escalate accusations recklessly blaming, of all, things the Tea Party and all gun owners.

We are a nation of individuals. Unfortunately, good and evil are alive and well; and both are expressed by the actions of individuals. We may never know why one person can become an “enemy” from within and terrorize his own people.

Tea Party Patriots.org sent out a statement demanding that the media report responsibly. And although many in what is considered the “liberal” media continue to malign the Tea Party, there is more than 3,400 locally organized chapters encompassing more than 15 million supporters nationwide. The Tea Party has grown because individuals see problems in our society and government; and believe the key to improvement are the simple words “ being responsible.” Entitlement is not productive. Being responsible as individuals; as a society and as a government takes character.

Tea Party supporters and many other like-minded grass roots groups promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets. These are values that provide decency for the individual and to governments at all levels.

Locally, the Siskiyou Daily News has become embroiled in an argument regarding an article written by reporter John Bowman, which repeated the opinions of the Huffington Post and took up several columns on the front page, above the fold. I have received comments from many who took offense to the article as did I. We claim there was a lack of equality. The Huffington Post’s opinions were on the front page. Siskiyou Sheriff Jon Lopey’s responses were relegated to the inside.

On his facebook page, John Bowman bemoaned he was being unfairly attacked. Those writing letters in support of Sheriff Lopey claim that the Sheriff was unfairly attacked.

Yes, opinions are at opposite extremes. Both sides feel misunderstood. No one appreciates being maligned. But many of us love the Constitution and believe, as Sheriff Lopey, it is still the “law of the land.” Huffington Post has a right to its opinion. For equality and decency to be apparent — so do we.

More state tyranny

On July 3, 2012, I wrote Assembly Bill 2179 passed the Assembly and was working its way through the Senate Committees. Many believe this bill will give the CA. Dept of Fish and Game an incredible increase of authority. It will allow the state agency to circumvent the local sheriff, District Attorney and Superior Court. If it passes, DFG will deal with violators “in-house” acting as judge and jury and levying fines up to $10,000.

Pure and simple, the state legislature likely looks at this bill as a way to provide funding for the agency employees. Yep, California is still broke and looking for ways to come up with income.

Possible Toll Roads

So I was not too surprised last week when a leader of the Los Banos Tea Party shared news about the California Transportation Commission and its plans to turn many State Highways into Toll Roads. To obtain the toll charges, a computer-type of program will be used to track every vehicle, its amount of miles and time of day, oh, and the speed of the vehicle for possible ticketing.

The Commission claims these toll roads will raise $295 billion in revenue for the state during the next 10 years. As with AB 2179, this will slam our already-flailing economy, let alone infringe our individual rights.

We must remain vigilant and I give Tea Party Patriots kudos as watchdogs.

POW meeting

This Thursday, July 26, Scott Valley Protect Our Water will hold a meeting at a new place, the Catholic Parish Hall in Fort Jones. Time is 7 p.m. Bring a dessert to share and, yes, there is lots to discuss.

Siskiyou Water Users Assoc. will hold its annual meeting on Friday, July 27 at the Greenhorn Grange in Yreka. Time is 6:30 p.m.

Garden

I have never had a problem with zucchini, but this plant has leaves in the middle acting very weepy, like they are not getting enough water, yet it is. The plant actually had three four-inch long zucchinis that haven’t grown in a week, which is really unusual. Any idea what the problem is? The huge leaves on the outside seem to be fine.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, freelances for radio and blogs. Check out Pie N Politics.com and Liz Bowen.com

July 17, 2012

Published in Siskiyou Daily News

 First off, I want to mention that the deadline for entering flowers, cooking, vegetables, crafts and 100s of items for the Siskiyou Golden Fair is this Friday, July 20. My zinnias are starting to bloom and a zucchini will be ready this week, so I think I will enter a few things this year. Dug the garlic last week and there were some nice big ones. Sure glad I dug them when I did as the longer they stay in the ground the more roots they have growing.

The Scott Valley Bluegrass Festival is this weekend at the City Party in Etna. It starts on Friday night with Jammin’ on Main Street and then at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Not sure of the prices, but you can call 530-467-4144 for info.

Our Old Time Rodeo will be held at the Pleasure Park arena near Etna on July 28. It starts at 4 p.m. with Kids events of Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Riding. A variety of concessions are available.

Garden

Guess what? Lemon balm doesn’t dry well in the oven. I have always let it dry in paper bags, but decided to give it a shot of extra heat of 200 degrees in the oven. Well, it turned the leaves dark. Luckily, there is plenty of lemon balm growing so I’ll just dry another batch — naturally.

Soaker hoses are laid out with timers, but two timers are not working right. The heat is certainly keeping us busy irrigating. The orange day lilies were not gorgeous until the hot weather hit and the purple butterfly bush is starting to bloom. I love its fragrance. Smells like honey.

Oh, the peaches, plums and apples are really growing on the fruit trees. Trying to irrigate them twice a week now that the hot temps of summer have hit.

Sheriffs Event

Nearly 300 people attended the Support Rural America Sheriffs’ Event in Crescent City on Saturday. It was co-sponsored by the Tea Party Patriots and Del Norte County Sheriff Dean Wilson said it was the most attended of their meetings so far.

Our Siskiyou Sheriff Jon Lopey participated and received a bit of ribbing from Sheriff Wilson and others, because on July 2, the liberal Huffington Post blog slammed our local sheriff. What was his crime? Well the Post claimed Lopey and other sheriffs in the West are acting “Above the law.” What a bunch of bunk! It is these sheriffs who understand the Constitution and the oath they took to defend their citizens.

One of the complaints against Sheriff Lopey is because of his opposition to the destruction of four hydro-electric dams in the Klamath River. Over 79 percent of Siskiyou County voted to keep the dams in the 2010 election, because dam removal will devastate local economies. Sheriff Lopey has explained the reasons to save the dams many times.

A Glen Martin, who claimed to be the author, but I could see huge influences from one of our local Greenies in the written words, also berated Sheriff Lopey for encouraging timber harvest. Martin stated that he had worked for the Forest Service in Trinity County in the 1970s and all the big trees had been cut down. Really? Apparently, he didn’t learn much about trees – because trees continue to grow and grow. Guess he hasn’t visited Trinity County lately or else he can’t see the forest cuz there are too many trees! The absurdity of these myths by the liberals and Greenies are so comedic.

Each of the sheriffs presented local issues and explained the beginnings of solutions: One is to vote. Another is to read and understand the Constitution. Modoc’s Mike Poindexter and Tehama’s Dave Hencratt are finding success in the legal process of coordination with federal agencies – although the agencies tend to drag their feet.

Humboldt Sheriff Mike Downey explained wildlife are dying from a chemical pot growers use to kill animals; and about silting and sediment infiltrating streams from erosion from huge pot fields.

Mendocino Sheriff Tom Allman spoke last and made strong statements. He said he is not against the federal government. Several other sheriffs backed him up, explaining they work cooperatively with many state and federal agencies.

Last year, Sheriff Allman networked with five counties to fight the marijuana growing business. In three weeks, the sheriff departments eradicated 632,000 marijuana plants and took out 57,000 pounds of trash from the marijuana plantations. Wow.

Those who would like to attend a Sheriffs’ Events and learn the critical issues facing them and their citizens, you can attend on Aug. 18, when Sheriff Allman will host the SRA Sheriffs’ panel in Ukiah.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, blogs, radio news and blogs. Check out: Pie N Politics.com and Liz Bowen.com for photos as well.

July 10, 2012

Published in Siskiyou Daily News

Scott Valley View section

Del Norte Sheriff Dean Wilson will host the fifth Support Rural America Sheriffs Event this Saturday in Crescent City at the fairgrounds. Time is 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Siskiyou Sheriff Jon Lopey will participate on the panel with seven or eight other sheriffs from the North State and Oregon’s Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson. Believe me, Sheriff Wilson and Sheriff Gilbertson will have plenty to say about over-regulations greatly hurting local economies. Hope you can make it as I believe it will be worth the trip to the Pacific Ocean.

Garden

Been working several hours each morning in the garden irrigating, by hand, the new seeds and plants. The two long rows of carrots are finally about a half-inch tall. Potatoes are doing so well, some are knee-high. I just added several inches of mulch and will start irrigating by soaker hose next week. My cousin, Trudy and husband, Dave Pearson, came to visit and attend the 1970s Etna High School Reunion last weekend, and I made a stir fry with the snow peas, although some were a bit old. The cabbage, zucchini and tomatoes are finally looking hardy.

Decided to dry the oregano in the oven like I did the thyme. Hint: I found the oven only needs to heat up to 200 degrees and then immediately shut it off. I left the door closed with the light bulb on for several hours. Then I did the process again. This way, it doesn’t get too hot, but is warm enough to dry faster than air drying. Using the oven is cheaper than running the dehydrator at my house. Did I mention that I am getting really cheap?

Pretty proud of myself as I also rubbed and sifted through a colander the oregano and it is done. It filled a quart jar about three cups full. The sage is dry, but it hasn’t been rubbed and sifted yet.

The lemon balm is ready for harvest as is the fever few and mint. So gotta keep at it this week. I like drying it in the oven as it keeps me plugging away, but not harvesting more than I can take care of every few days. And the problem I have with drying it for several weeks in brown paper bags is – out-of-sight and it is out-of-mind. I forget about it.

AB 2179

The highly-intrusive bill is like the anti-hound Senate Bill 2112 as both seem to have taken on a life of its own. The Liberals can’t take “no” for an answer and keep calling for another vote, when both bills have already been voted down in committee. There must be a lot of strong-arming going on as both just passed out of one committee and are now headed to the appropriations committees. Someone sent me an article with graphic photos of hounds that were killed by wolves. It is on Pie N Politics.com. Pretty sad state of affairs, when fashionable public sympathy is for wolves and not for hounds. I thought everyone loved dogs.

I claim it is in-humane to not allow hounds to do what they do naturally — hunt. Bears and bobcats tend to become over-populated. We need hounds to help with the management of them. Unfortunately, fashionable folks think everything must be saved.

 The truth is: We do not have a shortage of wild animals, fish or fowl.

Talk about “saving”, yes, we do want to save the dams; but proponents of dam destruction spin lies and now claim the dams are “poisoning” the Klamath River. What bunk! The Klamath dams add cool water to provide sufficient water supply during the extremely low natural-flows of hot dry summer months. Ugh.

Another bill making it through the state legislature is one that is proposing a name change of the Dept. of Fish and Game to Dept. of Fish and Wildlife with a moniker of “Cal Wild.”

I am not kidding folks and the proponents of the bill argue that the name change will not cost any additional funds, because they will not immediately change their uniforms, letter head, business cards, decals on vehicles and signs on their office buildings. In reality, it will cost the tax payer plenty, cuz DFG can hardly wait to be called Cal Wild.

Speaking of DFG, several individuals have investigated the Humane Society of the U.S., which has its own law enforcement officers (guess they elected or appointed their own) and these officers are providing training to new Game Warden recruits. This is an oxymoron to me. No wonder Game Wardens now act like they are on swat teams with the goal of protecting all wildlife from “evil” humans!

Liz Bowen writes biographies, blogs, radio and freelances. Check out her blogs: lizbowen.com and PieNPolitics.com