Category Archives: Environment

Bits & Pieces, Environment, Government, Nevada County Information

Burning Permits Now Required In Nevada County Starting May 1st

httpv://youtu.be/4At3U_mVe7w
Residential Debris Burn Demonstration

Escaped residential debris burns continue to be a leading cause of fire suppression calls in Nevada County. Learning to safely and cleanly burn vegetation debris helps to minimize smoke emissions and allows firefighters time to respond to true emergencies. It is your responsibility to know and follow local and state burning regulations. Failure to follow these regulations is a misdemeanor offense and you may be fined and prosecuted for the expense of containing a wildfire.

Visit the Fire Safe Council website to:

Northern Sierra Air Quality

Burn Day Info

Western Nevada County 530-274-7928

Truckee 530-582-1027

 

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Environment, Government

Three Easy Steps to Get Brush Chipped at Your House Year Round

Chipping

The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County will chip any brush that is cleared from defensible space of any permanent structure and/or 30’ from any roadside or driveway used for evacuation purposes. Any vegetation that grows past such limitations is beyond the boundaries of what we can chip.

Grant funding is very limited for the Chipping program. We need your support to keep the program functional.  The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County relies on a suggested donation of $75 per hour from chipping customers, membership dues and generous donations of local businesses and Nevada County residents to keep the program running.

To use the chipping program:

1. Create your piles to be chipped. See program requirements below.

2. Download the Defensible Space Chipping Application or contact the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County at (530) 272-1122 and leave your name, mailing address and phone number and a Defensible Space Chipping Application will be mailed to you.

3. After the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County receives your chipping application they will enter it on the appropriate neighborhood route. Chipping is completed on a six to eight week rotation throughout all the different neighborhoods. When you complete your piles for chipping and submit your chipping application will determine how long it will be before the chipper arives to complete your chipping. Sustaining members of the Fire Safe Council generally recieve chipping service within two weeks. If you would like to learn how to receive priority chipping please visit our membership page.

The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County is not able to chip:

  • Solid piles of leaves.
  • Pine needles.
  • Yard clippings.
  • Decaying wood.
  • Scotch Broom
  • Timber harvest projects.

Waste Management offers a “Green Waste Pick-Up” program to dispose of such materials. They can be contacted at (530) 274-3090.

Program Requirements:

  • Chipping piles need to be stacked along a road or driveway frontages which will allow the crew to work from the road or driveway.
  • Piles must be placed within 5 feet of chipper access.
  • Piles must be placed on the uphill side of road or driveway.
  • Piles must be free of roots/stumps, rocks and mud, poison oak, scotch broom and blackberries and other vines.
  • Piles must be stacked with the cut ends facing the same direction, pointing towards access route to piles.
  • All material chipped will be blown back onto the property or put in a pile where the brush was or.
  • The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County will provide service on a first-come, first–served basis.
  • The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County cannot clean up timber harvest projects or vacant lots.

Any more questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (530) 272-1122.

 

For all your real estate needs
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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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(530) 263-1091
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Environment

What’s Better, Paper Towels or Air Blowers?

I personally do not like air blowers to dry my hands. First of all, my hands seem to still be wet after using an air dryer unless I leave them there for what seems like forever and secondly, I have to grab the door handle to get out of the bathroom. That just feels icky. I always felt that the door handle can contain germs.  This study by the Mao Clinic confirms my beliefs.

In June, the Mayo Clinic published a comprehensive study of every known hand-washing study done since 1970. The authors concluded that drying skin is essential to staving off bacteria, and that paper towels are superior to driers: They’re more efficient, they don’t spatter germs, they won’t dry out hands and most people prefer them. (A co-author of the study has served as a consultant for Kimberly Clark Australia, a maker of paper towels.) Dr. Thompson’s study was one of the dozen samples reviewed, and he concurs with the Even though studies have shown that a thorough washing with soap will remove nearly all traces of bacteria, some germaphobes take extra precautionary measures, like using a paper towel to touch the bathroom door or faucet.

Dr. Thompson doesn’t think that is such a bad idea. “Remember that some people don’t wash their hands at all. So when you turn off the faucet, you contaminate your hands again; then you grab the door handle and you’re picking up whatever germs were left behind.”

Source: Read the full article at The Wall Street Journal

 

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Environment

Malcom Gladwell on the SUV Phenomenon & Gas Prices

2010-2011 Toyota Prius photographed in Manassa...
2010-2011 Toyota Prius photographed in Manassas, Virginia, USA. Category:Toyota Prius (NHW20) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malcom Gladwell is one of the funnier and more interesting writers of our time. His book “The Tipping Point” is one of my favorites. His recent article from the New Yorker, “Big and Bad” is a fascinating look at the history and marketing of SUVs, why people like them, and what the auto manufacturers have learned about how to make and sell them, to satisfy our craving for them.

When John wrote the article below, Gas Prices Too High? it brought home that, in a roomy and comfortable Prius, a 3,500 mile drive he took on his recent vacation cost him all of $249 in gas (at an average $3.35 gallon).

When John wrote the article below, Gas Prices Too High? it brought home that, in a roomy and comfortable Prius, a 3,500 mile drive he took on his recent vacation cost him all of $249 in gas (at an average $3.35 gallon).

In an area where many people (my wife included) commute to Roseville or Sacramento, or beyond to get those perpetually necessary paychecks, the result is quite a financial squeeze if you don’t own efficient vehicles. What’s the point of getting a higher paycheck if it is eaten up by the commute to work?

There are plenty of reasons for big powerful vehicles. Towing and hauling is a real requirement for many people. But you should really read Gladwell’s article to see why people REALLY buy SUVs.

It’s a hoot.

This article posted by Richard Webster

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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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Environment

California Wildfire Awareness Week

httpv://youtu.be/7d-pm5FLa-k

With fire season coming up, California declared May 6-12, 2012 “Wildfire Awareness Week.” During the week, CAL FIRE urges homeowners to take the necessary steps to prepare their family and their homes from potential wildfires. Wildfire Awareness Week is designed to not only remind Californians of the dangers that wildfires pose, but also to educate them on how to prepare. This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Go!” Being “Ready” for a wildfire starts by creating 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening your home with fire-resistant building materials and being prepared. “Set” is getting set as the fire approaches. “Go” is leaving early to avoid being caught in the fire, smoke or road congestion.

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Environment

Consider Wildlife When Creating A Firewise Landscape

By Ed Pandofino

Living in fire-prone landscapes in California requires some modification of the areas around your home to protect it from fire. While there is no doubt that these modifications alter habitats used by wildlife, you can minimize the negative impacts on birds by paying attention to the timing of your activities.

In our area birds begin nesting in March and many still have dependent young as late as August. Since destruction of active bird nests is both against the law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and avoidable, the simplest approach is to conduct all clearing activities outside this period. This means doing the work in the cooler months, which is also easier on those doing this difficult work. Keep in mind that birds do NOT just nest in trees. Many birds nest on or near the ground in brushy areas (e.g., California Quail, Bewick’s Wren, California Towhees, etc.). Just because you are NOT removing trees doesn’t mean you are not disturbing nests. Also, keep in mind that disturbance is most damaging early in the season when birds are on eggs or have young still in the nest. In general, the most sensitive period is likely to be mid-March through July. It is best to avoid all disturbance during this period.

Ed Pandolfino
Sierra Foothills Audubon Society

For more information visit:

 

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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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animals, Environment

Racoons Are Cute, But Can Be Dangerous To Your Health

Common raccoon (Procyon lotor) and skunk (Meph...
Image via Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is more appealing than the face of a raccoon, cute, a mask over their eyes and their overall facial features make them look wise. But, what a problem. They get into your cat food in the garage, overturn garbage cans and leave behind quite a mess. Not only that, if you continue reading, you’ll understand how dangerous they can be to your health, even fatal.

These bandit-masked raccoons are a familiar sight just about everywhere, because they will eat just about anything. These ubiquitous mammals are found in forests, marshes, prairies, and even in cities. They are adaptable and use their dexterous front paws and long fingers to find and feast on a wide variety of fare.

In the natural world, raccoons snare a lot of their meals in the water. These nocturnal foragers use lightning-quick paws to grab crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. On land, they pluck mice and insects from their hiding places and raid nests for tasty eggs.

Raccoons also eat fruit and plants—including those grown in human gardens and farms. They will even open garbage cans to dine on the contents.

They do not have opposing thumbs, but that does not seem to hinder them at all. Raccoons sample food and other objects with their front paws to examine them and to remove unwanted parts. The tactile sensitivity of their paws is increased if this action is performed underwater, since the water softens the horny layer covering the paws. However, they do not use water to clean their food as often thought. (Wikipedia)

I don’t think that feeding raccoons is a good idea, since they carry rabies and distemper, A more dangerous disease is found in raccoon feces which can contain a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis.  This is a type of roundworm that can also infect humans.  If this parasite is transferred to humans, it can be extremely dangerous.  In children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, infection with this roundworm can even be fatal.  Infections occur when someone comes into contact with raccoon droppings.  Millions of this parasite’s eggs are often present in the droppings.  Even though roundworm parasites need to be inside the host to survive, the eggs can remain alive and dangerous for years in the soil.  This is how people can come into contact with the parasite without even knowing that they have.

If you have been exposed to this parasite or its eggs, your symptoms could include becoming nauseous, tired, and you may notice a lack of attention or coordination.  Other more serious symptoms are the loss of muscle control, blindness, and coma.  It can also cause a person’s liver to become enlarged.  If you have come into contact with raccoon feces and have any of these symptoms, contact a doctor as soon as possible.  With the proper treatment, the ringworms can be eliminated before they travel throughout the body.

If you’ve found raccoon feces in your yard, take precautions before cleaning it up.  Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection.  Experts also recommend that you wear rubber boots, tyvek overalls, and that a respirator be used.  It is also recommended that you double or triple bag the droppings before disposing of them.  This will prevent other people coming into contact with the dangerous parasite.  If you are unsure, or if you suspect a large raccoon population, you can call a professional pest controller.  They have the appropriate equipment and the training to clean up the droppings safely and they can also offer some advice for deterring raccoons from playing and foraging in your yard.

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Bits & Pieces, Environment, Grass Valley

Snow in Nevada County February 25, 2011

logan-hiking1

Image 1 of 8

 

By John J. O’Dell

I awoke this morning to having the power go out for the third time this winter. Not only that, but as I looked out my window, there was three feet of snow. Within the next hour, it was about 4 inches over the top of the handrail. Now I don’t have a wood stove so there is no way to heat my house when the power goes out. So needless to say, it was starting to get cold.

The best thing to do when this happens is to get out of there and go somewhere else.  I thought I could work at my new office located in the Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, but guess what?  Power was out in Nevada City, the Brunswick Area and Grass Valley. So much for working today.

I’ve taken a bunch of pictures of my trip from my house in Cascade Shores to Grass Valley.  On the trip down the hill (I’m at the 3,700 foot elevation) there were power lines and trees down again as in the last snow storm.  There was even a power line down on S. Auburn Street in Grass Valley where a tree came down and took the line down from a power pole to a house across the street.

Hopefully the power will come back sooner than the 4-5 days it took PG&E to restore power in the last snow storm.

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Environment

My Prius At 107,000 Miles, Still Going Strong

By John J. O’Dell

I bought my Prius in 2005.  Since then, I’ve racked up 107,000 miles and the car is still going strong. Am I happy with it?  Yes, and although I’ve had a couple of small problems with it, the small problems were expensive.

The first major problem was that my driver’s side headlight went out. No problem, right? No, it’s a major problem. Although one brochure put out by Toyota stated that the headlights should last 15 years, it went out after 3 years. My model Prius has the optional xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights.  Replacing the one headlight cost, are you ready for this, the Toyota dealer charged $443.75. Yes, the light bulb is over $300 and the rest is labor.

The second problem was the small battery in the Prius gave out and had to be replaced. That’s not the $3,000 plus big battery, but the small auxiliary 12 volt battery. How could I tell it was going, well, the car just started running funny, since the battery was only putting out about 6-8 volts and things just started getting weird. A couple of times I had to get the car jumped to start and the electronics were acting up.

Of course, the 12 volt battery is hidden under the trunk in back of the car. This means that it’s a special battery with special venting built into the battery. This is because there is no air coming into the battery space unlike most cars were the battery is under the hood. That replacement by my Toyota dealer cost $374.91.

Toyota is getting a bad rap on their recall situation. I can certainly understand the frustration on that point.  About six months ago I received a notice from Toyota that my floor mat might create a problem with a stuck accelerator pedal. The notice said that I should remove the mat and Toyota would notify me when they have a replacement mat.  Yep, here we go with the accelerator pedal sticking. I called a Toyota dealer yesterday and asked if they had a replacement mat that would not create an acceleration problem. The service manager told me that Toyota was working on it, and they still don’t have a solution. Six months later, no floor mat, no solution, way to go Toyota!

The good part is that I have not had to replace the brakes yet. I don’t know how long the brakes are going to hold up, but I just had the tires rotated and the tire dealer said my brakes were fine. That’s because when you slow down to brake, the wheels are powering a generator to recharge the main battery on the car, which in turn does most of the braking for the car.

Another positive about owning my Prius is the gas mileage. My other vehicle is a 2002 four wheel drive Chevy truck.  It gets an average of around 10-12 miles to the gallon compared to my 42-44 miles to the gallon when I’m driving in Nevada County. I get better mileage in the flat lands, but let’s stick with 42 miles per gallon.

So let’s do the math.  At 107,000 miles divided by 12 miles per gallon, that’s 8,917 gallons of gas burned if I had used my truck.. At 107,000 miles divided by 42 miles per gallon that’s  2,547 gallons of gas using my Prius.  The difference is  6,370 gallons of gas. If you use $3 as the price of a gallon of gas, that’s a savings of $19,110. If you use an average gas price of $3.50 in the last 5 years that’s $22,225 saved in the last 5 years, either way, it’s a great savings.

So in general, I’m happy with my Prius and I’m keeping it for another 50,000 miles or more. Maybe by that time I’ll get a new floor mat. What do you think?

By the way, the Auburn Toyota dealer might have got to me on my bulb replacement. Read the following article if you have a Prius and need a  new headlight bulb All About Prius

John J. O’Dell
Real Estate Broker
General Contractor
Civil Engineer
Here to help you in buying or selling real estate. E-mail me at jodell@nevadacounty.com

animals, Environment

Taylor Mitchell, Singer-Songwriter Killed by Coyotes

Taylor Mitchell
Taylor Mitchell

In a very unusual accordance, Canadian folk singer Taylor Mitchell, 19, was killed by coyotes in a national park in Nova Scotia, according to a park spokesman.

Taylor Mitchell, 19, was at the beginning of the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park on Tuesday afternoon when she was attacked, according to Chip Bird, the Parks Canada field unit superintendent for Cape Breton.

Bird said hikers saw the coyotes attacking Mitchell and called 911. She was airlifted to a hospital in Halifax, where she died about 12 hours later, he said.

For those of you who have been reading my blog, I wrote about my dog, Angel, being attacked by coyotes.  This happened sometime ago when I let her out of my backyard. When she did not come back right away, I started calling her and she finally came up the stairs all bloody, with torn flesh and puncture wounds, completely wiped out. After a visit to the vet and a routine of antibiotics she recovered completely.

This led me to a little research about coyotes and it is indeed rare for coyotes to kill anyone. The last recorded killing of a human by coyotes was in Los Angeles, when an 8 year old girl was killed in 1980. However, coyotes carry all kinds of diseases, including rabies. So don’t feed them, they become used to human beings, resulting in future attacks of humans. Here are some more facts about coyotes:

A typical coyote attack to a sheep or goat is to bite the throat just behind the jaw and below the ear, causing death from suffocation and shock.

Coyotes have justifiably a huge fear of humans. Usually coyote attacks on people occur when a coyote has become comfortable around people, often as a result of people feeding them. (Living With California Coyotes (pdf); National Wildlife Federation)

In the rare event that a coyote attacks you or someone near you, yell at the coyote to make it back off. Don’t run away since a coyote can outrun you (unless you can run faster than 30 mph!). (Los Altos Town Crier 7/24/96; Coyote Fact Sheet)