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WEEKEND JANUARY 19-20, 2013 Moto X Racer Verges on Pros 63/32 Weather forecast 10A www.redbluffdailynews.com Sports 1B DAILY NEWS RED BLUFF Sunny Breaking news at: TEHAMA COUNTY $1.00 T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U NTY S I N C E 1 8 8 5 District Fair to stay put in September By JULIE ZEEB DN Staff Writer The Tehama District Fairboard decided Tuesday against moving from its September date. After several months of surveys and other input, the group found that the only alternate dates available were in July, according to Fair CEO Mark Eidman's report. Eidman was asked to compile a list of neighboring fairs and big events so as not to conflict with them while finding a date close to summer yet while schools are still in session. "There are lots of pros and cons," Fairboard Director and Past President Bob Kerstiens said. Former fairboard Director Joyce Bundy said moving the fair to the first weeks of June 'I'm just an old country boy, but my daddy always told me never kick a winning horse in the ass' — John Sidwell, Red Bluff would conflict with graduation season. date so we can go from there," Bundy said. "The last week of school is ragged enough without trying to prepare for fair and for anyone involved in fair adds another layer on top of everything. It's a time for graduations and family." Kerstiens and Vice President Pete Dagorret both said one of the most important things was "First of all ask why you are talking about moving and pick a Kicking cancer See FAIR, page 9A Gunman arrested near Eureka school MediaNews Group An 18-year-old Eureka man is being evaluated for mental health issues after he was taken into custody at gunpoint this morning near Cutten Elementary School, carrying a shotgun over his head and ammunition in a camouflage tactical vest. Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Lt. Steve Knight said deputies found the man after he had already passed by the front of Cutten Elementary School, and was north of the school on Walnut Street. Two deputies drew their firearms and "proned him out at gunpoint," Knight said, telling him to put down the gun. The man, whose name has not been released, took several seconds and then put it down, he said. Knight said his department received several calls -at least four -- reporting the man with a shotgun and backpack on Walnut Street. The first was at 10:33 a.m., the second and third at 10:35 a.m., and a fourth at 10:36 a.m., which is when deputies contacted the man. See GUNMAN, page 9A Man nabbed after borrowing tire, wheel from neighbor Daily News photo by Julie Zeeb Relay For Life Chairwoman Twila Cordova, Planning Committee Member Debbie O'Connor and Red Bluff resident and long-time sponsor Jessie Woods of the Gold Exchange dance during the Fight Back Parade at the Relay For Life Kickoff Celebration Thursday at Rolling Hills Casino. By JULIE ZEEB DN Staff Writer The 2013 Relay For Life has officially started, complete with its dance party down the aisle following the kickoff celebration on Thursday night at Rolling Hills Casino. Cochairwomen Twila Cordova and Amanda Bline welcomed the audience, along with Master of Ceremonies Darrin Stewart, and delved into the awards for top teams and sponsors. The 2012 event raised a total of $132,239, Cordova said. Top Team, given in recognition of raising the most money, was given to the Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff and Top Youth Team went to Berrendos Field Day. Survivor and Caregiver Chairwomen Jackie Frazier and Julie Williams spoke about the 11 million cancer survivors and the fact that Relay For Life is all about honoring them. Relay For Life was started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt, and came to Red Bluff through resident Debbie Miller, who lost her mother to cancer 16 years ago. "Cancer never sleeps and that's why we walk for 24 hours to honor you," Frazier said. "Every experience is different, but there are comSee RELAY, page 9A A 26-year-old Tehama County resident was arrested Thursday after he "borrowed" a wheel and tire from a neighbor. He just hadn't asked permission. Deputies responded to the 18000 block of Pack Saddle Road Thursday morning for a theft report of a wheel and tire from a pickup. During an investigation deputies contacted a neighbor, Stephen Michael Curts, and noticed one of the wheels and tires on his pickup was different than the other three. The mismatched tire and wheel matched the one Curts' neighbor had just reported stolen. During an interview, Curts admitted to "borrowing" the wheel and tire without permission, according to a department press release. Curts, who is on parole, was booked into Tehama County Jail for possession of stolen property. Bail was $15,000. California jobless rate Cops introduce survey to improve service GREENE safety tax to how the steady at 9.8 percent By RICHWriter department could better DN Staff SACRAMENTO (AP) — California's jobless rate remained at 9.8 percent in December, the same rate as in November, the state Employment Development Department said Friday, holding steady after dropping below 10 percent in November for the first time since the beginning of the recession. EDD said 1.8 million Californians were unem- ployed in December, slightly below the previous month but down by 255,000 since December of 2011. The unemployment rate then was 11.2 percent. The department said construction, information, and educational and health services fields showed the biggest job gains between November and December. Still, the department's surveys showed that nonfarm payroll jobs decreased by 17,500 during December, demonstrating the continued volatility in the labor marSee RATE, page 9A The Red Bluff Police Department wants to know how its doing, what it could be doing better and what it should be focusing on in the future. As part of a 5-year strategic plan the department unveiled a citizen survey Tuesday to solicit input from the community. "This is your opportunity to share your concerns about crime trends in the city of Red Bluff and to have input on where the limited resources of the department should be focused," a press release from Police Chief Paul Nanfito said. A similar survey was sent out in recent months to a variety of stakeholders in the Red Bluff community. The survey has now been opened to the public at large and is available at the department's headquarters or online at rbpd.org. The survey features 26 questions including asking whether citizens would support a public utilize social media. Citizens are also asked to rate the seriousness of several issues around town including speeding cars, barking dogs, loud music and unsupervised children. Nanfito said the 5-year plan is important to establishing realistic goals and objectives for the department, while ensuring its limited resources are to put the most effective uses. The survey will also provide a base in which the department's progress to future goals can be rated. The survey is also open to business owners within the city of Red Bluff.