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Volume XVII Issue 93

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

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SusanvilleStuff.com

Local News

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Why We Love This Place Wednesday:

Ten Years of ‘Holiday with a Hero’


By Terra Avilla


Ten years – I cried as I watched the children arriving this past Saturday at the event – a whole decade of Holiday with a Hero. Can you believe it?


We’ve come so far from those early days when we started with just a handful of cops and a handful of kids. Now look at us – we’re a community-wide celebration that I am no so proud to say has touched the lives of more than a thousand children.

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That’s not just a number! That’s more than a thousand smiles, a thousand moments of joy and a thousand reasons to be proud of our little corner of the world.


Over these ten years, we’ve seen kids grow up before our eyes. Some of those little ones who once sat on Santa’s lap are now volunteers themselves, giving back to the community that embraced them. It’s like watching a beautiful cycle of kindness in action, and it just makes me so grateful to live in a community that always shows up.


What started as a small gathering with just seven officers and fifteen kids has blossomed into a joyful event that welcomed about ninety children this year.


It’s not just about the gifts; it’s about showing these kids that they are loved and valued.

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Susanville Police Chief Tom Downing and Officer Terra Avilla

way back in 2014 at the first ‘Shop with a Cop’ event.


One story that truly touched my heart this year was from a mother who broke down in tears when she found out her children would be participating. “You don’t understand,” she said, “This isn’t just about presents. It’s about my kids feeling seen, and about them getting something back that was taken from this year – a little bit of peace and joy.”


And we couldn’t do it year after year with the help of sooooo many people and organizations. 


Our Community’s Superheroes


Let’s talk about our Santa for a moment. This year, he braved a snowstorm to make his grand entrance on an actual sled! With a beard so real, it could’ve been grown at the North Pole, he had kids wide-eyed with wonder. The joy on their faces was priceless. The man hitched a ride ON TOP of a fire truck and sleigh in a sleet storm to surprise children. C’mon People! That doesn’t happen anywhere else.


And then there is our Sheriff, who traded in his badge for a Santa hat to help spread holiday cheer. He spent his Saturday making little boys’ dreams come true, proving once again that in Lassen County, we all come together to support one another.


A huge thank you goes out to the Athletic Director at Lassen Community College, who opened up the doors of their beautiful new basketball gym as our “home base.” It transformed into a cozy hub filled with laughter and joy and before dawn even broke, the LCC kitchen staff and volunteers were hard at work whipping up over 200 breakfast burritos. I can’t tell you how delicious they were!


Because in Lassen County, we believe every hero – big or small – deserves a hearty meal to start their day.


The nursing students from LCC came ready to lend a hand. Their smiles and willingness to help reminded us all how important it is to care for each other, especially during the holidays.


Of course, I must give a shout out to my Holiday with a Hero Board members. To our dedicated board members who put up with my holiday enthusiasm all year long – you’re the real MVPs! A special shoutout to Juanita Williams for taking on the daunting task of registration and doing it with such grace.


Walmart deserves a big round of applause for not only letting us take over their store but also for creating a cookie decorating station at the college that quickly became a fan favorite. Who knew chaos could be so much fun? We can’t forget SEMSA and CCPOA for their generous support, or Nikki Nyter for lending us her magical Santa chair. Every contribution helps weave this event together and it is this kindness that keeps our community strong.


As we celebrate ten years of Holiday with a Hero, I hope you see more than just an event – because I see a community that refuses to let any child feel forgotten. I see heroes in uniform standing shoulder to shoulder with everyday citizens, all united by the belief that every child deserves to feel the magic of the season.


In Lassen County, we don’t just celebrate the holidays – we celebrate each other. Here’s to another decade of proving that when it comes to love, our little community has the biggest heart of all. In Lassen County, every day is an opportunity to be someone’s hero, and every act of kindness is a gift that lasts long after the snow melts and the decorations are put away, and that is why I love where we live. Merry Christmas family and God Bless you!

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Willow Creek Valley in a Rangeland Trust photo


Rangeland Trust Adds 1,500 Acres in Willow Creek Valley for Permanent Conservation


The California Rangeland Trust has reached a significant milestone with the recent permanent conservation of more than 1,500 acres of working rangeland on the Willow Creek Ranch in the Willow Creek Valley, north of Susanville.


Calling the permanent conservation a ‘landmark achievement in its mission to safeguard the state’s natural resources and working landscapes’ the Willow Creek Ranch becomes part of more than 400,000 acres of rangeland permanently conserved by partnerships with ninety-five different ranching families across the Golden State.


“This agreement further solidifies the Rangeland Trust’s role as a leader in protecting rangelands and the natural resources and wildlife habitats they support, while also empowering the continued stewardship of ranching families,” the group explained in the announcement of the partnership.


Since its founding in 1998, the Rangeland Trust has partnered with ranching families across the state, working hand-in-hand with landowners to establish conservation easements that allow them to continue ranching while protecting their land from development and other outside pressures. This approach ensures the long-term viability of these landscapes, which provide essential benefits to both people and wildlife.


“Reaching this milestone of conserving over 400,000 acres would not have been possible without the 95 ranching families who have chosen voluntary conservation. These rangeland stewards are the heart and soul of California’s rural communities,” said Michael Delbar, CEO of the Rangeland Trust. “But as the state and nation face ongoing threats of losing hundreds of thousands of acres of farm and ranch land to development, our work is far from over. We must continue to seek collaborative solutions to safeguard these lands and the livelihoods they support.”


According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the United States lost 141,733 farms and ranches and over 20.1 million acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022. California alone could lose an additional 797,400 acres of agricultural land by 2040 due to development and land-use changes. This decline threatens food production, wildlife habitats, and the legacy of sustainable land stewardship passed down through generations of ranching families.


The Rangeland Trust’s conservation efforts address these challenges directly. Willow Creek Ranch, the latest addition to its conservation portfolio, exemplifies the organization’s mission to serve the land, people, and wildlife by conserving California’s working rangelands.


Owned and operated by the Hanson family for over 40 years, the Ranch has prioritized sustainable land management to ensure the long-term health of the property and business. Recognizing the challenges of succession planning, the Hanson family chose to establish a conservation easement to protect their legacy.


 “Sustainability has always been our focus,” said Jack Hanson, owner of the Willow Creek Ranch.


“It’s a word that can mean many things, but for us, it’s about building an operation strong enough to pass down to the next generation, if they choose to continue the legacy.”


The success of these conservation efforts depends on partnerships with agencies, organizations, and individuals dedicated to preserving California’s working lands. The Willow Creek easement was completed in collaboration with the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


“It is truly with heartfelt honor that the California Natural Resources Conservation Service is able to contribute to the protection of working rangelands,” said California State Conservationist, Carlos Suarez.


“NRCS has a dedicated mission to put conservation at the forefront by protecting ranches who will impact our future generations like Willow Creek Ranch.”


The Willow Creek Ranch conservation easement protects critical wetlands and riparian meadows, providing stopover and breeding habitat for thousands of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds along the Pacific Flyway, a major North American migration route.


It connects the 2,700-acre Willow Creek Wildlife Area with the 19,984-acre Tunnison Mountain Wilderness Study Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This connectivity strengthens migratory corridors for birds and other wildlife, including the Greater Sage-Grouse, Northern Pintails, Greater Sandhill Cranes, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Additionally, the property is traversed by the Willow Creek, a key tributary within the Susan River Watershed, which ultimately feeds into the protected wetlands of Honey Lake.


“The Willow Creek Ranch provides important habitat for a wide variety of plant and wildlife species, many of which have special conservation status,” said Jennifer Norris, executive director for the Wildlife Conservation Board.


“Protecting this rich biodiversity enhances the ecological value of these rare mountain meadows, wetlands, and grasslands and supports WCB’s larger goal of promoting climate resilience. We are proud to partner with California Rangeland Trust and NRCS on this important project.”


By collaborating with entities like the WCB, NRCS, and local landowners, the Rangeland Trust maximizes resources and expertise to create lasting conservation in the state. These partnerships allow the organization to address complex challenges faced by ranching families and ensure the protection of vital landscapes.


“The completion of the conservation easement on Willow Creek Ranch reflects a united effort around the mission of preserving the landscapes that sustain both wildlife and generations of ranching families,” added Delbar.


“We are deeply honored to work with the Hanson family and our agency partners in safeguarding this vital piece of California’s heritage, ensuring its legacy endures for the benefit of all.”


As the Rangeland Trust celebrates the conservation of over 400,000 acres, the organization says that it remains dedicated to its mission of partnering with landowners to protect more of California’s working landscapes.


“Amid the looming threats of land conversion, the Rangeland Trust will continue pursuing innovative, voluntary conservation solutions that empower landowners, strengthen rural economies, and preserve the best of the Golden State for future generations.”

Cal-FIRE Conducting Prescribed Pile

Burn Projects Along Highway 36


The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is conducting prescribed pile burning operations adjacent to Highway 36 here in Lassen County. The burn operations began on December 16th, and are expected to continue for several weeks as conditions permit.


The burning is taking place between County Road A1 and the junction of Highway 44 west of Susanville.


The purpose of this project is to reduce fuel loads in the area before the onset of prolonged extreme heat and severe fire conditions during the summer months. This proactive measure aims to lessen the impact of future wildfires on nearby homes and infrastructure.

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Cal-FIRE reminds residents that smoke and flames may be visible during the burn operations. However, these are controlled burns and do not require reporting.


For more information on preparing for and preventing wildfires, please visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

Early Bird Registration Underway for Susanville Little League’s 2025 Season


Early bird online registration is underway for Susanville Little League’s 2025 season and if you sign up now you can save money! Register before December 31st to get the discount.


Regular registration will begin January 1st and the cost will be $125 per player. Each additional player will be $115 each.


In-person signups will be held at the Susanville Pizza Factory on January 18th, from noon to 5:00 and February 12th, from 5:00 to 7:00p.m.


Click here to register online.

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Uptown Susanville in the 1940’s from the Lassen Historical Society

Susanville Plans to Dress Up in Christmas Spirit

Christmas Tree Contest for Residences, Business Houses and Organizations

December 18, 1939


Susanville plans to “dress up” in the proper spirit of the Christmas holidays this year was the announcement made today by George McDow as secretary of the local Chamber of Commerce.


In cooperation with the outdoor Christmas Tree Association of California, a Christmas tree contest for all trees erected and decorated on the streets of this city will be carried on.


Many other cities in this vicinity have seen the increased beauty brought to the appearance of a city during the Christmas holidays by the placing of trees on lawns, in front of business houses, in the yards of organization buildings and many other places.


Murray Doyle, chairman of the community betterment committee of the Chamber of Commerce will be in charge of this contest, which he hopes will be actively entered into by every person in this community.


The contest is to be divided into three sections, with a prize or prizes to be awarded in each section.


One section has been designated as the “organization division,” to include any organization such as lodges, clubs, schools and any other organized group such as Scouts or Camp Fire Girls. In this section there will be one prize given for the best tree regardless of size or decorations.


The “best commercial tree,” will be given one prize for the best tree erected in front of any business house in the district. The tree must be decorated by the business itself and lighted at the required hours. All merchants are urged to cooperate in this plan and help give our Main Street an appearance of a Christmas paradise and create a greater holiday spirit for shoppers and the general public.


In possibly the largest classification the “residence division,” will participate for three prizes, for trees placed on lawns or different places on their property. The three prizes are to be one for the best tree under five feet in height: the best tree between the heights of five and ten feet and the best tree between 10 and 20 feet in height.


The chief requirement of the contest is to be sure and see that all trees, in all divisions of the contest, are lighted at night, in order to qualify for the contest.


All trees must be erected by December 10 and kept lit from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from that time until January 2.


Judging will be done Between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The names of the judges, and the amounts of the prizes will be announced later by Murray Doyle.

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If you are a fan of our daily history stories you should join the Lassen Historical Society! It's a fun way to be a part of our county's rich history. When you sign up you'll receive regular Historical Society newsletters with interesting stories and information. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in area history.


Through your membership you help preserve local history. You can download a membership application by clicking here.

The SusanvilleStuff Team


Jeremy Couso

Owner, Publisher and Editor

Marshel Couso

Owner and General Manager

Ray Couso

Sales and Retention Consultant

Susan Couso

Feature Writer

Terra Avilla

Feature Writer

Shelley Bennett

Feature Writer

Mikalah Gray

Feature Photographer

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Currently Playing

Sierra Theatre

Closed Temporarily

Let the Uptown Cinemas entertain you 

Uptown Cinemas

Kraven the Hunter

Moana 2

Wicked

Red One

Click here for showtimes

Concessions include hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and mini pizzas

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Where do Bad Rainbows Go?

To Prism!

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Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Calm wind.


Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind.


Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Calm wind.


Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind.


Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.


Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.


Saturday: A slight chance of rain and snow before 10am, then rain likely. Snow level 6600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.


Saturday Night: A chance of rain, mainly before 10pm. Snow level 6200 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.


Sunday: A chance of rain. Snow level 6200 feet rising to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.


Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Snow level 7300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.


Monday: A chance of rain. Snow level 7100 feet rising to 7900 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

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Congratulations to Destiny Hester, the

winner of this week's Pizza Factory giveaway!


You too could win a large one-topping pizza from the Susanville or Janesville Pizza Factory locations just by entering our weekly giveaway!


Just click here and follow the link to our handy entry form. You can enter once per day from each email address. We'll announce our weekly winner right here next Monday morning.


The prize is good for take-out or dine-in orders only, sorry no delivery.


Good luck and enjoy that yummy Pizza Factory Pizza!

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Erika Louise Schmid – October 25, 2024

Michael Alan Ingram – November 3, 2024

Earnest Frederick Pace – October 31, 2024

Rosemarie Bejcek – November 2, 2024

James Darrell Vermillion – October 26, 2024

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