BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual public meeting of the BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on Thursday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The business meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams and will include a public comment period scheduled at 1:30 p.m. The business meeting agenda can be reviewed online.

The RAC will be updated on BLM programs and activities from the BLM Central California District and field offices. In addition, the RAC will receive presentations and make recommendations on fee proposals from the USDA Forest Service in the Inyo National Forest, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Los Padres National Forest.

“We are looking forward to sharing ongoing projects and priorities throughout the district. In addition, we welcome the National Forests and their business plan proposals,” said Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

Meeting participants must register through Microsoft Teams to attend. Upon registering, participants will receive an email including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. Participants may need to download the Teams app if joining via phone prior to the meeting. Here are some tips on how to use Microsoft Teams.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at 1:30 p.m. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Office, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 35126 McMurtrey Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

To learn more about the Central California RAC, visit online. Please contact the BLM for reasonable accommodations to participate. For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.
 

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Ethics

Lawyer for Infowars host Alex Jones gets reduced suspension over handling of confidential documents

By Debra Cassens Weiss

March 20, 2025, 10:06 am CDT

A lawyer who formerly represented Infowars host Alex Jones has received a two-week suspension for careless handling of confidential documents after an appeals court overturned a lengthier suspension on appeal.

In a March 12 decision, Judge Robin L. Wilson of Waterbury, Connecticut, sanctioned lawyer Norm Pattis after a Connecticut appeals court’s 2024 decision that overturned a six-month suspension. The two-week suspension can be served any time within the next six months, Wilson said.

Law360 and the Darien Times have coverage.

Pattis is seeking a stay of the suspension while he appeals and has asked the judge to credit him for a one-week suspension that he served on the six-month suspension before it was stayed, Law360 reports.

Pattis was accused of violating lawyer ethics rules by careless handling of confidential documents obtained in discovery, including medical records for plaintiffs suing Jones over false claims that the 2012 mass shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, was a hoax. Twenty children and six adults were killed by the shooter.

Pattis had represented Jones in a Connecticut defamation case over the false Sandy Hook claims. The plaintiffs obtained a $1.44 billion judgment against Jones.

Pattis’ law firm had released the records to a bankruptcy lawyer who released them to a Texas lawyer representing Jones in a similar case. A paralegal for the Texas lawyer mistakenly released the documents to the opposing counsel.

Pattis has said he thought that the documents could be shared with all of Jones’ lawyers, according to Law360.

Wilson said the sensitive information, which was protected by a court order, “was carelessly passed around from one unauthorized person to another” with no effort by Pattis to safeguard the documents.

“Given the highly litigious nature of this case, Pattis should have been on heightened alert and duty” that the confidential information “had to be handled with the utmost care,” Wilson said.

Wilson wrote in the decision that “there is no acceptable excuse” for Pattis’ misconduct, given his experience.

“Pattis is a well-known attorney who handles high-profile cases on a regular basis,” Wilson wrote. “He was required to appreciate the consequences of his actions when he made the decision” to release the records.

Wilson said factors in mitigation included lack of prior discipline and absence of a dishonest of selfish motive.

Pattis claims that Wilson did not consider character evidence that he introduced in the remand hearing and improperly relied on facts used by the previous judge to determine a sanction.

Pattis told Law360 that the reprimand was too tough under ABA standards for imposing sanctions.

“I understand the passions the Sandy Hook case evokes, but at some point, those passions should cool,” he said. “When do I stop being ‘Alex Jones’ lawyer’ and resume my role as a lawyer who handles tough cases?”

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SUSANVILLE, Calif.  —  The Bureau of Land Management is offering an opportunity to live and work in a beautiful public land setting along the Susan River in Lassen County, as a camp host at a popular day use area.

The position at the Hobo Camp Day Use Area along the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail near Susanville runs from May 1 through the onset of winter weather in mid-November. A split summer/fall season could also be arranged for multiple hosts.

The BLM provides a site with all hookups for an RV or camp trailer. The camp host may receive a small stipend to help with living expenses. Duties include greeting visitors, providing information and completing light maintenance.

Anyone interested should contact Stan Bales at the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, 530-257-0456, or at  sbales@blm.gov. Information is also available at www.volunteer.gov. A search feature provides links and application information.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will discuss a range of public land management topics in meeting to be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The business meeting includes a public comment period scheduled at 1:45 p.m. The business meeting agenda can be reviewed in advance.

Agenda topics include landscape restoration efforts and fuels reduction efforts at the Mother Lode Field Office. The RAC will also hear project and program updates from the BLM Central California District and field office managers. In addition, the USDA Forest Service will provide presentations and make recommendations on fee proposals for Inyo National Forest.  

“We are looking forward to hearing about the restoration and fuels treatment work being done at various sites within the Mother Lode Field Office, projects throughout the Central California District, as well as projects from the US Forest Service,” said Central Coast District Manager Gabe Garcia. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

Meeting participants must register in advance through Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email, including the meeting link and dial-in numbers.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at 1:45 p.m. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Public Affairs, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 35126 McMurtrey Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management is hosting five events to quickly fill more than 100 vital wildland firefighter and various supporting positions throughout the state for the 2025 fire year. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the in-person events but may apply online in advance.

During the events, staff will be on-site to review resumes, process applications, conduct interviews, and potentially make job offers.

“To meet BLM California’s wildland fire-related challenges, we are recruiting applicants who are committed to managing fire in the most effective and efficient ways possible,” said State Fire Management Officer Peter Kelly. “Please consider the BLM for a rewarding career in wildland fire management and apply and visit with us during these hiring events.”

The BLM will be hiring wildland firefighters for engines, hotshots, handcrews, helitack and various supporting positions. A summary of these types of positions is available on the National Interagency Fire Center’s wildland fire job page.

The in-person events are scheduled as follows from 9 am to 4 pm daily:

December 12- 14, 2024
Apple Valley Fire Center 18809 Central Road Apple Valley, California 92307 (Google Map)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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January 30 – February 2, 2025
Bakersfield Field Office 35126 McMurtrey Ave. Bakersfield, California 93308  (Google Map)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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February 7-8, 2025
Carson Valley Inn In the Topaz Room 1627 Hwy 395 N Minden, NV 89423 (Google Map)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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March 4-5, 2025
Hidden Valley Fire Station 1709 HWY 139 Susanville, CA 96130 (Google Map)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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March 6-7, 2025
Surprise Valley Fire Station 602 Cressler St. Cedarville, CA 96104 (Google Map)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Job announcements, including qualifications, salaries, application instructions and application deadlines, will be available at USAJOBS. For more information applicants can visit the BLM California fire hire page online.

 

 

 

PALMS SPRINGS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for a volunteer to serve as a campground host at Coon Hollow campground in Mule Mountain Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA).

Located in eastern Riverside County, the campground is nestled in the lower Colorado Desert adjacent to desert riparian wash habitat. As a camp host, you’ll play a vital role enhancing visitor experiences, while enjoying a remote camping location. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who enjoy the outdoors and interacting with people.

Volunteers will assist the BLM by making visitor contacts, restocking restrooms, recording LTVA permits and reporting incidents, among other tasks.

The area is known for its unique geology and offers ample opportunities for recreation. The historic Bradshaw Trail National Scenic Byway provides four-wheel access to a variety of hiking trails and historic mining areas.

Camp hosts must carry in all supplies, including drinking water, as well as provide their own self-contained trailer or camper. Services are located thirty miles northeast in Blythe. Camp hosts will receive a stipend of $10 for each day worked and the LTVA permit fee of $180 will be waived.

Volunteer hours are flexible, with preferred working hours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and on weekends. The camp host is not expected to work during this entire period.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. For those interested in the volunteer opportunity, please contact the Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office, 760-833-7100, or email Noel Mollinedo at nmollinedo@blm.gov or Caroline Gish at cgish@blm.gov.

Get more information or directions to the campground by visiting the website online. Learn more about other campgrounds in the area at blm.gov/visit.
 

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will host an in-person public meeting of the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 861 NV-160, Pahrump, NV 89048. The meeting is open to the public with a public comment period scheduled at 9:30 a.m.

The Desert Advisory Council meeting will include a presentation on the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Business Plan fee proposal with an opportunity for public comment and a DAC vote, and a presentation and DAC vote on the U.S. Forest Service’s Angeles National Forest fee proposal. The five field offices and fire program will also report on their activities.   

The meeting will include a virtual option via Zoom. Meeting participants must register in advance to attend in Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. The public will have the opportunity to address the Desert Advisory Council only during public comment periods and time for individual comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written comments may also be emailed in advance of the meeting to kmiyamoto@blm.gov and will be recorded in the meeting minutes.

The BLM will host a field tour on Friday, Dec. 6, and visit public lands managed by the Barstow Field Office including Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, the borehole at Tecopa Hot Springs, and sites in the Amargosa River watershed. The tour will also include a stop at China Ranch Date Farm. Members of the public are welcome on the field tour, but must provide their own transportation, meals, and water. To attend the field tour, please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 29 to kmiyamoto@blm.gov. The meeting agenda and field tour can be reviewed in advance.

Advisory councils, such as the Desert Advisory Council, provide advice and recommendations for BLM consideration on resource and land-management issues within the agency. These citizen-based councils consist of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities who assist in the development of committee recommendations that address public land management issues.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will host an in-person public meeting of the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Monterey Bay Conference Room at South Point Hotel, 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, 89183. The meeting is open to the public with a public comment period scheduled at 9:30 a.m.

The California Desert District Advisory Council meeting will include a presentation from the U.S. Forest Service on the Cleveland National Forest’s fee proposal with an opportunity for public comment on the proposal and a DAC vote, and ethics and Federal Advisory Committee Act training for DAC members. The five field offices and fire program will also report on activities.   

The meeting will include a virtual option via Zoom. Meeting participants must register in advance to attend in Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email, including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. The public will have the opportunity to address the Desert Advisory Council during the public comment period and time for individual comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written comments may also be emailed in advance of the meeting to kmiyamoto@blm.gov, and will be recorded in the meeting minutes.

The BLM will host a field tour on Friday, Aug. 9, and visit public lands managed by the Needles Field Office including a future desert tortoise augmentation site, Horse Thief Campground, and Crystal Springs. Members of the public are welcome on the field tour, but must provide their own transportation, meals, and water. To attend the field tour, please RSVP by August 2 to kmiyamoto@blm.gov. The meeting agenda and field tour can be reviewed in advance.

Advisory councils, such as the California Desert District Advisory Council, provide advice and recommendations for BLM consideration on resource and land-management issues within the agency. These citizen-based councils consist of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities who assist in the development of committee recommendations that address public land management issues.

ARCATA, Calif.— North coast author Jerry Martien will lead a free nature writing workshop, Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Headwaters Education Center within the Bureau of Land Management Headwaters Forest Reserve near Eureka.

Participants should meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Elk River Trailhead for the half-hour walk along a paved and accessible trail to the Education Center. In the family friendly event, Martien will guide participants though his process of “listening” to nature and “translating” what is heard into poetry and prose.

To reach the Elk River Trailhead, take the Elk River Road exit from Highway 101 at the south end of Eureka and turn right onto Elk River Road. Follow the road about six miles to the trailhead parking area.

The event is one of a series of outings and events offered by the BLM this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of acquisition of the Reserve for public ownership. The Reserve was established in 1999 after a decade long grassroots effort to protect the world’s last unprotected old growth redwood forest ecosystem.

Several threatened species including the northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet (a seabird), coho salmon and steelhead benefit from the Reserve’s habitat.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a virtual public meeting of the Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The business meeting will include a public comment period and the agenda topics can be reviewed in advance.

The BLM will discuss implementation of the Alabama Hills Management Plan and will provide an update on the Bi-State Sage Grouse. The BLM is seeking feedback on the program’s development. In addition, BLM managers and staff will give program or project presentations to the RAC members and the public.

“We are looking forward to reviewing the implementation of the Alabama Hills Management Plan and the Bi-State Sage Grouse efforts with the public and our partners,” said Central California District Manager Chris Heppe. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”                                                                                                                             

Meeting participants must register in advance through Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email, including the meeting link and dial-in numbers.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at noon. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Office, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

To learn more about the Central California RAC, visit online. Please contact us for reasonable accommodations to participate. For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.