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Mineral California News
Mineral California News
August 2024 Issue
August 2024 Issue
Mineral California News is a newsletter created by members of the community.
It is often published monthly during the Summer and on occasion and distributed electronically via email to a list of subscribers and posted online at www.mineralcalifornia.com.
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Contact the editors at mineralcalifornia@gmail.com.
Mineral Community Walk from Mineral Lodge to the Summit
Mineral Community Walk from Mineral Lodge to the Summit
August 31, 2024 9:00 AM
August 31, 2024 9:00 AM
This year the Walk will start at 9 AM and is planned to go from the intersection at the corner of the 172 and 36 Highways, up to the Summit and back. The plan is to meet and evaluate air quality and potential truck traffic. If it's safe, we’ll walk. It’s possible an alternative route will be taken, so check in at 9:00 AM for the route.
Walkers are invited to stop at the Mineral Lodge Restaurant after.
This year the shirts are dark gray with white, include the new graphic walking to the Summit instead of Mill Creek and have a special message of Mineral Strong and gratitude for those fighting the fire. As usual, thanks to Sharon and Vicki for coordinating this beloved annual tradition and t-shirt.
Tippy Needs a Home
Tippy Needs a Home
Shortly before the Park Fire headed toward Mineral, the local SPCA representative rescued an adorable 3-month-old kitten from a wood pile on Beresford Way. The kitten was terrified and traumatized, but now "Tippy," who has a tiny tip of white at the end of her mostly gray tail, is ready to find her forever home. Please call Jan at 530-595-3252 if you or someone you know might be interested in becoming her guardian.
Tippy The Gymnast.MP4FIRE EVACUATION WARNING FOR MINERAL LIFTED 8/20.
FIRE EVACUATION WARNING FOR MINERAL LIFTED 8/20.
TEMPS SET TO RISE AND HUMIDITY TO DROP MON. 8/26
TEMPS SET TO RISE AND HUMIDITY TO DROP MON. 8/26
Because fire can re-kindle in the coming hot and dry weather, Mineral's hydrants remain unlocked. However, in all cases but an emergency, water tenders are instructed to draw from Battle Creek by the Church Camp. Over this weekend (8/24-25), conditions will be quite wet, so there is no emergency. Please alert a water district associate if you see a water tender filling up at one of the 17 hydrants in Mineral.
Because fire can re-kindle in the coming hot and dry weather, Mineral's hydrants remain unlocked. However, in all cases but an emergency, water tenders are instructed to draw from Battle Creek by the Church Camp. Over this weekend (8/24-25), conditions will be quite wet, so there is no emergency. Please alert a water district associate if you see a water tender filling up at one of the 17 hydrants in Mineral.
Supervisor Pati Nolen and Local Red Cross Representative Joins Mineral Breakfast Club
Supervisor Pati Nolen and Local Red Cross Representative Joins Mineral Breakfast Club
August 25, 2024
August 25, 2024
Thanks to Supervisor Pati Nolen for joining us for breakfast club on Sunday and sharing an update on many County activities that affect Mineral's residents. She asked residents for suggestions of what we could do better in the future and about the community needs. Pati invited Caedy Minoletti, the head of our local American Red Cross to join as well. Caedy shared with us information about the American Red Cross disaster relief in the region. They are willing to support us with future disaster relief preparation. In addition, she shared that ARC would benefit from local volunteers and giving and will provide information in the future on how we can support them in supporting us. A great discussion with several lists of ideas emerged for future hardening of Mineral in case of fire. Ideas discussed included re-adding an emergency siren to the community, reviewing supporting animals during times of emergency, restoring the land to its natural state, the need for more yard waste disposal solutions to remove fire fuels, where we go during evacuation, how we can add support for emergency services ahead of time during Mineral and how all of the various County organizations have been working together to do what it takes to save and preserve Mineral and neighboring areas. Thanks Pati, Caedy and all of the locals and visitors who joined us for this large group, grateful to be back in Mineral and at Lassen Mineral Lodge Restaurant on Sundays. We are all very lucky to have such leaders acting on behalf of Mineral’s interests. Although a very resilient and independent community, we are all happy to be coordinating and working together. Thank you to CalFIRE, Tehama County, the Sheriff's Office and OES for everything they've been doing to support Mineral and keep our communities safe in many ways.
Judd Hannah
Lee Carnegie
Rest In Peace
Rest In Peace
We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our neighbors. We send our condolences to the families, friends and neighbors.
Judd Hannah from our nearby Hannah Ranch passed away on August 10, 2024 "helping protect the ranch and the surrounding area during the recent Park Fire." Read his obituary on Legacy.com. Comments can be added on the obituary page.
You may remember Bubba, our favorite sign maker in Chester. We've learned that he recently passed away.
Dacite reports that "with great sadness we’ve learned of the passing of a beloved member of the LAVO Maintenance Team. Lee Carnegie passed away Monday, August 12. Lee will be greatly missed by the park staff that worked with him and knew him."
Arts and Crafts Fair
Arts and Crafts Fair
Labor Day Weekend August 31 - September 1, 2024
Labor Day Weekend August 31 - September 1, 2024
Collins Pine Lawn Park, Main St., Chester, CA
Collins Pine Lawn Park, Main St., Chester, CA
Hope to see you all at the Arts & Craft Fair in Chester after the post-Mineral Walk gathering or on Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This is a great way to support our local crafters and visit the area after being away during evacuation. Thanks for the hosts who posted a flyer at Lassen Mineral Lodge Restaurant.
Food Dropped at Mineral Lodge
Food Dropped at Mineral Lodge
Perhaps as shifts were changing, water, drinks and produce were left at Mineral Lodge. During the first week of the evacuation, we were really worried that those left defending Mineral wouldn't have produce. Apparently this wasn't a need for concern, as supplies were left in front of Mineral Lodge for people to take. However, many people tried to help Mineral Lodge by bringing the food in and ended up returning it outside, as it wasn't their delivery.
As part of our discussions about emergency planning, we discussed having a location for people to go to get food, information, parking, etc. The community will continue to discuss options.
Meanwhile, thank you to whomever brought the food. If anyone is hungry, please stop by and get some.
Evacuation Warning Lifted for Mineral
Evacuation Warning Lifted for Mineral
August 20, 2024
August 20, 2024
Mineral's evacuation warning was lifted and the Genesys Evacuation Map lists Mineral as Normal. However, the fire continues to burn nearby, although crews are reducing their numbers from thousands to hundreds. The focus is fighting any remaining fires near perimeters in anticipation of increased winds on Thursday. Hot spots continue in the interior. Rain is anticipated this weekend as early as Friday, but lightning storms may come with it. Stay alert, even though the official warning has been lifted. We all remember what happened in Chester once everyone thought it was out. Crews remain vigilant and we should, too.
Need Trees Cut Down This Season?
Need Trees Cut Down This Season?
Eric Jablonowski and the Nor Cal Tree crew are in Mineral giving quotes. Call him if you need trees cut down this season at (530) 416-0425.
LASSEN MINERAL LODGE RESTAURANT REOPENS
LASSEN MINERAL LODGE RESTAURANT REOPENS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2024 8 AM!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2024 8 AM!
COMMUNITY BREAKFAST CLUB 10:30 AM +
COMMUNITY BREAKFAST CLUB 10:30 AM +
Get Assistance Due to Park Fire
Get Assistance Due to Park Fire
Resources for Residents
Resources for Residents
At the recent event in Tehama County, quite a few organizations offered resources for residents. The attached image of resource providers is a bit fuzzy, but we reached out to each to ask if they have information we can share in our News and Newsletters.
Meanwhile, a United Way Specialist reached out to share that 211 is an information hotline community members can call to receive additional resources in Tehama County. Here is the website in case you would like more information! https://211norcal.org/tehama/ https://211norcal.org/park-fire-tehama/
Resources for Businesses
Resources for Businesses
What have your losses been? Fill out an IDE Form and email (or just email text) to Sheriff Ames (Andy) Houghtby. Updates can be submitted once additional information is known. Also, please complete the damages form as "The survey that can be used to enter our GIS data regarding the Park Fire. This form is a better way to get the damage data to the County so we can push it up to State OES." - Sheriff Houghtby
IDE example.pdfSATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024
FOR PRECAUTION, EXPECT ACTIVE FIRE BEHAVIOR TODAY, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON
FOR PRECAUTION, EXPECT ACTIVE FIRE BEHAVIOR TODAY, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON
ACCORDING TO AN OPERATIONAL BRIEFING REPORT, CONCERNS ARE WIND, LIGHTNING STORMS AND THAT THIS WEATHER COULD LEAD TO UNUSUAL WEATHER AND FALLING TREES. PLEASE BE AWARE AND CAUTIOUS TODAY.
The Boil Water Notice Has Been Lifted
The Boil Water Notice Has Been Lifted
Saturday, August 17, 2024 6 PM
Saturday, August 17, 2024 6 PM
After receiving favorable test results from Basic Lab in Redding, General Manager John Frehse lifted the order, and blue flags are flying once again in Mineral!
Mineral Was Under Boil Water Notice Due to Park Fire
Mineral Was Under Boil Water Notice Due to Park Fire
August 7, 2024 to Present
Residents received a notice on their residents advising to boil water before using it. Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.
Residents received a notice on their residents advising to boil water before using it. Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.
Due to recent fire conditions, raw surface water has been intentionally routed directly into the District's storage tank. As a safety precaution, the MIneral County Water District - in conunction with the Califoria Department of Public Health and the Tehama County Health Department - is advising anyone who consumes water provided by the District to boil the tap water or use bottled water for drinking and food preparation purposes.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST:
Bring water to a rolling boil, then let it continue to boil for one (1) minute. Allow it to cool before drinking it or exposing it to the skin. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice. Boiling the water for at least one minute kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Questions? Contact John Frehse, Water Manager (530) 816-2003
BE READY TO EVACUATE
BE READY TO EVACUATE
As residents begin to return, stay vigilent as fire is still burning nearby. Be prepared to evacuate immediately if necessary.
As residents begin to return, stay vigilent as fire is still burning nearby. Be prepared to evacuate immediately if necessary.
GET ASSISTANCE
GET ASSISTANCE
Residents:
Residents:
Businesses:
Businesses:
What have your losses been? Fill out an IDE Form and email (or just email text) to Sheriff Ames (Andy) Houghtby. Updates can be submitted once additional information is known. Also, please complete the damages form as "The survey that can be used to enter our GIS data regarding the Park Fire. This form is a better way to get the damage data to the County so we can push it up to State OES." - Sheriff Houghtby
CalFIRE Park Incident Operational Briefings Playlist on YouTube
CalFIRE Park Incident Operational Briefings Playlist on YouTube
For the latest morning briefings, subscribe to the briefings playlist here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BedLp7O2DLvE-4BMGeST4DDIfOdqRLh&si=KKom8oKMzsz7zzPq
Unfortunately, CalFIRE has made the playlist unavailable for viewing through embedding into community websites such ours, so unless they do, one will need to go to the YouTube app or page to view them.
Hundreds of Vehicles Traveling Up 36 from Red Bluff Towards Lassen
Hundreds of Vehicles Traveling Up 36 from Red Bluff Towards Lassen
August 16, 2024
Residents noticed hundreds of vehicles traveling up the 36 during the morning hours. It appeared that they were primarily service vehicles. Looking for an update.
Yes, the Trucks Drive Through Mineral Way Too Fast!
Yes, the Trucks Drive Through Mineral Way Too Fast!
August 16, 2024
The law enforcement official (who was quite kind, thankfully) stationed at the 36/172 intersection on the morning of August 16th said it is better to check in with them so they can slow down the very fast truck traffic. as we are exiting from residential areas to enter the Highway. Since this happens throughout the year, perhaps they can support our efforts to get a crosswalk and lower speed limit through the area surrounding the greater Mineral residences. This has been a long-standing concern among Mineral residents. If anyone is taking this on at an upcoming Supervisor's Meeting, please let us know so we can share the news.
Beware Re-Entering Mineral!
Beware Re-Entering Mineral!
August 15, 2024
When asking Sheriff Thompson if we should check in, he acted like we should already know and threatened to give everyone in Mineral a ticket. When a group of women trying to return to their homes explained that is why they pulled over in the Lodge parking lot to ask him (since it appeared the road was closed and were told by others it was), he continued to make threatening comments. After discussion among residents, similar rude comments have been made to quite a few residents trying to do the right thing while re-entering. Several residents are intimidated and have indicated that they are now afraid to leave their homes. After being evacuated for nearly three weeks and still under evacuation warning, which is quite stressful, the additional intimidation seems completely inappropriate, according to most who have spoken up about it. We thought they might be checking IDs of people re-entering, but he didn't ask for it.
We are trying to secure proper instruction for re-entry, which isn't listed anywhere at the moment. There is a barrier which appears to close the street which possibly we are supposed to drive through, but it isn't clear nor noted visibly anywhere. We need to know how to enter Cool Air, Alpine Village, or to take trash or visit Cool Air and to drive back to Alpine Village. If anyone knows how to resolve this issue and get us the information, we will be happy to post and share with the residents.
Red Bluff Post Office August 2024
Mineral Post Office Closed During Evacuation
Where is our MAIL?!
Where is our MAIL?!
Our MPOO is the Manager of Post Office Operations for the Post Offices with ZIP Codes that start with 960
Our MPOO is the Manager of Post Office Operations for the Post Offices with ZIP Codes that start with 960
August 15, 2024
Since residents were primarily evacuated on the route instructed, which was the 36 until closed, residents have been unable to access their mail for nearly three weeks! As this has been very challenging, several people have spent countless hours calling San Franscisco to USPS customer care, Red Bluff Post Office, and Chester Post Office.
In some cases, mail can be forwarded General Delivery to the Red Bluff Post Office. In addition, the postal staff can send it from one post office to the other. But, residents have experienced it being returned to Chester, or not at the Post Office after traveling a significant distance to pick it up. If mail sent as General Delivery, sits for 30 or more days, it could be returned to sender, as well. In order to pick up mail, one would have to drive several hours , at best, or fly to Reno, rent a car and drive several hours. As a result, residents have been without bills, important documents and expensive timely communications. Some are concerned about their losses due to their patrons and their vendors not getting timely communications.
During the first week of mandatory evacuation, when asked how we are supposed to get our mail, a representative at the Chester Post Office said about the fire: "Don't worry, it will be out by Friday." During the third week, a representative from San Francisco Customer Support said "forward your mail since it could be three months before you are back home." Forwarding could take 10-15 days to implement, so if following that instruction, it could have been 5-6 weeks before mail was sent to a temporary location, which would have been left 4-5 weeks prior. Residents could then be without mail for several months.
It seems this could have been remedied by having residents pick up mail at the Red Bluff Post Office, which was nearest to most evacuees.
Recently, our local post office was told to "get the numbers up" if we are to stay open, as local post offices are being shut down. Union representatives came by to post a flyer on the Store's wall highlighting concerns. Approximately 30 people came in to buy stamps to show support. However, the system shut down after an alleged "hack" and payments couldn't be processed for weeks. Then, the fire hit.
Is it time to reach out to our local legislators about supporting our residents?
Fire News Review
Fire News Review
What do you wish the news media communicated to you during the fire? Please email mineralcalifornia@gmail.com with your thoughts so we can share them with our local news media.
What do you wish the news media communicated to you during the fire? Please email mineralcalifornia@gmail.com with your thoughts so we can share them with our local news media.
August 6, 2024 Mid-day View from Mineral Lodge Porch
Park Fire
Park Fire
Mineral Evacuation - Stay Safe!
Started in Upper Bidwell Park, East of Chico
California's Largest Wildfire This Year
*************************************
Track on Cal Fire Incident Site
Track on Genasys Tracking Map - Shows Evacuation Zones
Watch LiveCams from the Region
View the CalFire Photo Book & Videos
Add Emergency Messages to Coordiate with Other Mineral Community Members Here, If Needed
Visit the Mineral Facebook Group
Line Emergencies? Call for Support 919-960-7077
August 6, 2024 9:22 AM
August 6, 2024 6 AM - Hotspots near 172; Hotshot reports it as a defensive measure
Mineral journalist and support for the volunteer fire department, Jan Becker, sent photos to share with the community. Signage on each dwelling in Mineral now indicates if there is an additional water source, 100' of defensible space and any people in the home.
Heroes need to eat, too! Our everyday local hero, Jim Glenn is supporting volunteer fire department member Brad with some snacks and supplies on August 3rd.
As usual, Lassen Mineral Lodge's parking lot is full. However, it's recently been full of fire and first responder personnel. Rumor has it a fire fighter was watering the plants at the Lodge. Thank you!
Looking down Husky at the former gas station and the Lodge Store (on the right), one can see how many trucks and service vehicles were stationed on August 3rd.
The former gas station is the perfect place for portapotties for the visiting heroes. Earlier in the week, it held the hoses before they were laid throughout Cool Air.
On the night of July 28th, hoses were laid along Mineral Avenue, according to reports from Mineral.
August 1, 2024 - Tehama County Arts Council and California Arts Council has approved the Mineral California arts grant request to support our local post office with a postcard project! The Council's Board Chair also says "We are sending out strongest wishes for a good outcome during this horrible Park Fire." Thank you to the Councils and we look forward to working on this project in support of our community and local post office.
August 1, 2024 - Tehama County Arts Council and California Arts Council has approved the Mineral California arts grant request to support our local post office with a postcard project! The Council's Board Chair also says "We are sending out strongest wishes for a good outcome during this horrible Park Fire." Thank you to the Councils and we look forward to working on this project in support of our community and local post office.
Annual Mineral Community Walk Now Going from Mineral Lodge to the Mineral Summit
Annual Mineral Community Walk Now Going from Mineral Lodge to the Mineral Summit
This year, we will meet at the intersection by the Mineral Lodge and begin our walk to the Summit, a new route being taken for the first time! Rumor has it lemonade might be available at the top courtesy of the neighborhood kids. Walkers can return to the Lodge after the Walk for snacks, drinks and community time with our neighbors. Want to walk part of the way? Drive to meet walkers.
T-Shirt Forms Due July 22, 2024
T-Shirt Forms Due July 22, 2024
Forms available at the post office in the Binder and at the Mineral Lodge Restaurant.
Interest in Local Walking Tours?
Interest in Local Walking Tours?
During August on Fridays at 4 p.m., we are planning Stroll and Chats throughout the various areas of Mineral to talk about history, nature and conservation. These informal chats encourage residents to share their history with each other and visitors, while getting some exercise and enjoying the beauty of Mineral. Interested tour hosts, please let us know at mineralcalifornia@gmail.com.
August S’mores & Crafts
August S’mores & Crafts
Saturdays August 10 and August 24, 2024 5:00 pm at Volcano Campground Behind the Post Office
For those of any age who like roasting s’mores or crafts, stop by for some Summer Camp-like fun. It’s a busy summer, so only two dates are scheduled, but if you’re having a big party in town and want to schedule another, email mineralcalifornia@gmail.com
Mineral Music Lessons with Marcus
Mineral Music Lessons with Marcus
Marcus is now offering music lessons! Start learning piano or guitar, right here in Mineral! It’s never too late to start. If you’re interested, contact Marcus at mineralmusic@proton.me.
Mineral Cards Continues Every Other Wednesday for More Than 37 Years!
Mineral Cards Continues Every Other Wednesday for More Than 37 Years!
Join the Mineral card game (free of charge) every other week. Contact Pam for more information, or stop by the Sundays Breakfast Club.
Softball and Community Picnic Back in Full Swing for 2024
Softball and Community Picnic Back in Full Swing for 2024
Mineral Community Walk from Mineral Lodge to the Summit
Mineral Community Walk from Mineral Lodge to the Summit
August 31, 2024
August 31, 2024
T-Shirt Forms Due July 22, 2024
T-Shirt Forms Due July 22, 2024
This year the Walk will go from the intersection in front of Mineral Lodge up to the Summit and back. Rumor has it there will be lemonade at the top!
Order your Walk t-shirts by July 22nd, but the sooner the better.
Walkers can optionally stop at the Mineral Lodge Restaurant after the Walk.
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MINERAL CALIFORNIA
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