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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Forecasters are predicting a wet weekend for Northern California as a strong cold front moves across the region. The National Weather Service says the system will bring heavy rain and showers to the region Fri- day night, with showers expected throughout the weekend. The weather is being blamed for a series of power outages in the San Francisco Bay area. A spokeswoman for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. says about 2,000 homes and businesses, mostly in the San Jose area, were without electric- ity Friday evening. PG&E expected to have the power restored to most of its cus- tomers late Friday. In the mountains, fore- casters have issued a win- ter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to the Kern County line. The National Weather Service says as much as four feet of snow could fall on some of the higher ele- vations. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More water will be allocated to California's drought-stricken farms and cities this year, thanks to improved rain and snow levels, federal and state regulators said Friday. Water officials said they were hopeful about the situation but cautioned that California was not yet past its water crisis, and allotments will remain much lower than requested. ''For the first time in three years we hope some relief is on the way for drought-stricken farmers in the delta,'' said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said agriculture contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta would receive 30 percent of the water request- ed if rainfall continues as forecast — an improve- ment on the 10 percent they got in 2009. However, that allocation could fall to 5 percent if the rest of the year is dry, leaving farmers served by federal allocations complaining that they cannot plan for the larger allotment. Meanwhile, the state Department of Water Resources said it will send 15 percent of the water sought — up from 5 percent last year. Customers could get as much as 45 percent in the spring if rain- fall continues, the department said. Both agencies run the pumps that send water to more than 25 million Californians and the farms that produce half the nation's fruits and vegetables. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who had pro- posed legislation to force diversion of more water to farms if allocations had not been increased, said she was placing her bill on hold but reserving the right to bring it back if necessary. Three years of drought have led to below average reservoir levels. In addition, pumping restrictions meant to protect threatened fish have contributed to the reduced flow of water to parched farms and thirsty cities. Two of the state's key reservoirs are still below normal levels for this time of year. Lake Oroville was at 54 percent and the San Luis Reservoir at 80 percent. Ted Thomas, a state water department spokesman, said the estimated allocations this year were kept conservative because officials do not want to later decrease the amounts. He said there was a 95 percent chance the allotments would increase this spring. ''When you look at agriculture for example, a lot of farmers take the allocations to the bank,'' Thomas said. ''If they have a game plan based on an expec- tation of an amount of water and we have to reduce it, then they have big problems.'' Farmers who get their water from the federal gov- ernment's pumps said the 30 percent allocation would be a big help but complained about the 5 per- cent guarantee if it stops raining. The confusion over how much water to expect makes planning extremely difficult, said Dan Errotabere, a farmer and president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. ''In a real wet year like this, five percent is dis- heartening to see,'' said Errotabere, who fallowed 1,200 of his 3,500 acres last year due to lack of water. Laura King Moon, assistant general manager of State Water Contractors, which represents districts that provide water to Los Angeles and Alameda counties, said she was frustrated that allotments were so low despite improved rainfall. She blamed restrictions brought about by federal protections for tiny threatened delta smelt and chi- nook salmon. Environmentalists, who have fought for the fish protections, said the conservative allocations were a step forward in the complicated process of balancing the state's water demand, business and conservation concerns. ''That's been the goal all along,'' said Doug Obegi, a staff attorney with Natural Resources Defense Council. ''You can do this in a way that pro- tects the environment and provides more reliable water supplies.'' Saturday, February 27, 2010 – Daily News – 9A • Your loved one NEVER leaves our care. • For your peace of mind, we personally perform cremations on site. • No hidden charges. If cremation is your choice, there really is no other choice for you than the cremation experts at Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers. Contact us today so we may answer your questions. Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers Funerals • Cremations • Prearrangements 816 Walnut Street | Red Bluff (530) 527-1174 www.chapeloftheflowers.net Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers owns and operates the only on-site crematory in Tehama County. Is cremation your choice? Death Notice Obituaries KARI BURCH Cherished in our hearts, our precious Kari Burch, age 41, a resident of Red Bluff, CA., has passed away Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA. Born October 18, 1968 in Red Bluff, CA., was a life long resident of Tehama County. In her younger days she participated in 4H. She was involved in the Special Olympics, and was awarded a Gold Metal for her per- formance. She attended Sa- cred Heart Catholic Church, and several years of Special Ed Classes, graduating from Red Bluff High School. Kari had a passion for playing card games and bingo, she loved to swim and go camp- ing with her family. She is survived by her moth- er and father, Helen and Da- vid Burch of Gerber, CA., grandmother Grace Burch of Red Bluff, CA., two sisters, Kelli Pfeffen of Red Bluff, CA., Jodi Wilson and hus- band Bruce of Red Bluff, CA., two brothers, Danny Burch of Red Bluff, CA., Mi- chael Burch of Gerber, CA., two nieces, Samantha Rob- inson and husband Asa of Chico, CA., Andrea Pfeffen of Red Bluff, CA., two neph- ews, Matthew Pfeffen of Red Bluff, CA., Gregory Wil- son of Red Bluff, CA., many many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was prede- ceased by grandparents Wayne and Wilma Early and John G. Burch. Visitation will be at Hoyt- Cole Chapel of the Flowers on Monday, March 1, 2010 from 5-8 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 7pm. Services will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fa- ther Ron Marcello of Sacred Heart Catholic Church offi- ciating. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Hoyt-Cole Chap- el of the Flowers. BARBARA JUNE PINE MUSICK Barbara June Pine Musick passed away peacefully on February 14, 2010 at Cop- per Ridge Care Center at the age of 76. Passing away on Valentine's Day was fit- ting for her, as she loved generously and brought happiness to all who knew her. Born in Gallatin, MO, to Homer and Hazel Pine. A few words do not describe the life of a good country woman, but all would agree that she was kind and forev- er giving. June had a deep passion for ranch life and from 1965 to 1980 owned a thriving livestock business in Gerber, CA that consisted of a herd of cattle and a Thor- oughbred and Quarter horse training facility. Approx. 75 head of race and show qual- ity horses were a direct re- sult of her managed breed- ing program. In her later years, she dedicated her life to caring for her aging pa- rents and helping nurture her grandchildren who fond- ly remember her great cook- ing and her love of western novels. In 1998, she entered college. In her own words, "Going to college is a privi- lege, not a chore. I returned to college to set a good ex- ample for my grandchildren." In 2006, at the age of 73 she graduated with a degree. She is survived by two brothers, Jack and Joe Pine, three children, Roxie Stroud, Kimberlee Meeks, Bart Roesner and their spouses, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her life will be celebrated with services and burial at Lawncrest Memorial Park in Redding, on March 6th at 2 PM. The family asks friends to light a candle that day in her memory and asks that memorial contributions be sent to Shasta College Foundation. KATHERINE ANN CURLEY Katherine Ann Curley "Ka- thy", was born July 29, 1947 in Colusa, CA. She passed away peacefully on Febru- ary 7, 2010 at the age of "62" with her family present in her daughter's home in Chico, CA. She is survived by her moth- er, Louise Burgess of Col- lege City, CA, her daughter Angela Sadowski of Chico, CA., her 3 grandchildren, Carrie Lee Crew Wilkins of Clovis, CA., Kevin Rodley Wilkins of Juneau, AK., and Chelsea Marie Wilkins of Chico, CA., her two broth- ers, Kenneth Burgess and Jim Burgess both of Red Bluff, CA. She was preced- ed in death by her father William "Bill" Burgess of Col- lege City, CA. Kathy was a devoted Christi- an. She walked and talked her faith in Jesus. She was married twice in her life. For the last 24 years she has lived with and taken care of her parents. She was also a Home Health Care Provider, taking care of people in their homes. She loved helping people, just being around people, talking and socializ- ing. Her hobbies included work- ing in her yard, gardening, crocheting, sewing and crafts. There was only "1" Kathy, and if you ever met her, you wouldn't forget her, she had a heart of gold and she was my mother, and my best friend, she will be missed so much. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Newton- Bracewell Funeral Home. Memorial Donations may be made to Breast Cancer Re- search in care of Newton- Bracewell. You may share your thoughts online at: nbcfh.com Jerry Wayne Helton, Sr. Jerry Wayne Helton, Sr., a 46-year resident of Tehama County, died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, in Red Bluff, Calif. He was 67. A private family gath- ering will be held and arrangements are under the direction of Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers. Published Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, in the Daily News, Red Bluff, Calif. Bend on Feb. 3. As with all scheduled items, a period of the meeting will be set aside to allow the public to com- ment on the matter. Supervisors have looked to variations of a National Recreation Area bill for years, but the wants of Boxer, Herger and the county have so far pulled proposals apart. At first it looked like the bill's biggest hurdle this year was the question of whether the area should be incorporated into the National Land Conserva- tion System, which could guarantee it additional funding, but which Herger said could be used as leverage in lawsuits by conservation groups. As the bill moves clos- er to reality, it has proven controversial among coun- ty residents, particularly in the Bend area, many of whom don't want to see additional traffic and use. Some, including BLM and county officials, say the area needs the addi- tional funding to cope with increased use and size. BLM Field Manager Steve Anderson has said the staff and resources available remain the same as more than 30 years ago, when the land was about 4,000 acres. Voluntary contracts with neighboring landowners have since more than quadrupled that and visitor use is on the rise. Others, however, argue giving the area national attention will only strain the area further, making Bend less safe, wearing down its roads and dis- rupting wildlife. The Tehama County Board of Supervisors meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday in its chambers at 727 Oak St. More information is available by calling 527- 4655 or visiting co.tehama.ca.us. ——— Geoff Johnson can be reached at 527-2153, extension 114 or gjohnson@redbluffdailyn ews.com. Continued from page 1A BEND competition, Wright knew she had one of the top horses, but to walk away with the top award is a big accomplishment, she said. Wright admits she's not one to brag about herself and credits the awards to the help and support of her family and Jazzy's trainer, Bran- di Payer of Orland. Payer is present at all shows to give advice as Wright and Jazzy make their way around the ring, Wright said. The show circuit starts again in March. Jazzy and Wright will be at a show almost every weekend between then and October and will attend the Paint Horse Show in Ft. Worth, Texas in November. Jazzy has shown a level of consistency, and this year she should do just as well, Wright said. "She's five this year going into the season so she'll be acting like a mature show horse," Wright said. "All the original jitters that I had at first about the possibility of even being able to show her, I'm not even remotely concerned about now." Wright has had other award-win- ing horses, including Jazzy's moth- er, Absolutely Perfect, also known as Abby. Over the years, Abby's off- spring have been sold, but Wright decided to keep Jazzy. The timing was right to allow her to travel the show circuit. Wright lives a life of horses that's filled with tough work but satisfy- ing, she said. She got her first horse when she was 9 years old and has been showing horses since she was a teenager. ——— Tang Lor can be reached at 527- 2153, Ext. 110 or by e-mail at tlor@redbluffdailynews.com. Continued from page 1A JAZZ California Department of Justice and others with the state's centralized list of exempt federal firearms licensees. SB 175 clari- fied the permissible activ- ities of gunsmiths so they could engage in their work while still being part of the centralized license program. The measure also removed some exemptions from the centralized list program and required that the shipment of assault weapons, machineguns and firearms, which are destructive devices, were subject to the state's verifi- cation process. "I am both pleased and honored to be recognized by the CRPA for my efforts on behalf of all rifle and pistol enthusiasts in California," Aanestad said. "The 2nd Amend- ment was placed into the U.S. Constitution for a legitimate reason – yet that hasn't stopped some elected leaders from attempting to chip away at the rights that we all enjoy as Americans." As the senior and most conservative member of the Legislature, Aanestad has been recognized and saluted by a wide variety of organizations for his legislative efforts. He calls the CRPA honor "special." "If we had a Sam Aanestad sitting in every chair of the State Senate – the state of California would be in great shape," Fields said. The CRPA is the offi- cial state association of the National Rifle Associa- tion. The organization's 65,000 members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts and the general public. Continued from page 1A GUN Parched farms to get more water Wet weekend in forecast for Northern California