The Rainbow Family group is headed to its gathering location near Red Rock Lookout north of Antelope Lake in the Plumas National Forest. According to social and internet posts from group members, the primary routes for their arrival to their designated location will be along the Milford Grade and Janesville Grade.
Between 5,000 and 7,000 people are expected to be arriving from now through July 1st. The group is expected to gather for the first week of July, yet are known to stay longer. Plumas Sheriff Todd Johns shared concerns surrounding the 4th of July Holiday, stating that his agency and surrounding agencies will already be stretched thin due to the holiday, which quadruples Plumas County’s population. Johns adds that while many of the members in the group are peaceful with the sheer number expected to arrive, “there comes criminal element with it,” and that is what he is most concerned about. He urges everyone to lock their car doors, keep valuables out of your yards, and remain vigilant to suspicious activity.
Susanville’s Public Safety Chief Mike Bollinger addressed the city’s response to the impact on local stores as travelers arrive to pick up supplies before heading to the gathering location. “We have already been in contact with the stores that will mainly be impacted, Ssafeway, Ssuanville, IGA, Grocery Outlet, Marshalls, and Tractor Supply…These folks have been briefed, and we have asked if they have access to loss prevention teams to see if they are available to come up.” Bollinger is also warning the community not to lend a helping hand over the next few weeks to protect thier personal properties, “We understand there are a lot of good folks in our community, and they help one another, and they’ll see someone hitchhiking along the highway, please don’t, not for the next few weeks.” Bollinger says this will provide an opportunity for theft.
Local law enforcement says your and the community’s safety remains their top priority and will ensure laws are upheld as the region braces for the influx of visitors on thier way to the Rainbow Family Gathering.
Any concerns should be shared with your local law enforcement agency’s dispatch center.
