DONT FORGET
MODOC FOOTBALL FACES THE WEED COUGARS AT HOMECOMING The Modoc County Vol. 133, No. 58 29
RECORD Alturas, California
April 30, 2026 October 9, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892 16 24 Pages
ProposalElementary to Reduce Main StreetBoost LanesFire Draws Alturas Students both Support and Concern Safety Skills with CAL FIRE A proposal to convert enforcement. They added Main Street from four lanes a more pedestrian-friendly to three drew both support downtown that could attract and concern during the City visitors and support local Council meeting on April 21. businesses, with space for Jim Richardson, an outdoor seating and public engineer with the Modoc art. County Road Department, “A safer, more attractive presented the concept as part Main Street can encourage of a future Caltrans project people to stop and spend expected in 2027-28. The time here,” one resident said. plan would reconfigure the Richardson cited examples road to two travel lanes with from other communities a center turn lane. where similar changes Richardson linked the reduced collisions and proposal to the county’s boosted economic activity, “Modoc Moves” planning though he noted Alturas Cal Lassen-Modoc grant,Fire which focuses on Unit-Facebook differs in size and conditions. improving biking Fire City Prevention officials andTrailer. some The CALwalking, FIRE Lassen and accessibility. residentsgained raised essential concerns Modoc Unit, in collaboration They The themeeting drewSafe a knowledge about costs, especially for on battery safety, with Modoc Fire large crowd. features not covered and by strategies, Council andRichardson’s Alturas evacuation 30-minute presentation was overall Caltrans, such as curb fire preparedness, in Elementary School, recently followed by about two hours addition extensionstoand maintenance. learning about led a vital Fire Prevention of publicprogram comment, for muchlocal of it the With dangers a limited of budget and playing Week focused on Focusing pedestrianon safety. declining officials firepopulation, equipment and students. this with He said time “Charge is limitedinto for understanding said the city must be cautious firefighter year’s theme, changes to be considered. about new andexpenses. gear. Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion fitness “Caltransinwants go out Traffic community-focused flow was another This Batteries Yourto Home,” to bid thisreceived fall or winter,” concern. Some shared residents by the students hands- initiative, Richardson said.inside “If we want said fewer could Modoc create FIRElanes Lassen on training the CAL to change anything, we have backups, particularly during a very short window.” peak periods or when large Richardson said the current trucks pass through town. four-lane design creates Emergency response also long crossing distances and was discussed, with concerns visibility issues, particularly that fewer lanes could slow for children, seniors and fire, ambulance and law people with disabilities. enforcement vehicles. Several residents, including Others suggested targeted students, described frequent improvements — such as near missesDay while flashing crosswalks, radar while event Veterans is crossing a time leadership, Main Street, especially speed signs will and increased provide for reflection, gratitude near and listings the high school. A student information enforcement —oninstead of a parades, community. This November, survey Record presented at the ceremonies full redesign. and other Modoc is preparing meeting feel gatherings. The discussion highlighted Readers will also a special found guide many dedicated unsafe walking a gap between official data details on organizations to honoring the downtown, men and find with some close and public perception. assistance with women who reporting have served in offering callsnation’s with vehicles. Officialscare, cited relatively health education and the armed forces. Speakers shared employment, low numbers as of well recorded as The guide also will feature personal accidents, opportunities while residents and profiles of localexperiences, veterans, volunteer including emphasized frequent close drives. community events,incidents support donation involving wheelchair and reluctance to walk Community members are resources and waysusers for calls and pedestrians narrowly invited downtown. to help shape the residents to get involved. avoiding Richardson a threeIf yousaid or someone It will collisions. be printed and guide. Supporters said reducing you lane design handle know could has served, distributed throughout lanes and could slowcounties. traffic Modoc significantly traffic Mediamore encourages Modoc Lassen and safety you than to current submit avolumes, photo, Stories improve will highlight without relying solely and on name including He and peak yearsperiods. of service. resilience, sacrifice
Unit, shows the strong commitment to public safety education, ensuring younger residents understand critical fire prevention measures. By teaching these crucial lessons at an early age, the program helps build safer communities through increased awareness and preparedness. Residents are encouraged to follow the CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc
Unit on social media for ongoing safety tips and community updates. Now a beloved annual event, the Fire Prevention Week program is something that firefighters, staff,
and students alike look forward to each year— an opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the shared responsibility of keeping their community safe.
Submissions can be emailed to info@modocmedia.com. Veterans Day is not only Images provided by Jimmy about honoring the Richardson past — it’s about recognizing added the configuration outdoor seating. the ongoing contributions would shorten crossings, Richardson said the change of veterans in our allowing pedestrians to could modestly slow traffic, neighborhoods, navigate one laneworkplaces at a time improving safety and making and withfamilies. a center refuge. it easier for drivers to notice The saidguide aimswould to downtown businesses. He the design provide both with inspiration work well added Despite that, he cautioned and practical resources, safety features such as curb that making changes within ensuring of the current Caltrans timeline extensions local and stories pedestrian courage and commitment islands, while also creating will be difficult and could space for parking changes are remembered and require city funding, which is and small-scale uses like not currently budgeted. celebrated.
If the council revisits the issue, Caltrans has indicated it could allow limited additional public input before finalizing plans. The debate reflects a broader question for Alturas: whether Main Street should remain a high-through route for vehicles or shift toward a more pedestrian-oriented downtown.
Veterans Day guide to honor local service members