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Volume XVIII Issue 73
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
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Why We Love This Place
Wednesday: Veterans Day
Every Veterans Day in Lassen County, the day starts at Diamond Crest Cemetery. The American Legion Post #204 shows up first, Lassen College athletes arrive groggy eyed and all. There’s no show, no rush.
You can almost feel their emotions as they walk the rows, placing flags for every veteran. That moment never fails to get me.
Not much later, the college athletes head over to Community Church on Numa Road.
They’re not just serving breakfast. They’re cracking jokes, swapping stories, fetching coffee for veterans who could outtough our baseball team and have lived twice the stories.
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What always gets me is that these kids are up before sunrise, however, year after year after year after year, they continually say that this is their favorite community service that they do while they’re at Lassen.
The best part of living here is you find veterans everywhere. From running our little league comma to businesses comma to helping even run the city and county itself and all the ways to always helping out with anything to do with the schools. Veterans keep Lassen County strong.
And you see it in our schools too. My daughters’ school has a full Veterans Day assembly. The place is packed, the kids proud, posters taped up everywhere. You see little voices sing, little hands salute the flag, and you realize… it’s so Lassen County, and it’s the good stuff.
Back to the day of events… by the time Main Street fills for the parade, you can really see what this place is about. Kids are waving flags, grabbing candy and every float has a smiling face of one of our family and friends.
Maybe Lassen County, Veterans Day is so special to me, because on my very first day wearing my badge for the police department, I stood on the parade route and felt just how real this all is. It’s community. This county knows how to honor its people.
Flags in the frost, pancakes in the morning, kids singing and a town full of gratitude. This is who we are. And that’s why I love where we live.
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Cal-FIRE Announces New Global
Space-Based Data Challenge
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection joined state, federal, and private-sector leaders at the 2025 Red Sky Summit, where CAL FIRE announced a new program focused on innovation and unveiled its first challenge – the Global Space-Based Data Challenge.
Scott Gregory, CAL FIRE’s Deputy Director of Technology, was at the summit to introduce the newly formed Fire Innovation Unit within CAL FIRE and to announce the winners of the Challenge.
“The Fire Innovation Unit was established to drive forward-thinking technological advancements and innovative solutions that strengthen California’s firefighting capabilities and overall resilience,” said Deputy Director Gregory.
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“By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies, the FIU is poised to revolutionize how CAL FIRE combats wildfires—making operations more efficient, effective, and adaptive to emerging challenges.”
One of the Fire Innovation Unit’s first major initiatives is the Global Space-Based Data Challenge, which aims to harness the power of satellite data and other space-based technologies to improve wildfire monitoring and prediction.
Through this initiative, CAL FIRE is engaging with global experts and innovators to develop groundbreaking solutions that can dramatically enhance wildfire detection and response. The potential impact of this initiative is enormous, as it could lead to more timely and precise interventions, ultimately saving lives and protecting our communities.
This year’s Global Space-Based Data Challenge winners were awarded a total of $150,000 in prize money, with $50,000 granted to each winning submission across three mission-critical categories:
Challenge #1: Data Sources and Ingestion Mechanisms winner: Danti.ai
Challenge #2: Data Storage: Fetch Fund
Challenge #3: Data Consumption and Presentation/Analytic Layers and Platform:
Dr. Ahmad Talaei, University of Utah
These innovative solutions could be integrated into developing the next-generation data infrastructure needed to support wildfire mitigation and resilience efforts across California and beyond.
The Red Sky Summit brings together wildfire professionals, policymakers, technology developers, and land management agencies to explore forward-looking strategies for mitigating wildfire impacts and is an opportunity to showcase CAL FIRE’s leadership in wildfire resilience and its proactive efforts to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. A few examples include:
- Utilizing AI to detect fires: CAL FIRE partnered with UC San Diego to support the development of ALERTCalifornia which utilizes AI to identify and monitor wildfires. ALERTCalifornia was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023.
- Integrated fire forecasting: In 2021, Cal OES and CAL FIRE established the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center, in collaboration with the California Military Department and California Public Utilities Commission, to serve as the state’s central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting and coordination of wildfire threat intelligence and data sharing.
- Leveraging technology for fire response: CAL FIRE and Cal OES have also invested heavily in drones, satellite technology for advanced mapping, and AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker, and a Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) to provide real-time mapping of wildfires.
“Wildfire challenges today require solutions that are as dynamic as the risks we face,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Events like the Red Sky Summit provide a vital opportunity to collaborate with innovators, private partners, and community leaders who share our mission of building a safer, more resilient California.”
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Early Bird Registration for 2026
Little League Begins November 17th
Early bird online registration for Susanville Little League’s 2026 season and if you sign up beginning November 17th you can save money! Register before January 2nd, to get the discount.
Regular registration will begin January 10th 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 10th, from noon to 5:00 and February 5th, from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. There will be divisions for 4-year-olds through pre-high school.
Click here to register online.
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Weather Bulletin: Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Upper Elevations
Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Reno have issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 1:00a.m. Thursday until 4:00a.m. Friday. this bulletin is for elevations about 5,500 feet and west of Highway 395.
Weather experts predict snow above 5,500 feet and west of US Highway 395. Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches with up to 8 inches along the highest peaks.
We will experience strong winds here in the valley. Wind will gust up to 70mph on ridges.
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This Warning is for upper elevations across Lassen, eastern Plumas and eastern Sierra counties.
Travel may be difficult, especially across mountain passes such as Fredonyer and northwest of Bogard. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Precipitation may transition to rain by late Thursday morning before returning to snow by late Thursday afternoon.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
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Susanville Street Rodders Holding Gift Drive to Benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Susanville Street Rodders are holding a special Gift Drive to benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program right here in Lassen County.
Join the classic car club on November 22nd, from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at the Frosty Mill to help bring holiday joy to children in our community.
Hundreds of kids in Lassen County often miss out on the excitement of unwrapping gifts, but with your help, the Susanville Street Rodders, the Susanville Car Enthusiasts and the Salvation Army are aiming to change that.
Come out to the car meet on the 22nd to show off your ride and get some fantastic, high-quality photos taken for a Lassen High student project.
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While you’re enjoying the classic cars, you can lend your support by choosing an angel from the Angel Tree tickets or by offering a monetary donation.
The requested gifts can be as small as $10 and often include essential items that we sometimes take for granted, like socks, boots and sweatshirts.
At the end of the meet, the group will cruise over to Walmart to purchase items and to stuff the Salvation Army Bus with goodies! Your generosity goes a long way, and every single donation will stay right here in Lassen County to help local families.
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First Push Button Phone Comes to Susanville
November 12, 1977
Mayor and Mrs. Richardson Presented First Push Button Phone
PUSH BUTTON PHONE DIALING COMES TO SUSANVILLE – Robert Van Duyn, Citizens Utilities Company district manager, presents Susanville Mayor Charlie Richardson and his wife, Ruth, with the first Touch Push Button telephone to be installed in Susanville.
Introduction of the service, which is available starting today, had been conditional upon the installation of equipment designed to handle push button dialing.
Van Duyn said the installation began early this year as part of the company’s $4 million construction program. The manager said other improvements at the phone company include the addition of equipment which will speed operator assisted calls.
That gear is scheduled to be installed in the soon to be completed new building. Touch Push Button phones are available in wall or desk styles and come in the same range of colors as Citizens’ standard line of phones. (Advocate photo).
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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.
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