Submitted by Lassen Career Network Team

January 1, 2008-March 31, 2008

Lassen Career Network
2545 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130
(530)257-5057
www.aworkforce.org

 

 

 

One Stop Activities

 

Customized Job Fair
On February 4, 2008, the Lassen Career Network’s computer lab was used by Kasey Martinez of High Desert
State prison. Kasey presented a workshop to AFWD and EDD employees on how to get a state job.
The focus was on the on-line process for the Exams for Office Assistant, Typing & General and Correctional
Officer. Kasey explained that in order to obtain a state job candidates must first apply to take an examination.

Kasey demonstrated the online process by using LNC’s projector connected to the training PC. The demonstration
consisted of logging on to the State Personnel Board and the California Department of Correction's website
and walking through the process. Attendees then used the lab computers to follow Kasey’s oral and written
instructions.

Kasey, provided handouts for the attendees and clients that have an interest in State employment. Handouts
consisted of an open exam bulletin, brochures on how to get a State job, print- outs from the State
personnel Board and California Department of Correction’s web site highlighting the links to apply for a State
exam.

 

WIND ENERGY. Is it in Lassen County’s Future??


Invenergy, LLC is in the early exploration stage of bringing wind energy to Lassen
County enhancing the renewable energy industry in Northeastern California. The project is called the
"Horse Lake Wind Farm," with the windmills to be located on the ridges south of Fredonyer Peak. Invenergy
is currently in the permitting process which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2009. If approved,
construction of the project is expected to be completed approximately by the end of 2010 and
will employ up to 10 workers upon completion.

Matt Giblin, Developer, Project Manager at Invenergy stated, “Investment in the Invenergy project(s) here
in Northeastern California is very strong. Northeastern California has been identified as a suitable location for
renewable energy projects including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and natural gas. Northeastern California
has the natural resources as well as abundant open land with low density population. The investors see the
market for the energy here in California and want to invest in California projects to supply the needed energy.
With the state's passage of SB 1078 that mandates by the end of 2017 that 20% of the state’s power be
generated from clean, renewable sources, the potential for the development of and growth in the alternative,
renewable energy in this area is extremely strong.” The Horse Lake Wind farm alone will generate enough
electricity for 30,000 homes annually with pollution-free, renewable energy.

In order to have qualified workers for the wind farm, Invenergy is in discussions with Alliance for Workforce
Development, Inc., Lassen Community College and other key players to develop
a college curriculum that will train workers for Invenergy and other renewable energy facilities in Northeastern
California. All renewable energy companies could benefit from a curriculum at the local college that would
graduate the skilled workers needed to meet the needs of the alternative energy companies in a growing
industry and that an industry that is expected to grow in Northeastern California.

 

Labor Law Workshops

On January 23, 2008 Traci Holt, PHR, Executive Director, for Alliance For Workforce Development, Inc. (AFWD)
facilitated Lassen Career Networks’ annual labor law update workshop. This workshop was aimed at assisting
local businesses in becoming familiar with, understanding, and knowing how the new federal and state 2008 labor laws
that affect them, their employees, and businesses. Laws discussed included: the new minimum wage increase,
the use of cell phones while driving, military spouse leave, new health and safety regulations, payroll and
unemployment insurance changes, wage and hour issues, and other court decisions that affect all California
employers. Please click here for a copy of the presentation.

The workshop was very well received, with 17 local business representatives attending to learn more about the
new laws and the impact on their employees and businesses. Through workshops such as the Labor Law
Update, AFWD continues to offer employer services that assist business owners with their success.
For further information on business and human resource services please visit, our website.


 

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. Briefs Lassen County Board of Supervisors


During the Lassen County Board of Supervisors regular public meeting on February 26, 2008, AFWD’s
Executive Director Traci Holt gave the following report. This report is done annually to update the Board of
Supervisors on the One-Stop Activity in Lassen County.

Rapid Response – Lear Siegler Services Inc.

Lear Siegler at The Sierra Army Depot, Herlong CA

On March 7, 2008 the Rapid Response Team facilitated a Rapid Response orientation for the employees of Lear Siegler
Services Inc’s 22 material handlers who received layoff notices. During the Raid Response, the laid off material handlers
were in attendance to learn about the job employment services available to them because of the closure.
Their last scheduled day of work was March 6, 2008.

Wayne Bienkowski of the Employment Development Department presented an overview of unemployment insurance and
benefits. He also explained the availability of California Training Benefits (CTB). Wayne answered employee’s questions
regarding UI and CTB and then met with individuals one-on-one to review estimated benefits and to assist them with the
unemployment application process.

Bobbi Moore then gave an overview of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services provided by Alliance For Workforce
Development, Inc.. She explained that various WIA services are designed for those employees that lose their jobs due to a
business closure. She discussed job search assistance, resume and interview assistance, specific job skills upgrading,
and supportive services. The goal of AFWD’s services is to make the transition between jobs as smooth and brief as possible.

National Emergency Grant Project Continues in Lassen County

The damage from the 2006 storms in Lassen County was so extensive that the National Emergency Grant program, phase III
was recently funded putting 11 participants to work for Caltrans. With the assistance of the temporary job creation employees,
Cal Trans is continuing its progress with the storm damage restoration throughout Lassen County.

Participants of the Temporary Job Creation program funded by the Nation Emergency Grant, are providing Caltrans with
road maintenance work to assist with storm damage on and near Highways 395, 139 and 36 in Lassen County. The program is facilitated and monitored by AFWD. “AFWD is very pleased to work with Caltrans and assist them in the
storm damage repair, while providing temporary jobs for people who were otherwise unemployed,” stated Bobbi Moore, HR consultant for the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc.