
On Friday, January 1st, most county offices will be closed in observance of the New Year's Holiday.

On Thursday and Friday, December 24th & 25th, most county offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas Holiday. On Friday, January 1st, most county offices will be closed in observance of the New Year's Holiday.
The Christmas Eve Sutter County Flood Stories Now Free on iTunes
Just in time for Christmas, a different kind of holiday story is unfolding on the Internet.
If a new MP3 player is under your tree this year, Sutter County and the Sutter Butte Flood Control
Agency have some recommended listening. As of Dec. 18, a series of interviews of survivors of the
Christmas Eve 1955 flood are available as podcast downloads on iTunes.
Those without an MP3 player can listen to the interviews by visiting
www.sutterbutteflood.org.
The interviews conducted by former KUBA General Manager Dutch Klemp in the weeks following the disaster
are now available for free online, as a result of the due effort by Sutter County to archive stories
and images from the Dec. 24, 1955 levee failure that flooded 90 percent of Yuba City and killed 38 Sutter
County residents, and an effort by the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency to educate residents about
planned flood control improvements.
“What About the Flood” was a series on KUBA radio featuring live interviews of emergency workers and flood
survivors conducted and aired in the first four months of 1956. Mr. Klemp recorded the interviews and the
recordings were donated by his family to the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County.
This year, Sutter County began an effort to archive first person accounts and images from the Christmas
Eve flood that was the worst disaster in California since the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Moe Howard,
a KUBA on-air personality and a volunteer in the archiving project, converted the reel-to-reel analog
recordings to a digital format that makes the recordings more accessible through the use of 21st technology.
The interviews detail the mass evacuations, levee sandbagging efforts, bridge and levee collapses, rooftop
rescues, and drownings that occurred after record rainfall raised the water in area rivers in the week of
Christmas 1955.
Four of the 37 interviews have been posted on the
Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency website
and the
iTunes audio recording site in the past week. People who subscribe to the iTunes podcasts will receive new recordings as they are
added to the site. You will find the podcasts on iTunes by typing in "Yuba City flood" or "Sutter Butte Flood
Control" in the iTunes search feature.
In addition to the audio recordings from 1956, the 1955 Flood Archive Project has resulted in more than 30
hours of videotaped interviews and donations to the museum of digital copies of color 8 mm and 16 mm film images.
Sutter County is in the final phases of editing a documentary that combines the new videotaped interviews, the
KUBA audio interviews, still images of the flood, and the moving picture images. When completed, the movie will
be available on Comcast and at the Community Memorial Museum and the Sutter County Library.
Open House and Children's Program at Museum
We've decorated from floor to ceiling and we're celebrating the holidays with an open house and children's program on Sunday, December 20, 2009 from 1-3 p.m. Stories will be told, John Carter will sing and homemade cookies, punch and cider will be served after the program. All ages are welcome. Admission is free.
The Community Memorial Museum is located at 1333 Butte House Road in Yuba City. Regular open hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call the Museum at 822-7141.
Agricultural Crop Damage Reporting

Agricultural disasters caused by unusual adverse weather conditions substantially affect farmers and ranchers throughout California every year. The Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner is responsible for determining when these events have occurred and compiling reports used to request USDA Secretarial disaster declarations.
In order to qualify for federal disaster assistance, the Agricultural Commissioner is required to file a "Disaster Report" to the California Emergency Management Agency within 60 days of the end of the incident. If you have experienced a weather-related crop loss, please notify the Agricultural Commissioner by phone at 822-7500 or you may log your loss on our website at the link listed below.
Free H1N1 Vaccination Clinic
Sutter County Public Health Department is holding its first H1N1 community vaccination clinic for Sutter County residents next week.
When:
Friday, December 18, 2009
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Sutter County Veteran's Hall
1425 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City
The FREE H1N1 community vaccination clinic is for ALL medically eligible Sutter County residents.
Please see the attached
Press Release and
Flyer.
From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
-
Flu activity is already higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular
flu seasons. Almost all of the flu viruses identified this season so far are 2009 H1N1
-
All states have placed orders for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and more orders are expected
daily. Vaccine is arriving in thousands of places across the country. Because the vaccine
distribution system varies by state, the vaccine situation on the ground may differ from
community to community
-
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is taking longer to produce than manufacturers initially expected.
Scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are working around the clock to produce this vaccine
safely, effectively, and as quickly as the science allows. The U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, through state and local health departments, will continue to make the
vaccine available as soon as it comes off the production line
-
Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers
have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective
-
In the past, flu pandemics have been characterized by multiple waves. Scientists and doctors
recommend H1N1 vaccination even if flu activity slows, as it could resume later in the season
Please continue to check the county H1N1 webpage, as it is updated weekly at
www.suttercounty.org
On Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, most county offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Sutter County Employees Delay Pay Raises
Three more bargaining units, including the two largest, have agreed to delay pay increases for one year to help improve Sutter County’s budget outlook for 2009-2010.
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 10, approved amendments to contracts with the General, Supervisory and Professional units. The amendments extend the existing contracts for one year, delay a pay increase of three percent for one year for each of the units, and guarantee no additional out of pocket costs for health insurance for the employees in the three units during the contract extension.
Combined with a previous decision by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Deputy Association to defer a pay increase, the vote by Sutter County Employees Association members to delay their pay increase will save the county approximately $2 million.
Sutter County Public Health Cancels Flu Clinic Date
Sutter County Public Health Department has cancelled the seasonal drive through flu clinic that was to take place November 14, 2009. The seasonal drive through flu clinic has been cancelled due to a lack of adequate seasonal vaccine supply.
On Wednesday, November 11th, most County offices will be closed in observance of Veteran's Day.
Daylight Standard Time Next Weekend

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 a.m.
In the U.S., clocks change at 2:00 a.m. local time. In spring, clocks spring
forward from 1:59 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. In fall, clocks fall back from 1:59 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The phrase "Spring Forward, Fall Back" is used to help people remember how to reset their clocks.
Move your clocks back one hour at the resumption of Standard Time.
Contrary to popular belief, no federal rule mandates the observance of daylight saving time.
Daylight Saving time and Time zones are regulated by the
U.S. Department of Transportation.

Come to the Haunted Health Fair! We have healthy tricks for your Halloween treats.
Where: Sutter County Health Education
1445 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City
When: October 27-30 from 3-5PM
Who: For trick or treaters of all ages.
Sutter County Administrative Officer Larry T. Combs to Become Merced County’s CEO

Sutter County Administrative Officer Larry T. Combs announced that he has accepted an offer to become the County Executive Officer of Merced County.
Mr. Combs, who has served as the chief executive in Sutter County for 26 years, announced on October 19 that he has accepted the job offer. Merced County Board of Supervisors Chairman Deidre Kelsey said the Merced County Board of Supervisors will vote on whether to ratify an agreement with Mr. Combs on Oct. 27.
Invitation - Help us Reach our Youth
The state would like your input on how to better reach our Sutter-
Yuba County children/youth by increasing Therapeutic Behavioral
Services (TBS), improving how Sutter-Yuba Mental Health
Services (SYMHS) provides services, and how SYMHS works
with providers to deliver services.
Please join us for a discussion on 10/22/2009 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at:
Sutter-Yuba Mental Health Services
Valley Oaks Conference Room
1965 Live Oak Blvd., Yuba City, CA 95991
Presenter: Laura Ruble, LCSW, Quality Assurance Officer.
Sutter County Hosts Community H1N1 Presentation
Sutter County Public Health Department is holding a community
presentation to discuss H1N1 Influenza.
Anthony W. Russell, MD MPH is the presenter. The community presentation will
provide an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions and learn
how they can prepare and protect themselves from H1N1.
When: Thursday, October 8, 2009
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where:> Sutter County Health Department Auditorium
1445 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City
Sutter County Public Health would like to remind all of Sutter County residents to take
the following precautions NOW to help prevent the spread of the virus:
-
Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them. If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has ended
without the use of fever-reducing medications.
-
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into the
crook of your elbow.
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Sutter County Public Health recommends that you wash your hands for 20
seconds. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is also effective, when soap and
water are not available.
-
Avoid contact with sick people whenever possible.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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Eat right and get plenty of rest.
Safely Surrendered Baby Law
If you are in a situation where you believe there is no way you can care for your baby, now there’s a way to safely surrender your baby. California law permits the parent or person with legal custody to safely and confidentially surrender a baby within three days of birth.
The law requires that the baby be taken to a county designated site such as a hospital displaying this logo.
Designated Safe Surrender Sites for Sutter County:
-
Fremont Medical Center Outpatient Department,
970 Plumas Street, Yuba City
-
Rideout Emergency Department,
726 4th Street, Marysville
For more information, please visit:
http://www.babysafe.ca.gov/
Or call:
Toll free 1-800-371-3177
Toll free access provided by Sutter County Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program
Sutter County Public Health will be holding 8 flu clinics around the county.
These clinics are open to the public and vaccines are available for a low cost.
Children must be six months or older to receive flu shots.
Tetanus and pneumonia shots will be available in addition to flu vaccine.
Note: H1N1 vaccine is NOT available at the dates on the schedule.
Please call Sutter County Public Health at 822-7215 for more information.
November 14th, 2009 Cancellation Notice
Lewis and Clark Revisited
A Trail in Modern Day - Photographs by Greg MacGregor
Exhibit runs from September 10 to October 25, 2009 at the Sutter County Memorial Museum.
Program on Saturday, September 26th at 2:00 p.m. with Jim Phililps interpreting Lewis &
Clark Expedition member George Drouillard.
"Following in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they searched for the Northwest
Passage, contemporary photographer Greg MacGregor traces the historic 19th century journey west to
see the route as it exists today. Using the Lewis and Clark journals as his guide, MacGregor follows
the original path as much as possible and captures vivid images along the way."
Nurtured Heart Approach Workshop
The Sutter County Children & Families Commission invites you to attend an
exciting workshop with Howard Glasser the creator of the Nurtured Heart Approach. The
workshop will be on Saturday October 31, 2009 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
Boyd Hall in
Yuba City.
Registration includes lunch. Register early, space is limited.
On Monday, September 7th, most County offices will be closed for Labor Day.
Awards For Sutter County Flood And Boat Ramp Projects
A flurry of construction activity at the Tisdale Weir, an important flood control structure in
western Sutter County, has generated two awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA).
Both the construction of a new boat ramp along the Sacramento River and the replacement of two
bridges, including the one that spans the weir, have won Project of the Year awards from the
Sacramento Chapter of APWA.
Sutter County officials will accept the two awards at an APWA luncheon in Sacramento on Friday,
August 14.
“These awards reflect the creativity and competency of Sutter County Public Works staff and our
partners in the construction of the bridges and the boat ramp,” said Sutter County Board Chairman
Jim Whiteaker. “The boat ramp is heavily utilized and is the only free-to-the-public boat ramp on
the Sacramento River between Sacramento and Colusa. The new flood control bridge, which was
completed way ahead of schedule, takes pressure off the Sacramento River levee system.”
The one-lane, old Tisdale Weir Bridge sitting directly atop the weir was replaced because its deck
and superstructure were deteriorating, and because cottonwood trees and other river debris became
trapped in the bridge piers and limited the ability of the weir to divert excess river flows. This
clogging of the weir caused additional strain on the Sacramento River levee system during high
water episodes, increasing the risk of a levee failure and inundation of the Meridian and Robbins
basins.
The project to replace the Tisdale Weir Bridge and the nearby Garmire Road Bridge won APWA’s 2009
Environmental Project of the Year Award for its flood control features. The project was completed
a year early. MCM Construction Inc. of North Highlands was the primary contractor, and Sutter
County hired Vali Cooper & Associates of Sacramento to manage the construction work.
The Tisdale Boat Ramp facility won APWA’s Parks and Trails Project of the Year Award. The Tisdale
Boat Ramp replaces a ramp located upstream from Tisdale Weir that silted in and required expensive
annual maintenance. PBM Construction of Roseville constructed the 30-foot wide, 160-foot long ramp
and the 1.5 acre, 43-vehicle parking lot.
Website Ranked in Top 10 for 7th Consecutive Year
Sutter County was awarded tenth place in the 2009 Digital Counties Surveys for governments
with less than 150,000 population. The award recognizes counties across the U.S. that are
using information technology (IT) to deliver high quality service to its customers and
citizens, typically in the form of superior website development and the conversion of
government processes into electronically enabled formats. Sutter County has ranked in the
top ten consistently for the past seven years.
The annual study recognizes hard work and innovation by measuring over 100 data points about
online service delivery, infrastructure, architecture, and governance models.
This award reflects the important collaboration between County Departments and Information
Technology in providing Internet services to County Citizens.
August is Child Support Awareness Month
Parents Given Opportunity to Reinstate Driver Licenses Suspended for Child Support Debts.
Child Support Awareness Month celebrates the key role parental emotional and financial support play in the well-being of our children, our most precious resource, helping them to become healthy, productive, and well-adjusted adults. California's Child Support Program provides important services enabling parents to be a positive influence in the lives of their children benefiting all who live and work in California.
In recognition of Child Support Awareness Month the Sutter County Department of Child Support Services is offering parents who have had their driver license suspended for non-payment of child support an opportunity to get it restored. The "Get Back on the Road Again" public awareness program targets parents who have had their license suspended because they did not meet their full child support obligations. The "Get Back on the Road Again" program is available to parents with child support cases in all California counties. This opportunity is available at each local child support agency throughout California during August 2009.
Parents interested in participating in the "Get Back on the Road Again" program may visit the DCSS website at
www.childsup.ca.gov for specific dates and county locations or may call toll free 1 (866) 901-3212.
For additional information call Jamie Murray, Director Sutter County Department of Child Support Services (530) 822-7338 x216
or email Jamie.
Sutter County Looks for 1955 Flood Stories for Video Archive
As part of its flood awareness outreach, Sutter County is seeking oral histories of the 1955
flood to record on videotape.
Forty people drowned at Yuba City when a Feather River levee collapsed just past midnight on
Christmas Eve, 1955. Flooding also occurred at Nicolaus, as well as in southern Butte County.
Some 600 helicopter rescues occurred in the hours after the levee breech, and hundreds of people
survived by climbing onto cars, buildings and trees.
Sutter County is inviting potential participants to contact Public Information Officer Chuck Smith,
at 822-7100, to schedule a time to be interviewed and videotaped. The material will be used in
public information outreach programs about flooding and archived for posterity.
Sutter County is also interested in any still or motion pictures of the flood.
Submit Road Service Requests Online

We are pleased to announce the ability to submit Road Service Requests as an
Online Service
through the Sutter County website. You, the citizen are our best asset, and we
appreciate your assistance in letting us know about potential concerns and hazards.
Services such as removing an animal carcass, road or shoulder damage, downed trees,
removing visual obstructions, and repairing damaged signs are just a few of the duties
performed by our Road Division.
Please use this service as a way of notifying the Road Department of problem areas
throughout the County. The form is for you to identify specific issues and direct us
to them so that we can respond promptly and courteously. Thank you for your valuable input.
Service requests are administered by the Road Division of the Sutter County Public Works Department.
Sutter County History Display

Sutter County's entry in the Yuba-Sutter History Fair at the Yuba-Sutter Mall July 11 was entitled “How Sutter County Genius Shaped The World.” It detailed how Yuba City native John J. Montgomery was the first American to pilot an airplane, 20 years before Orville and Wilbur Wright, and how experiments on a Sutter County farm were the genesis of Caterpillar Inc., which is now a $45 billion a year multinational company.
On Friday, July 3rd, most county offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day.
Sutter County Deputies Delay Pay Increase
The Sutter County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association has agreed to delay a pay increase to help Sutter
County weather anticipated cuts in state funding for mandated state programs operated by the County.
Sutter County is preparing its 2009-2010 fiscal year budget, which will include dipping into reserve
funds to balance the budget without cuts to services and programs. Delay of the pay increase for DSA
members will save the county approximately $314,000 in the 2009-2010 budget year.
“The decision of the DSA to agree to delay implementation of a negotiated pay increase speaks volumes
about the integrity of the rank and file men and women who work for the Sheriff’s Department,” said
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Whiteaker. “As they do every day in their dangerous job setting, they
are putting the community before themselves and their families. On behalf of Sutter County, I thank
them for this additional selfless act.”
The DSA represents sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, investigators and other law enforcement
unit classifications. Members were scheduled to receive a raise of three percent on June 20, based on
a bargaining agreement in 2007 which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2009. The DSA and the County
agreed to extend the MOU through December of 2010, with the raise delayed until June of 2010.
DSA President John DeVries issued the following statement:
“On the 27th of May, 2009, the County approached the Sutter County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association to
request they forgo their upcoming 3 percent cost of living increase. On the 15th of June, the membership
of the Sutter County DSA unanimously voted to give up their 2009 cost of living increase of 3 percent.
The members took this action not under threat of layoffs or work furloughs, but because it is the right
thing to do in today’s economic climate. The members will collectively give back to the county $314,000
as a result of their action. We, the members of the association, are members of the community of Sutter
County and we took an oath to protect and serve our community. We saw this as another way to serve our
community.”
Sutter County Wins National Recognition For Mandatory Flood Insurance Deadline Outreach
Sutter County’s efforts to warn residents of new requirements to purchase federal flood insurance have been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACO).
Sutter County has received a NACO Achievement Award for the “Mandatory Flood Insurance Deadline Outreach” program it implemented in 2008 to warn south county residents of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to place them in a mandatory flood insurance area, according to Larry Naake, NACO’s executive director.
Board Chairman Jim Whiteaker nominated the County for the award, and announced the award at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
Sutter County partnered with several agencies, including the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency and The Yuba-Sutter Appeal-Democrat, in implementing the award-winning program.
When the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) released new maps placing one-third of Sutter County in a high-risk flood zone, Sutter County had to explain to thousands of property owners how, for the first time in four decades, the federal government would require flood insurance on mortgaged properties, and require expensive—and in some cases impossible—flood-proofing measures on new construction.
Sutter County responded with a communications campaign that involved partnerships with key flood control organizations, the local media, and community groups; a series of direct mail pieces to the impacted property owners; a series of outreach meetings by the Sutter County Division of Water Resources for property owners, insurance agents, real estate agents, developers and engineers; the use of new media; the creation of Flood Awareness Month; the creation of a special event, the Flood Aware/Flood Prepare Fair; and the staffing of three people qualified to read flood maps and answer phone calls about flood insurance.
Sutter County partnered with the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency, the American Red Cross, the Yuba-Sutter Mall, the Yuba-Sutter Appeal-Democrat AM 1600 KUBA, and the California Department of Water Resources to create Flood Awareness Month and the Flood Aware/Flood Prepare Fair in October. The Appeal-Democrat printed a special section with information about past floods, preparing for a flood, and flood insurance requirements.
PROACT, a citizen’s organization, conducted levee tours in association with Levee District 1, during Flood Awareness month.
Sutter County produced a video with haunting images from the 1955 flood and posted the video on YouTube and The Appeal-Democrat website.
The county’s outreach generated calls to the Water Resources Division from more than 800 different residents—and many called two or three times. Three qualified department staff fielded the calls and deciphered FEMA’s flood maps for residents.
The County and the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency have plans to continue Flood Awareness Month each October. FEMA is expected to remap large portions of the remaining areas of Sutter County into a mandatory flood insurance zone in 2010.
California Grizzly Bear Exhibit at Museum

The Community Memorial Museum presents the exhibit "Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly", from June 26 – August 16, 2009. Opening Reception and Program on Friday, June 26 - Reception at 7:00 p.m. and Program at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Susan Snyder of the Bancroft Library, editor of the book "Bear in Mind, The California Grizzly".
Notice of Beilensen Hearing
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Beilensen Hearing pursuant to Section 1442.5 of the California Health and Safety Code (Beilensen Act) on the transfer of management of the Sutter County Medical Outpatient Clinic. The Beilensen Hearing will be held on June 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Board of Supervisors Chambers, 466 Second Street, Yuba City, CA 95991.
Children’s Program at Museum
The Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County will offer a free children’s
program on Thursday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. Aondreaa the Storytailor will
present “The Life and Times of a Very Spoiled Princess”, a four-part tale woven
from four famous stories. Join Aondreaa as she portrays the spoiled princess
Ingrata and her attendants with drama, humor and pathos, with poetry and audience
participation. The young princess lives up to her name (Ungrateful), from her
imperious insistence on a preferred potty, to her demand to possess the moon, to
her forced choice over the fate of her suitor, and at last to recognition of the
consequences of her selfishness.
Refreshments will be served after the program. No reservations are needed.
The Community Memorial Museum is located at 1333 Butte House Road in Yuba City.
Regular open hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to
4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call the Museum at 822-7141.
Who Maintains the Levees in Sutter County?
Feather River (Live Oak Maintenance Area)
California Department of Water Resources
3310 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 574-1302
Feather River (north Yuba City to Live Oak)
Levee District 9
1471 Coats Drive, Yuba City, CA 95993
(530) 749-3902
Feather River (south Yuba City)
Levee District 1
250 Second Street
Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 673-2454
Sacramento River (Robbins Basin)
Reclamation District 1500
PO Box 96, Robbins, CA 95676
(530) 738-4423
Sacramento River (Meridian Basin/southern stretch near Tisdale)
Reclamation District 1660
PO Box 35, Meridian, CA 95957
(530) 696-0349
Sacramento River (Meridian Basin, northern stretch)
Reclamation District 70
PO Box 129
Meridian, CA 95957
(530) 696-2569
Sutter Bypass (west levee Robbins Basin)
Reclamation District 1500
PO Box 96, Robbins, CA 95676
(530) 738-4423
Sutter Bypass (west levee Meridian basin)
Reclamation District 1660
PO Box 35, Meridian, CA 95957
(530) 696-0349
Sutter Bypass (east levee north and south)
California Department of Water Resources
3310 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 574-1302
Snake River (east of Sutter Buttes/Wadsworth Canal and interceptor canal)
California Department of Water Resources
3310 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 574-1302
Tisdale Bypass (north and south levees from weir to Sutter Bypass)
California Department of Water Resources
3310 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 574-1302
On Monday, May 25, most County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Public Works by the Numbers
May 18-22 is National Public Works Week. During the May 19 Board of Supervisors meeting,
Public Works Director Doug Gault reported on the busy nature of the various divisions
between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009:
Road Maintenance
Laid out 9,200 tons of asphalt, 6,400 tons of mixed road base, 355 tons of cold mixed asphalt,
and 204 tons of crushed rock; repaired or replaced 1,300 road signs; responded to 113 service
requests.
General Services
Processed 942 purchase order requests and 3,124 vehicle and equipment service requests; audited
and processed 10,326 fuel transactions; processed 2,200 invoices for fleet operations.
Facilities Maintenance
Responded to 83 emergency calls and 2,565 routine service requests; led the effort on 24
facilities projects.
Public Works Administrative Services
Processed 5,158 invoices for $14.4 million.
Water Resources
Conducted 34 public outreach meetings; responded to 845 calls about flood insurance or flood
protection; achieved a 10 percent reduction in flood insurance costs for Sutter County.
Engineering
Processed 98 mapping and development actions (including 950 reimbursable hours for Sutter Pointe);
completed 11 facilities projects; developed and contracted the 7.9 miles of work in the $2.8
million, 2008 Road Maintenance Plan.
Swine Flu (H1N1) Information
Dr. Michael Kinnison, Public Health Officer
Updated: Wednesday, May 19, 2009 at 11 a.m.
There is one confirmed case of Swine Flu in a Sutter County resident. That individual had mild symptoms,
did not require hospitalization, and is fully recovered.
National Public Works Week
Each year the American Public Works Association (APWA) sponsors National Public Works Week.
National Public Works Week is a means to recognize the efforts of Public Works and help the
public understand the many ways this dedicated staff provides service to the community.
The Sutter County Director of Public Works and Public Works Department, located at 1130
Civic Center Blvd., invites employees and the public to participate in National Public Works
Week. A department overview and tour of the Engineering Division are scheduled for Wednesday,
May 20, 2009 starting at 2:00 p.m. and again on Friday, May 22, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
The Engineering Division staff will be on hand to provide information on our Annual Road Plan,
Facilities Design Projects and Global Positioning System.
The Department will also have displays and provide information on Road and Facilities
Maintenance operations on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and again on
Friday, May 22, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Road Maintenance equipment will be displayed at the County Corporation Yard on 275 Samuel
Drive, with personnel on hand to explain the operation and uses of the equipment.
The Facilities Services Division will have a static display at the 146 Garden Highway offices
detailing facilities work and projects.
Measure M (Sutter Pointe Specific Plan) Environmental Impact Report
On May 16, 2009, Sutter County issued a
Notice of Availability
of a final environmental impact report for the Sutter Pointe Specific Plan.
Copies of the Plan, EIR and associated documents can be downloaded here:
Board of Supervisors Visits Local High Schools
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors continued its outreach to local schools on May 5 by conducting
its fourth meeting at a local high school in 13 months—this time at Sutter Union High School.
The Board of Supervisors previously conducted special meetings at Faith Christian High School, River
Valley High School and Yuba City High School. The Board plans on visiting Live Oak and East Nicolaus
high schools in the near future.
The Board of Supervisors appreciates the students and school officials who have made each of the
meetings at the high schools unique events. School personnel have been tremendous in integrating the
official business of the Board of Supervisors into the middle of their school day and arranging for
students to participate in the meeting.
The high school site meetings are an opportunity for young men and women to learn about how local government works.
Swine Flu Information
Dr. Michael Kinnison, Public Health Officer
Posted: Monday, April 27, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
The Sutter County Public Health Department is prepared for the possible outbreak
of Swine Flu in our community. Swine Flu is caused by a new virus (H1N1).
There are no reported cases in Sutter County at this time.
There have been 149 deaths attributed to Swine Flu in Mexico. Forty-three non-fatal
cases have been confirmed in the United States, including 11 in California. The closest
case is in Sacramento County. On Sunday, the U.S. Government declared a National Health
Emergency as a precaution and to enable flexibility in moving resources around the country.
While there are no known cases of Swine Flu in Sutter County, there is a potential for the
new strain of flu to reach Sutter County. The symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to those
of regular flu -- fever, cough, fatigue, lack of appetite.
The Public Health Department has established an Operations Center within the department to
monitor the situation and coordinate communication with the public, and with local medical
and emergency personnel. Sutter County Public Health officials have been training for the
potential of an influenza pandemic for five years.
The current series of flu shots WILL NOT protect anyone from contracting Swine Flu.
A vaccine for Swine Flu will take months to become available for mass distribution.
Anti-viral medication is available to mitigate symptoms if your doctor feels it is
appropriate for your condition.
If you have recently become ill after travel to or from Mexico (since April 1) or have
recently become ill after exposure to someone who has recently traveled to or from Mexico,
see your doctor immediately.
Individuals should wash hands frequently, cough into a tissue or their arm, and not into
their hands. If they become ill with respiratory symptoms they should stay home and see
their health provider.
The following links contain important information about Swine Flu, about how to prevent the
spread of flu, and what to do if you contract the flu.
A phone bank has been established at the Public Health Department and is operational from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. The number is 822-7215.
29 Passport Applications Issued During Passport Day USA

Sutter County Clerk Recorder Donna Johnston was pleased with the response to ‘Passport Day’ - a special Saturday opening of the Clerk-Recorder’s Office in March - to help residents get prepared for major changes in the laws about traveling outside of, and returning to, the United States.
The Clerk-Recorder’s Office issued 29 passport applications in a five-hour period, or about three times the average number of applications for a typical eight-hour weekday.
“Last year, we issued about 2,400 passports, which worked out to about nine a day, so we were very pleased with the response to opening up for a few hours on a Saturday,” Mrs. Johnston said.
The Clerk-Recorder opened the office on a Saturday, in cooperation with the U.S. State Department’s “Passport Day In The USA”. This promotion was implemented to remind United States citizens that beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government, in order to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean - at land borders and sea ports of entry.
Business Speaker Recognizes Sutter County Public Health For Outstanding Customer Service

Sutter County's Public Health Department was recently recognized for outstanding customer service during an event sponsored by the Yuba-Sutter Business Consortium.
The County’s Public Health Department was mentioned as an example of an organization that provides good customer service during a presentation by Patricia Fripp, a nationally recognized customer service trainer and public speaker. Mrs. Fripp was speaking March 25 during a special program hosted by the Business Consortium.
According to Dana Garcia of the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corp., the Sutter County Public Health Department was included in a list of examples of organizations with outstanding customer service in the Yuba-Sutter area. Specifically mentioned was the drive-through flu shot clinic in November in which more than 400 people received flu shots. Mrs. Fripp became aware of the event because of a letter to the editor of The Appeal-Democrat praising the Health Department’s outreach.
The Y-S Business Consortium is a 10-member organization of private and public organizations that promote the growth of small businesses, including the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce, Yuba College, the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation, the California Employer Advisory Council, North Central Counties Consortium, the Sutter County One Stop, the Yuba County One Stop, and the Small Business Development Center.
Low Debt Burden For County
Of 33 counties surveyed by private financial advisor company Stone and Youngberg, Sutter County had the highest reserve ratio and the lowest debt burden, a reflection of years of conservative budgeting by the Board of Supervisors. The attached document is referenced in an Opinion-Editorial by Board Chairman Jim Whiteaker scheduled to run on Sunday, April 12 in The Appeal-Democrat newspaper.
Assistance for People Affected by Drought
If you have been affected by drought, a number of programs are available to you.
A new brochure has been made available by the California Emergency Management Agency (
Cal EMA) outlining various assistance programs available to individuals affected by drought. Categories include tax advice, programs for farmers, food assistance, health and education programs, and more.

Sutter County Health Department is hosting a series of events in celebration of Public Health Week 2009.
Everyone is invited to join us for a Community Mall Walk on April 6th, Monday, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m., in conjunction with the Yuba Sutter Mall. This kick-off event will include no-cost health screenings for all participants.
On April 8th, Wednesday, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., come with your family to Regency Park, on the north end of Stabler Lane, for "Family Fun Night" - laugh, play and get moving with your family.
Bright Futures Spring Health Fair
The Bright Futures Spring Health Fair
takes place on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the
West Walton Elementary School at 1700 Camino de Flores, Yuba City.
FREE health and development screenings will be available for all
children under the age of five.
Special Saturday Activities
- Sutter Co. Sheriffs Department Water Safety Presentation
- Yuba City Fire Department Fire House
- Sutter County Smiles Mobile Dental Clinic
- Sutter County Public Health Mobile Van
- Car Seat Safety information and Inspections
Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 822-7505.
Daylight Saving Time Begins on March 8

Don't forget to move your clocks forward this weekend! Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 a.m.
In the U.S., clocks change at 2:00 a.m. local time. In spring, clocks spring forward from 1:59 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.; in fall, clocks fall back from 1:59 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The phrase "Spring Forward, Fall Back" is used to help people remember how to reset their clocks.
After six terms in office and 25 years with Sutter County, Treasurer-Tax
Collector Jim Stevens says it is time to step away from his job.
In a letter to the Board of Supervisors late Wednesday, Mr. Stevens
announced his decision to resign effective June 30, 2009 due to health reasons.
“It has been an honor to serves as the Treasurer-Tax Collector for Sutter County,”
Mr. Stevens wrote in his letter. “It has been my pleasure to have served with so
many dedicated Supervisors, Department Heads, staff, and the Administrator’s Office.
“I would like to extend my sincere wishes towards your continued success in maintaining
the fiscal soundness of the county of Sutter and to thank you for the dedication you
have displayed in providing your constituents with equitable decisions.”
Run Drugs Out of Town 5K Run

The Substance Abuse Steering Coalition is hosting its 4th annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5K Run Saturday, April 25th, 2009 at River Valley High School. This tri-county event is a family oriented fun walk/run for everyone!
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the event starts at 9:00 a.m. The cost is $10 for adults and children who register by April 10th, $15 for adults day of event. This is a tobacco and drug free event.
Visit
www.rundrugsoutoftownrun.org or contact Dulia Aguilar at 674-1885 ext 109.
On Monday, February 16th, most county offices will be closed in observance of Washington's Birthday.
New Exhibit at Sutter County Memorial Museum

Currently at the Museum is an Art Show exhibit presented by the students of the Art Department
of River Valley High School. The show, up through February 20th, highlights the creativity of
the many talented art students at the school, and consists of many different art forms. It has
been described as both vibrant and energetic. Make time to stop by the Museum and let your
imagination soar with some of the most talented young artists in the community.
Sutter County Library Literacy Presents
Black \ African-American History Month
Free Celebration Time!
- Reading
- Dramatization
- Singing
Oh! Come And See.
Open to the public, adults & children!
Have A Good Time While Learning About Black\ African-American History
WHEN:
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Starting at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Sutter County Library
750 Forbes Avenue
Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 822-7272
Oh! Soul Food good for the body and good for the soul
Sutter County Assessor Says There’s No Charge To Appeal Assessments

YUBA CITY-A Los Angeles company’s offer to charge Sutter County
property owners $179 for something they can do for free has been
referred to the District Attorney for possible investigation of criminal wrongdoing.
Mailers, sent on official looking forms and promising to lower property tax
bills in Sutter County, are probably a scam, said Sutter County Assessor Mike Strong.
In a letter to District Attorney Carl Adams, Mr. Strong on Friday called the
mailers "outrageous" and "highly unethical" and asked the
DA to determine if they were also illegal.
The mailers are not affiliated with the county or any government agency in anyway and provide nothing that a property owner cannot already achieve for free.
Guiding Principles Of Sutter County General Plan Process Evident In Three Land Use Alternatives To Be Considered Thursday Night
What will Sutter County look like in 2030? If it follows the guiding principles developed for the process of updating of the County’s General Plan, it will continue as a livable place sustained by striking a suitable balance between strong agricultural traditions, natural resource preservation, and economic growth.
On Thursday night, members of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors and the Sutter County Planning Commission will meet to consider three draft alternatives of Sutter County’s future put forth by the General Plan Advisory Committee. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Sutter County Health Department Auditorium, 1445 Veterans Memorial Circle in Yuba City.
The three draft alternatives are:
- Retain the land uses adopted in the existing General Plan.
- New Growth - Lower Intensity
- New Growth - Higher Intensity
To view the staff report, the draft alternatives, and a copy of the Guiding Principles, visit the General Plan Update
Project Documents
National “Give Kids A Smile Day” Celebration

The Sutter County Health Department will celebrate “Give Kids A Smile Day” on February 6, Friday, from 1-3 pm at 1445 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City. The local celebration includes fun activities for children ages 1-5, photos with the Tooth Fairy, dental screenings (which meet the kindergarten entry screening requirement) and prizes. The event kicks off Dental Health Month and supports efforts that focus on providing oral health education to all children despite their economic status.
“Give Kids A Smile Day” was designed to provide dental education, preventative and restorative care to low-income children who do not have access to these services and is an annual centerpiece to National Children's Dental Health Month. While dentistry is only 5 percent of the health care dollar, dental care is critical. Research shows that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 50 percent of U.S. first graders. Nationally, more than one-half of children ages 6 to 8 have tooth decay, and one-third of it goes untreated.
New Planning Commissioner from the Fifth Supervisorial District
Sutter County Supervisor James Gallagher has appointed Nicolaus resident Thomas Engler as the Planning Commissioner from the Fifth Supervisorial District.
Mr. Engler is a project manager with MBK Engineers in the field of water resources projects, including levee rehabilitation and improvement projects. He is an affiliate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and has taken continuing education courses through the UC Davis extension program in a variety of land use topics, including the California Environmental Quality Act, flood management in California, and the Subdivision Map Act.
Mr. Engler attended his first Planning Commission meeting Jan. 21. The Planning Commission meets again Feb. 5 in a joint meeting with the Sutter County Board of Supervisors for public hearing on land use alternatives addressed in the County’s General Plan update process. That meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Sutter County Health Department Auditorium, 1445 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City, CA 95993.
Sutter County Stimulus Package Project List

Sutter County has assembled a master list of $60 million in “shovel ready” projects for consideration if Congress approves President Barack Obama’s proposal for a public works stimulus package to revive the American economy.
The list, compiled by Public Works Director Douglas R. Gault, was forwarded to Congressman Wally Herger, Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, State Senator Sam Aanestad and Assemblyman Jim Nielsen.
The Sutter County list contains $30.2 million in road projects, $27 million in building projects, and $2.9 million in water projects. All projects could start within three to six months of funding approvals and be completed within one year.
The road projects list includes approximately $23 million for road rehabilitation projects throughout Sutter County. The building projects include $12.5 million for a new Human Services Building and $3.5 million for a new animal shelter. A majority of the water projects involve improvements to the water system for the community of Robbins, including the elimination of arsenic.
With Counties, It’s Not One Size Fits All

SACRAMENTO—Larry Munger, Sutter County’s longest-serving supervisor, will be sworn in January 28 as Chairman of the Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC), a coalition of less populated counties that has been promoting a “rural understanding among” urban-focused policy makers for 35 years.
RCRC represents 30 of the least populated counties in California that make up almost half of California’s landmass, seven percent of the state’s population, and the origin of 80 percent of its water.
“Most of these counties face similar issues,” Mr. Munger said. “By coming together in RCRC we have some clout. And by working together, we become aware of each other’s problems—such as timber tax revenues for schools in the mountain counties and flood control in the valley, for instance—and we can support each other on those issues.”
On Monday, January 19th, most county offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Sutter County Historical Society will be holding a meeting at the Museum on January 17th. The main speaker will be Andrea Galvin of Galvin Preservation Associates and she will be talking about the historical site survey done in Sutter County. Mike Hubbart will be on hand to talk about a book he is doing for Arcadia Press on the Sutter Buttes. Mike is a long time member and hike guide for Middle Mountain Foundation. Dessert will be provided.
Also, the Sutter County Historical Society beautifully reprinted Thompson & West's History of Sutter County and it is available for sale at the Community Memorial Museum. First printed in 1879, it is an early look at Sutter County history and an invaluable resource for anyone interested in local history. It sells for $45 (plus tax). The reprint of 1974 can sell for hundreds of dollars if you can find one, so this is a real bargain.
Measure M (Sutter Pointe Specific Plan) Environmental Impact Report
On December 19, 2008, Sutter County issued a
Notice of Availability
of a draft environmental impact report for the Sutter Pointe Specific Plan.
Copies of the Plan, EIR and associated documents can be downloaded here: