Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/747615
Anewscamistargeting seniors, preying on fears that they could lose Social Security benefits. Seniors are scared into donating to this fake cause and providing their per- sonal information. Howthescamworks You get a letter in the mail. It seems to be from a nonprofit advocacy group and claims that Congress is attempting to abolish Social Security. Fortu- nately, this group is work- ing to save the benefits. They are allegedly mail- ing referendum ballots to every senior citizen in the country, allowing them to vote to keep the govern- ment program. To keep up its work, this group needs your donation. A donation of $16.45 will pay to mail "an additional 36 referendums on Social Security to citizens across America who feel the same way as you and me." Of course, the dona- tion is a scam. If you send money, you will be out $16.45. Victims who fill out the form to make a credit card donation, open themselves up to ID theft and additional fraudu- lent charges. As usual, the scam varies slightly in dif- ferent reports. The name of the advocacy group of- ten changes and so does the exact language used. How to spot this scam Be wary if you are being asked to act immediately. Scammers typically try to push you into action be- fore you have had time to think. Don't share your credit card information. Pay- ing by credit card is typi- cally a great way to protect yourself when purchasing online. But sending your name, address and credit card information to scam- mers opens yourself up to ID theft and other cons. If it seems too outland- ish to be true, it probably is. Many cons snare vic- tims by offering deals too good to be true. But some, like this, scare targets into taking action. Either way, use common sense and a quick web search. Know your govern- ment. In the United States, referendums are not held on the national level and differ from state to state. Outside organiza- tions do not pay for refer- endum ballots to be sent to voters. SCAMALERT 'R ef er en du m' s cam targets seniors The California Highway Patrol in Tehama County has received federal grant funds to conduct proactive enforcement patrols during a 12-month project, which began Oct. 1. "The size of Tehama County is roughly 3,000 square miles," said Public Information Officer Troy So- mavia. "We are a relatively small office and in order for ourofficerstofocusonspeed enforcement and other mov- ingviolations,thereisaneed for additional patrol in ar- eas where we see high colli- sioncountsandwherewere- ceivethemostviolationcom- plaints. This federal grant will give us the opportunity to patrol areas where our communities voiced their greatest concerns." In order to reduce the number of fatal and injury traffic collisions in Tehama County, the CHP Red Bluff Area will increase enforce- ment efforts on highways 99E, 99W and 36, Inter- state 5 and all unincorpo- rated roads within Tehama County. "The numbers don't lie," said CHP Red Bluff Area Commander Lt. Lou Aviles. "There are more cars on the roadway today being driven by young drivers. Educat- ing our community is a key component to stopping bad driving behaviors before they become enforcement issues or lead to collisions. In addition to conducting proactive enforcement, we will also be in the commu- nity providing presenta- tions to local high schools, businesses and organiza- tions regarding safe driv- ing practices." Thus far, in 2016, there have been 11 fatalities as a result of traffic collisions in Tehama County. The goal is toreducethenumberoffatal andinjurycollisionsandvic- tims in the community. Funding for this pro- gram was provided by a grant from the Califor- nia Office of Traffic Safety through the National High- way Traffic Safety Adminis- tration. For more safety in- formation, call Somavia at 527-2034. CHP Grant to boost enforcement efforts in county The Sacramento River Discovery Center's annual FallFest and Plant Sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 un- der the old oak tree in the Discovery Garden at 1000 Sale Lane in Red Bluff. Drought tolerant and deer resistant plants have been propagated by center volunteers. These plants are climatized for the area and when planted in the fall should survive the sum- mer temperatures with minimum water usage. Plants will available for around $7 per gallon pot. Fall heirloom vegeta- ble seedlings will be avail- able including peas, cau- liflower and herbs. Bring cash or check as the cen- ter does not accept credit or debit cards. In addition there will be selections from area native plant nurseries available for sale. Both Floral Na- tive Nursery of Chico and Native Springs Nursery of Durham will be in atten- dance. Paul Freund will be pro- viding information about composting at both 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. behind the greenhouse during the plant sale. Volunteers are being sought to assist with the planting of large areas of wildflowers within the garden and to assist in the propagation of plants to be sold at next year's sale. All new plants placed in the garden will be native to this part of California and include some species that like shade and regu- lar summer watering. In the Discovery Center there will be Mendocino National Forest Christmas tree cutting permits avail- able for $10. Wild & Sce- nic Film Festival tickets will be available for $12 for adults and $10 for students for the presentation of a se- ries of nine films on Sat- urday, Nov. 12 at the State Theater. Doors will open for the festival at 6:30 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m. The free November Bird Walk is schedule for 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at the center. Saturday is the start of the Discovery Center's membership campaign and forms will be avail- able at the office at 1000 Sale Lane. Starting Saturday the center will be open win- ter hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Satur- day. For further informa- tion, call Bobie Hughes, volunteer executive direc- tor at 527-1196 or write to bhughessrdc@gmail.com. DISCOVERY CENTER Annual FallFest and Plant Sale set for today By Senia Owensby Visiting historical places around the globe is a good fit for a history major who loves to travel. Len Stohler has always en- joyed exploring new places — even as a young man, he sold two steers to raise the money for a Boy Scout trip that stretched from his home in South Texas to New York, Chicago and St. Louis. He also made a couple of trips to Cali- fornia to visit his great- grandmother in San Jose. After graduating from Baylor University Stohler began attending Golden Gate Baptist Theologi- cal Seminary in Marin County. His original plans were to become a minister, but eventually, he switched directions and decided to become a teacher. He fin- ished the credential re- quirements at San Fran- cisco State. In 1969 Stohler came to Red Bluff to teach junior high. He served as the district's technology men- tor teacher. With a major grant from Apple, Inc. he was able to work on a proj- ect presented at a national computer conference. Dur- ing this time, he oversaw school activities such as the yearbook and newspa- per as well as photography. Back then, photogra- phy was mostly the art of shooting and develop- ing black and white film. Stohler mentioned the Daily News gave Vista a much-needed projec- tor during that time. To- day, photography is quite different, but Stohler has kept abreast of the latest technology. Stohler introduced the "Bay Area Writing Project" in the district, a form of writing that focused more on fluency than form in the first drafts. It promoted more creativity in writing, making it more enjoyable. He marveled that, when en- couraged, junior high stu- dents were so insightful and good at writing. A f t e r r e t i r i n g , Len spent many years as a member of the school board. In 1995, he required open heart surgery. That episode offered him a sec- ond chance in life and the opportunity to consider new projects and activ- ities. As part of his new lease on life he decided to plant a garden similar to the style he had observed on a trip to China in 2006. A Chinese garden should be compact, asymmetri- cal and pleasing to the eye. The garden should have a focal point. Stohler's back- yard garden has a wooden walkway surrounded by a wide variety of colorful flowers, shrubs and trees. It is an attraction to a mul- titude of bees, birds and wildlife. "I've always want to learn new things," Stohler said. "I know I don't have the answers — there's al- ways something to learn." Many other inter- ests compete for Stohler's travel and gardening time. His love of theology has led him to become active in a number of ministries and activities at the Presbyte- rian Church in Red Bluff. Stohler has been a long- time member of Sons In Retirement, known as SIRs. He has held many offices in SIRs including area governor, which in- cludes overseeing chap- ters in Mt. Shasta, Red- ding and Red Bluff. Stohler's son Bill lives in Hawaii and is a senior project manager for AE- COM and is a very talented underwater photographer. Stohler's living room wall displays many of his son's photos. Exploring interesting bridges has been added to his love for traveling, as well as writing travel- ogue articles for the Daily News. A love for the- ater and movies is part of Stohler's world, which all adds up to a life that is well lived and well-trav- eled. LEN STOHLER World traveler gathers ideas to plant in his garden SENIAOWENSBY—DAILYNEWS Len Stohler stands in the garden he created to enjoy year-around color and a variety of wildlife. ComeGolf With Us WinterSpecial 9holesofgolf $10 Goodthrutheendof2016 Oak Creek G o l f C o u r s e 2620 Montgomery Rd, Red Bluff • 530-529-0674 Commemorate100Yearsof Lassen Volcanic National Park Availableat www.lassenassociation.org or at the Book Barn in Red Bluff You can also call: 530-378-1495 by purchasing Lassen Through the Lens and A Pictorial History by B.F. Loomis. 2498 S. Main St. Red Bluff, CA 96080 (530) 528-8656 END OF THE YEAR SPECIAL End of the year membership special $150 Single Membership $225 Couple Membership *No enrollment fees Membership to be paid in full upon sign-up 21 st Century Entertainment Callforinformation and pricing 530-527-3456 Processdonelocal Convert your VHS to DVD Other Media & Digitizing available 744 Main St., Red Bluff Fine QualityGifts & Accessories (across from the clock tower) FALL SPECIAL OFFER 20% OFF ANY SINGLE ITEM (Somerestrictionsapply NEW ARRIVALS: •CHOCOLATECHERRIES • CHEESE STRAWS COOKIES • CROCHET HEADBANDS • CRYSTAL JEWELRY COME AND SHOP WITH US Bianchi Orchards Walnuts & Wine Shop 2016 Fall and Winter Events Bianchi Orchards Walnut & Wine Shop 10337 HWY 99E, Los Molinos, CA 96055 530-527-9157 bianchiorchards@yahoo.com DAYATTHEORCHARD Saturday, November 5th 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. LiveMusicBy:MaryAnneCoty Orchard Tour, Food Booths, Kids Activities HappyHourWednesdays 5:00P.M.-7:00P.M. Oct. 26th, Nov. 9th, 23rd, Dec. 21st Love Music, Drink Specials & Kids Activities ThankYou for Your Service! Veteransandtheir spouses receive a 40% Discount on all jewelry. Active Military 50% Discount 413 Walnut Street • 530-528-8000 Sat.-Mon. 10am-4pm • Tues-Fri 10am-5:30pm www.redbluffgoldexchange.com ServingOurCommunityForOver22Years HonoringAll Who Served 734MainStreet 530-690-2477 11am-9pm Mon.-Thur. 11am - 10pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-8pm Sun. 9 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP Pizza Restaurant LIFESTYLES » redbluffdailynews.com Saturday, November 5, 2016 » MORE ATFACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS A4