Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/310107
Garcia:BerticeGarcia,82, of Red Bluff died Friday May 9at Red Bluff Health Care Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Blair's Cremation & Burial. Published Saturday, May 10, 2014in the Daily News, Red Bluff, California. Perkins: Roger E. Perkins, 86, of Red Bluff died Friday, May 9at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Arrange- ments are under the direc- tion of Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers. Published Saturday, May 10, 2014in the Daily News, Red Bluff, California. Deathnoticesmustbepro- vided by mortuaries to the news department, are pub- lished at no charge, and fea- ture only specific basic infor- mation about the deceased. Paid obituaries are placed through the Classified adver- tising department. Paid obit- uaries may be placed by mor- tuaries or by families of the deceased and include on- line publication linked to the newspaper's website. Paid obituaries may be of any length, may run multiple days and offer wide latitude of con- tent, including photos. DEATHNOTICES Office of Inspector General said. The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or PHMSA, isn't ensuring key state inspectors are prop- erly trained, inspections are being conducted frequently enough and inspections tar- get the most risky pipelines, it said. The findings come more than three years after a gas pipeline explosion and fire killed eight people, injured 58 and destroyed much of a subdivision in San Bruno, a suburb south of San Fran- cisco. Accident investigators cited weak state and federal oversight. The nation's network of about 2.5 million miles of pipelines moves millions of gallons of hazardous liq- uids and 55 billion cubic feet of natural gas every day. Eighty-five percent of these pipelines are under state au- thority. The report doesn't address the safety adminis- tration's oversight of inter- state pipelines like the pro- posed Keystone XL oil pipe- line. Cynthia Quarterman, head of the safety adminis- tration, defended her agen- cy's record, pointing to a two-thirds decline in the number of accidents and in- cidents involving gas dis- tribution pipelines over the past 30 years. There were 21 serious in- cidents on distribution pipe- lines in 2013 and 24 inci- dents in 2012, "which were the lowest number of seri- ous incidents on record for the past 30 years," she said in response to the inspector general's findings included in the report. Since 2010, when the San Bruno and four other ma- jor accidents occurred, she wrote, there have been no se- rious incidents to date on in- trastate transmission lines, which are larger than distri- bution lines. But the agency also fully or partially agreed with seven recommenda- tions made in the report. Among the weaknesses cited in the report is that the safety administration is using an outdated formula to calculate the minimum number of inspectors states need. More inspectors may be needed to carry out new inspection methods and re- sponsibilities since the for- mula was developed in the 1990s. More than 20 percent of the nation's total gas distri- bution pipelines are more than 50 years old or com- posed of material such as cast iron or bare steel that are more susceptible to fail- ure than newer pipelines made with more resilient materials. However, the safety administration's staff- ing formula also doesn't take into account whether more personnel are needed to in- spect these riskier pipelines, the report said. The agency also hasn't set minimum qualifications for state inspectors who lead inspection teams, the report said. In one state, for example, an inspector with less than one year's experi- ence was allowed to lead in- spections, it said. "Because it has not set minimum qualifications for state inspectors to lead stan- dard inspections, PHMSA cannot be sure that state in- spections cover all federal requirements and ensure pipeline operators maintain safety," Assistant Inspector General Jeffrey Guzzetti said in the report. The safety administration requires states to use 14 risk factors when deciding how to prioritize pipeline inspec- tions, but the agency isn't ex- plicit on how the risk factors are supposed to be weighed, the report said. As a result, four of five states examined by the in- spector general's office were simply scheduling inspec- tions based on how long it had been since the previous inspection, ignoring other risk factors, the report said. The safety administration also doesn't tell states how often pipelines must be in- spected. Investigators found one state was allowing as long as eight years to lapse between reviews. "Because of these over- sight gaps, PHMSA cannot be sure that states detect and mitigate safety risks," Guzzetti wrote. The safety administration has six evaluators who an- nually certify 48 state agen- cies and conduct in-depth reviews every three years to ensure states are follow- ing federal guidelines, the report said. PHMSA pro- vides about 80 percent of the funds states spend on pipe- line safety, the report said. Pipeline FROM PAGE 1 PAUL SAKUMA — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS A massive fire roars through a mostly residential neighborhood in San Bruno on Sept. 9, 2010. N EWS D AILY REDBLUF F TEHAM A COUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 •CALIFORNIAWALNUTCOMPANY • LEPAGE COMPANY INC. • MODERN CLEANERS • OLIVE CITY QUICK LUBE • WALMART • TEHAMA CO. DEPT. OF ED. • JOHN WHEELER LOGGING, INC. • DUDLEY'S EXCAVATING, INC. • HINKLE ROOFING & CONST. • BRETNEY SUTTERFIELD • ETZLER FINANCIAL & INSURANCE • TRIPLE R GAS • OLIVE CITY TAX PROFESSIONALS • PLACER TITLE COMPANY • AIRPORT AUTO REPAIR • KAY STEPHENS, MD • GREENWASTE OF TEHAMA • LOUISIANA PACIFIC CORP. • NORTH MAIN AUTOMOTIVE • QRC • RED BLUFF VISION CENTER • STEVE'S BACKHOE SERVICE • WARNER ELECTRIC • SCHOOL HOUSE MARKET were suspended by a quo- rum of the General Council, and he alleged that some of those members took part in the theft and misappropria- tion of more than $1 million of tribal funds. He added an investigation is ongoing. Attorney Richard Verri, who said Friday that he represents the tribe, said members were suspended because they may not meet certain crtieria to be mem- bers of the tribe. He also alleged that David Swear- inger, Geraldine Freeman and Lohse vacated their po- sitions on the Tribal Coun- cil after leaving the meeting while it was in session. New Tribal Council members, Verri said, were appointed by the General Council. They include Leticia Miller, vice chairperson, Ambrosia Rico, treasurer and Andrew Alejandre as secretary. Al- len Swearinger is said to still be a member-at-large. David Swearinger, who has previously rejected the theft and misappropri- ation allegations, said Fri- day that the actions taken by Andrew Freeman did not follow tribal rules, that the April 12 General Council meeting had been adjourned by the Tribal Council, so no action could be taken, and he has previously said that no members have been sus- pended or disenrolled from the tribe. He added that he, Geral- dine Freeman, Lohse and Allen Swearinger are mem- bers of the Tribal Council that is recognized by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In a press release issued Thursday, David Swearinger said Chairman Freeman's position had been vacated af- ter he failed to attend three consecutive Tribal Council meetings. This is disputed by the attorney represent- ing Freeman's position. "It's false because (Free- man) has attended every council meeting that has been called," Verri said, add- ing that all tribal rules were followed at the April 12 Gen- eral Council meeting. On Friday, another press release issued by the Tribal Council members who al- legedly vacated their po- sitions, claims that opera- tions at Rolling Hills Casino has temporarily ceased "to keep the former chairman, various non-tribal mem- bers in casino management and others from transacting business within the Tribe or interfering with Tribal gov- ernance matters." David Swearinger said by phone that gaming oper- ations also would cease, but could not confirm if it had Friday evening because he claimed he has been banned from the casino. Verri rejected that casino operations had ceased, say- ing Friday evening that he was at the casino and it was business as usual. This reporter Friday eve- ning witnessed gaming and other operations inside the casino, and also a slew of se- curity guards around the ca- sino, some wielding binocu- lars and others appearing to have handguns in holsters at their sides. The south entrance to the casino also was blocked by security guards and a gate, but cars were being waved into the south entrance. The security guards, Verri said, are protecting the casino's customers from disruption. He alleges that the suspended members of the tribe have threatened to take over the casino. He did add, however, that those suspended members, who totaled about 46 adults and 30 children, will have a chance to contest their suspensions. The tribe has about 300 members. Rolling Hills Casino, lo- cated at 2655 Everett Free- man Way near Corning, fea- tures two hotels, an 18-hole championship golf course, an event center, equestrian center and an RV Park. Casino FROM PAGE 1 ANDRE BYIK — DAILY NEWS Security guards surround Rolling Hills Casino on Friday during a dispute over the leadership of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, which owns and operates the casino near Corning. By Don Thompson The Associated Press SACRAMENTO After a week of futility, authorities ap- peared no closer Friday to finding a state fire battal- ion chief being sought in the stabbing death of his girl- friend inside their home near Sacramento. Orville "Moe" Fleming vanished more than a week ago, abandoning his official California Department of Forestry and Fire Protec- tion pickup in a Sacramento suburb before sheriff's inves- tigators were alerted to the body of 26-year-old Sarah June Douglas. She was found inside the south Sacramento home they had shared for the last two years. Investigators say Flem- ing, 55, moved in with Doug- las after meeting her as an escort. The victim's past and comments Fleming's estranged wife made to in- vestigators have sparked as yet unsubstantiated reports of an incriminating sex tape. Sacramento County Sher- iff's Sgt. Lisa Bowman said investigators are aware of Douglas' history as an escort and that Meagan Fleming, the estranged wife, has told them that she viewed a tape showing Douglas having sex with her husband and other firefighters. Court records available online show that Orville Fleming filed for divorce from his wife in Fresno County Superior Court in October, but the case has not been finalized. Bowman will not say whether detectives have a video like the one Fleming's wife described to sheriff's in- vestigators. Instead, she said the department is focused on a manhunt that is compli- cated by Fleming's consid- erable skills in the outdoors, his familiarity with Califor- nia's mountains and a set of keys that give him access to hundreds of state fire build- ings and storage facilities. The keys can unlock gates meant to keep vehicles out of remote areas and pro- vide access to roughly two dozen isolated wildfire look- out towers, locked caches of food and firefighting tools, air bases, firefighting camps and fire stations. Two handguns registered to Fleming have not been found, Bowman said. "He knows the land much better than anybody, be- cause in the scope of his job he's worked in the back- country and he knows what's available to him," Bowman said. "He's got more access to a way to survive and a way to hide out." Fleming was a CalFire battalion chief until he was fired this week for failing to show up for work at a de- partment training facility. Armed guards are patrol- ling the training grounds, and department spokesman Daniel Berlant said Flem- ing's wanted poster has been plastered on each of CalFire's hundreds of facil- ities statewide. SACRAMENTO Fire chief eludes statewide manhunt GEORGEMICHAELFROOME May 12, 1929 ~ May 7, 2014 George Michael Froome passed away on May 7, 2014, just 5 days before his 85th birthday. He was born on May 12, 1929 to James N. Froome Sr, and Agnes Muller, in their home at 323 Washington Street, Red Bluff, the last of four children. He attended public schools in Red Bluff and graduated from Red Bluff Union High School in 1947. At the age of 8 George had an eye injury that resulted in the loss of his right eye. He was still able to participate in school athletics, go hunting with his older brothers, water ski, and drive with abandon. George spent many years teaching at Bidwell School before going into the ad- ministration side of education. He loved teaching the young people of Tehama County and watching them ma- ture into adulthood. Many of these students found they could ask for his help and he would spend extra time helping them grasp the fundamentals of whatever class they were having a problem with. As a teacher he saw many of his students become productive in their respec- tive fields of employment. He knew no matter what their growing up experience was each student had talents they did not yet realize and was proud to be a part of that ach- ievement. After retiring he was asked to help with sever- al schools in need of interim teachers and principals and was always happy to do so. George has always been very active in the community. He was the sports broadcaster for KBLF during football, basketball and baseball season plus announcing the Red Bluff Round-Up over KBLF. His vast knowledge of sports enabled him to give accurate descriptions so the listeners could visualize what was happening on the playing fields and rodeo arena. He was a lifetime member of the Red Bluff Elk's Lodge #1250, the California Teachers Associa- tion and also served as a docent at the Governors'' man- sion in Sacramento. One of George's fondest accomplishments occurred during his 2 years as President of the Red Bluff Rotary Club. The Pauline Davis Pavilion at the Tehama County Fairgrounds did not have funding from the Fair Board to help with maintaining the facility. Under George's direc- tion the Rotary Club decided to give local businesses the chance to put a sign inside the building by charging a small fee and using the money for the continued upkeep as well as providing much needed improvements such as heating and cooling to the building. The money has also been used to make needed improvements to the en- trance, dining area and bathrooms. This idea was so well received by the merchants of Red Bluff as you walk into the Pavilion today you will see the signs, some of these businesses have been advertising since the beginning of this improvement idea. George became a Director of the Red Bluff Round-Up Association in 1986 serving as the program director until he resigned in 2013. He also served as the first President of the Red Bluff Round-Up Museum which was a vision of his oldest brother Jim. George helped in the building of the Red Bluff Round-Up Museum and then actively sought old pictures and other memorabilia from the con- ception of the Red Bluff Round-Up Museum. Today the Museum has saddles, chaps, guns, holsters, pictures and other items donated by many of the local cowboys, Round-Up directors and their families. "The Red Bluff Round-Up Association and the Museum was his passion." George loved traveling especially to Canada in the summer, spending time at Shasta Lake, helping his sister Virginia on her cabin at Mineral just enjoying time with his family, refinishing antique furniture, and he loved the San Francisco Giants. George was predeceased by his father and mother, James and Agnes Muller Froome, brothers Max and Jim Froome, and sister Virginia Orton. George is survived by his sons Joe and wife Kellie, David and wife Donna and their mother Marie; granddaughter Kara Ludwig and hus- band Daniel, grandson Wyatt; and one great granddaugh- ter Audrey Ludwig. Other survivors are nieces Kathy Sibert of Red Bluff, Nicki and Alan Buchta of Medford, Oregon, nephews Jim and Diana and Max and Denise Froome of Red Bluff along with numerous great and great-great nieces, nephews and cousins. George's family also wants to thank the Brent and Janet Forward family, the Red Bluff Round-Up Association, staff of Emeritus at Lassen House and the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospice for all of their support during this time. Per George's wishes there will be a private family serv- ice on Friday, May 16 2014 at 11 a.m. followed by a cele- bration of his life at the Red Bluff Round-Up Museum be- tween the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If you are a Giants fan please wear your hat in George's honor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contri- butions may be made to the Red Bluff Round-Up Muse- um, 670 Antelope Blvd. Ste 2, Red Bluff, CA 96080 or the St. Elizabeth Hospice, 1425 Vista Way, Red Bluff, CA 96080. Obituaries SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM | NEWS | 9 A