Woodsmoke Reduction Program Underway
(Colusa County, CA (MPG) The Colusa County Air Pollution Control District will be accepting applications for the Woodsmoke Reduction Program beginning Friday Nov. 3, 2023. This voluntary program provides vouchers to replace non-EPA certified wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts with an EPA-certified woodstove or insert, a pellet stove or insert, or an electric device such as an electric stove or heat pump. For homes in certain census tracts
designated by the State as low-income and for low-income households, a voucher amount of $5,000 ($10,000 for heat pumps) is available to assist with the cost of purchase, installation, and permitting. A voucher of $2,500 ($5,000 for heat pumps) is available to all households with an eligible wood-burning device. Vouchers can be redeemed at
participating retailers. Installations must be done by a licensed contractor with the appropriate building permit and comply with all building code requirements. Applications are available at the District office or online at countyofcolusa.org/847/Woodsmoke Reduction-Program-Applications. To apply, submit a completed Voucher Application and a photo of the currently installed old wood-burning device to the district. For more information, please contact Casey Ryan at 530-458-0583 or email at cyran@countyofcolusa.com.
Settlement reached in housing development lawsuit
Last week, a settlement was reached in the litigation between Colusa County and the City of Colusa, with Colusa Industrial Properties named as real party of interest). Colusa County filed the lawsuit in January, trying to seek an injunction on the expanded residential development project after the statute of limitation expired.
“We are pleased to have reached a mutual settlement that removes us from the litigation process,” said SupervisorKent Boes, Chair of the Colusa County Board of Supervisors, in a news release. “Going forward, Colusa County is committed to addressing and resolving issues before they reach the point of litigation.”
As for next steps, CIP has agreed to apply for City approval of several changes to the project within 90-days of execution of the settlement, and the City has agreed to a timely and lawful application process, the release stated. If the City approves the project amendments within 30-days of the project application, the County shall dismiss
litigation with prejudice. The project changes include a General Plan Amendment and rezoning for lots 157-180 to a low intensity industrial/commercial use, and a General Plan Amendment and rezoning to open space for lots 34-37.
To prevent and avoid further disputes between the City and County, the parties have also entered into an agreement with respect to the processing of projects within the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan area of influence, the news release states.
The Pioneer Review has requested the settlement agreement under the California Public Information Act, along with litigation cost to the public.
Supervisors nominate CSAC representatives
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors have selected Supervisor Kent Boes to remain as the county’s representative on the California State Association of Counties Board of Directors.
The board on Oct. 24 also selected Supervisor Daurice Smith to remain as the alternate for a second term. The primary purpose of CSAC is to represent county government before the California Legislature, administrative agencies, and the federal government.
Boes will serve his second year on the CSAC executive committee.
Colusa County Chief Administrative Officer Wendy Tyler, outgoing president of the California Association of County Executives, has served as CSAC advisor, along with Rita Neal, San Luis Obispo County Counsel.
The CSAC annual meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 13, ahead of the annual conference Nov. 14-16 in Alameda County.
Quilters’ talent and love helps others
Pacific Flyway Quilters recently spent an evening giving support to other organizations in our community. At their annual Community Service Give Away Night, the members of the quilt guild presented dozens of quilts along with pillowcases, walker and wheelchair totes, dolly quilts with an accompanying stuffed animal, drawstring bags for children displaced from their homes, and dog beds for Reading with Pets. The guild members work all year on these various items and hope that their talent and love is used to help comfort others, organizers said. The Guild thanks Premier Mushroom for making their grants available each year, and the members of the Sodality group from the Catholic Church in Maxwell, who chose to support the Dolly Quilts and Friends project this year with a generous
donation of stuffed animals.
Sodality members Sherry and Jennifer Perry attended the event, as did Jennifer Diaz, on behalf of Premier Mushrooms. Accepting the gifts were Literacy Coordinator Pam Dagrossa, on behalf of Paws to Read; George Sandridge, VFW and Masonic Lodge; Phillis Burnett, Valley West Care Center; Shelley Wilson, California Highway Patrol; and Kim White, Hospice Care.
Supervisors make appointments
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 24 appointed Alan E. Avernaz to serve on the Glenn Valley Water District Board of Directors in lieu of the Aug. 29 election. Alvernaz will serve a 4-year term from Dec. 1, 2023, to Dec. 3, 2027. The board also appointed Hans Herkert and Leanne Mord to the Reclamation District 1004 Board of Trustees for 4-year terms through Dec. 3, 2027.
Retired Teachers to Recognize Outstanding Educators
California Retired Teachers Group of Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa counties plan to recognize active teachers and outstanding educators this year. The RTA will be awarding two active teachers awards for each county, for a total of six, the organization announced Monday. The awards are $100 each for teachers to use in their classrooms.
The Retired Teachers will also be re-activating the teacher goody bags, which were suspended during COVID, and will be distributed to various schools.
The third round of State Teachers Grants are available. Just fill out the application on the Cal-RTA website, or call (916) 923-2200.
The RTA encourages everyone to recognize an outstanding teacher in your area during Teachers Week, Nov. 5-11, 2023.