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ingfive-yeardrought. But Thursday's snowpack reading, which took place in a meadow that had been bare of snow at the height of the drought, was good news. "It gives everything a much brighter outlook," said Frank Gehrke, the state's snow-survey chief, who conducts the manual snow surveys several times each winter. Gehrke noted the snow plows rumbling and ski lifts humming up and down the mountain range when he poked a rod into the drifts at Phillips Station, about 90 miles east of Sacramento. Gehrke's measurements showed the snow had the equivalent of 28.1 inches of water. That compares to 11.3 inches in an aver- age year. Elsewhere The state measures also overall snowpack through more than 100 electronic sensors throughout the Si- erra Nevada. Statewide, snowpack stood at 173 per- cent of average for the date. The situation isn't quite as good in the DWR's north- ern region, which drains into Lake Oroville and Shasta and Trinity Lake, but the level there was still 144 percent of average, with the equivalent of 26.1 inches of water. Back-to-back-to-back storms in January that each dropped a hurricane's worth of water have put the state at 108 percent of its normal rain and snow for the whole year, said Michael Dettinger, a hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. That's with two months still left in the rainy season. The storm systems, known as atmospheric rivers, "caught us all off- guard, how many came in so quickly, and turned ev- erything around," Dettinger said. However ... How much things have turned around is subject to debate. The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor released Thurs- day showed 51 percent of the state in some stage of drought, with another 10 percent "abnormally dry." That's compared to 95 per- cent at this time last year. But the National Oce- anic and Atmospheric Ad- ministration issued a press release Thursday pointing out eliminating the "wa- ter deficit" of the last five years would require an- other 34 inches of rain in the northern mountains and 71 inches in the central Sierra. "While we don't want to discount the vast improve- ments to rivers, reservoirs and soil moisture across the state from the January rains, which are very im- pressive. We need to put it into perspective," according to the release. It also pointed out the rainy season is only half over, and that conditions could change. In January of 2014, Brown stood at Phillips Sta- tion to declare a drought emergency in California. He ordered mandatory water conservation in cities and towns. Phillips Station at that point held no measur- able snow, amid the state's driest three-year stretch in history. State water officials lifted the statewide mandate for a 25 percent reduction in water use as the drought eased. Some conservation orders remain in effect. Given this year's wealth of rain and snow, some farmers and city govern- ments are urging the state to provide them with more water. That would mean cutting back on water the state allows to flow to the Pacific Ocean, to benefit struggling native species whose numbers have dwin- dled in the drought. Conservation groups, meanwhile, say the state hasn't gone far enough to cut agricultural and ur- ban water use, especially as warming temperatures from climate change threat- ens the cycle of snowfall and melt. Snow FROMPAGE1 RICHPEDRONCELLI—ASSOCIATEDPRESS Frank Gehrke, right, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program for the Department of Water Resources, checks the weight of the snow sample on a scale held by Mikel Shybut, a policy fellow with the California Council on Science and Technology, during the second manual snow survey of the season Thursday near Echo Summit off Highway 50. RICH PEDRONCELLI — ASSOCIATED PRESS Frank Gehrke, right, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program for the Department of Water Resources, carries the snowpack measuring tube as he crosses a snow-covered meadow while conducting the second manual snow survey of the season Thursday near Echo Summit. during the search, accord- ing to the release. Wilder's injuries were consistence with the state- ment he provided to au- thorities. He was trans- ported to a local hospital for treatment of his inju- ries and has since been re- leased from the hospital. Galvan was arrested and booked into Tehama County Jail on the felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. He is being held on a $30,000 bail. Axe FROM PAGE 1 By Stephen Ohlemacher TheAssociatedPress WASHINGTON House Dem- ocratic Leader Nancy Pe- losi called President Donald Trump's chief strategist a whitesupremacistThursday, saying he has no business serving on the National Se- curityCouncil.Atherweekly press conference, Pelosi didn'tmentionSteveBannon by name. But she was clearly referring to the former head of Breitbart News, a conser- vative website. "What's making America lesssafeistohaveawhitesu- premacist named to the Na- tional Security Council as a permanent member, while the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the director of nationalintelligencearetold, 'don't call us, we'll call you,'" Pelosi said. "It'sastunningthing,"she added. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Trump made Bannon a regular mem- ber of the council's power- ful Principals Committee, which enables him to at- tend full council meetings as well. Trump also bumped the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the na- tional intelligence director from their positions as reg- ular members of the Prin- cipals Committee. Instead they will attend when "is- sues pertaining to their re- sponsibilities and expertise are to be discussed," under Trump's memorandum. Under Bannon's guid- ance, Breitbart grew into one of the right's most pow- erful voices as it took on es- tablishment Republicans. Critics have accused Ban- non of allowing the web- site to become a platform for white nationalists, a charge Bannon has denied. As Trump's chief strate- gist, Bannon has great in- fluence over the Trump administration's agenda, including the sweeping or- der to suspend the coun- try's refugee program. The NSC advises the president on foreign, mili- tary and domestic policies related to the country's se- curity. By law, the presi- dent, vice president, secre- tary of state, defense secre- tary and energy secretary are members. Also by law, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the na- tional intelligence director are advisers to the council. Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/ stephenatap WASHINGTON Pelosi calls Trump's strategist a 'white supremacist' J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi responds to questions about President Donald Trump's actions and agenda during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER. Thankyou! PHILLIPC.SOUTHERN June 23, 1937 ~ January 25, 2017 Phillip C. Southern, of Red Bluff, CA, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at St Elizabeth Community Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was 79. He was born on June 23, 1937 to George and Velma South- ern. Phillip served in the U.S. Navy from June 22, 1955 to June 17, 1958 with most of his time spent aboard the USS Cabildo. He married Patricia J. Rogers on January 25, 1962, the couple has 3 children. He worked for the FAA from January 5, 1959 to January 3, 2002. Phil was a mem- ber of the Tehama County Shooters, Elks Lodge (45 years), Veterans Memorial Hall (20+ years), and the NRA. In his spare time, he enjoyed shooting, fishing, bird watching, and just being outdoors. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, parents George & Velma Southern and sister Gloria Smith. Phillip is survived by his daughter Sandra Southern, son Michael Southern (Cindy) and daughter Susan Olson. Grandchildren Ashley Disney (Shawn), Kaitlyn Olson, Josh Southern and Tyler Olson. And love of his life Ozie Ragan. A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 4, 2017 at 11:00 am at Cal- vary Chapel in Red Bluff and will be open for anyone who wishes to attend. Phillip will be laid to rest at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. Henry B. Stratton December 31, 1930 ~ January 16, 2017 Henry B. Stratton — December 31, 1930 left his journey on earth, January 16, 2017. Henry grew up in Battle Mountain Nevada, served in the United States Army, and made a life training horses, cowboying, farming, and do- ing what he loved..."traveling around the country." Both wife Nancy, and son Thomas celebrate Henry's life, cher- ish his love, and carry on his memory in Red Bluff Cali- fornia. He was quietly supportive of our community, state vol- unteer activities, and Nancy's work with Delta Kappa Gamma International and St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Henry enjoyed attending games coached by God Daugh- ter Susan Crebbin, currently head coach, San Bernardino State College girls basketball team. Blindness took Henry's sight, but not his love of explo- ration and learning. He learned how to use a computer, and his family remains grateful for the training he re- ceived at the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center. Honor Henry by volunteering, or donating to the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center. 650-858-3903 V21PALVoluntaryServi ce@va.govhttp://www.paloalto.va.gov/giving/index.asp, VAPAHCS Voluntary Service (135), Contact: Voluntary Service Specialist, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, first floor of Building 100 Eleanor E. Fritzell 10/05/1921 – 01/28/2017 Eleanor E. Fritzell, age 95, entered Heaven's gates on January 28th 2017 in San Jose, Ca in the comforting pres- ence of her family. A native of California, Eleanor lived most of her life in Red Bluff, where she lovingly raised her family, actively contributed to her community in various clubs and civic organizations and faithfully served her church. Early childhood hardships and adult challenges created a wom- an of sustaining strength with powerful survival skills and a strong protective character which would continue throughout her life. Eleanor was the devoted wife of Dr. Lloyd Fritzell, a prominent dentist, civic leader and passionate golfer until his death in 1967. Sadly, she was predeceased by her precious son, Eddie in 1956 and her beloved daughter, Roberta Skinner in 2016. Eleanor is survived by her daughter Ellie Krail (blended daughters Karen, Jane, and Nancy), grandchildren Mark (Lisa) Krail, Kelly (Krzysz) Adamkiewicz, great grandchildren Kevin, Courtney, Mat- thew, and Ryan. For years Eleanor found a home at Jones Jewelers sub- sequently established her own gift shop, "Eleanor's" and ultimately retired from Ehorn's Photography in her 80's. Eleanor was a remarkable woman, cherished by so many who claimed her as friend, sister, Mom, or gramma. She treasured each as a blessing, never met a stranger and knew no enemies. An elegant lady with grace, charm, and unlimited desire, she embraced her family, friends, home and community. She was rich in spiritual and emotional connections flowing from a heart of com- passion and inclusion and a smile that exuded love and touched so many. She never forgot a birthday, anniversa- ry, or special occasion. She had an avid appetite for reading, travel, the arts, and being her personal best al- ways with a grateful heart and generous spirit she shared light, laughter and love. The family has unending gratitude for the tender, com- passionate love and care extended to Eleanor by the en- tire team of Hospice of the Valley of San Jose and the en- tire staff of Atria assisted Living in Willow Glen. A memorial service celebrating Eleanor's life is sched- uled for Sunday February 12, 2017, at 2:00pm. With view- ing that morning at Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers fu- neral home at 816 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA. Obituaries FLIPPABLEQUALITY 2-SIDED MATTRESSES! 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