By Marshel Couso
Welcome to our weekly feature dedicated to covering Susanville and Lassen County’s business scene! Grand openings, new employees, renovations, new hours… each week we’ll keep you up to date with important information about the businesses you rely on.
Joe’s Coffee Shop Helps Susanville Little League
The crack of the bat, the smell of fresh grass and the cheering of local fans mean that Little League season is officially here! This Saturday, April 18th, downtown Susanville will come alive with the energy of the annual Opening Day Parade, which forms up at the corner of Main and Fairfield Street and then heads down to the Little League Park.
Before the parade of teams begins its walk, make sure you’re caffeinated and ready to cheer them on. Joe’s Coffee Shop, located right at the parade’s starting point, is hosting a special fundraiser, donating $1 from every single purchase of coffee or pastries directly to the Susanville Little League.
These contributions play a vital role in providing equipment, field maintenance and uniforms for our local boys and girls.
The team at Joe’s invites all parade-goers to arrive early and enjoy a treat while supporting a great cause. Come down, grab a cup of Joe, and let’s make this the best Opening Day yet.
Lassen Municipal Utility District Celebrates its Linemen
When you flip a light switch, run your dishwasher, or charge your phone, it’s easy to take the flow of electricity for granted. But behind that seamless power is a dedicated team working around the clock – often in the harshest conditions – to ensure the lights stay on in Susanville and the surrounding district.
This week, Lassen Municipal Utility District joins utilities across the nation to celebrate Lineman Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the ten hardworking men who form the backbone of our local electrical system.
The Crew Behind the Current
LMUD’s line crew is responsible for a staggering range of tasks that keep our infrastructure resilient. On any given day, you might find them performing routine maintenance or complex system upgrades, but their true mettle is tested during the unexpected. Whether they are facing a mid-summer heatwave, a brutal high desert winter storm, or a late-night equipment failure, these linemen remain on call to ensure our power is both reliable and safe.
The team is led by crew foremen Adam Hull, LMUD’s longest-serving lineman, and Corey Kindle. Together, they oversee daily field operations and coordinate assignments while playing a vital role in mentoring newer crew members. Their combined experience is the cornerstone of LMUD’s strong safety culture, ensuring that every project is completed efficiently and every worker returns home safely.
Skill, Strength, and Synergy
Becoming a journeyman lineman is a journey that requires years of intense preparation. The path involves a demanding combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and rigorous apprenticeships. Even after reaching journeyman status, the learning never stops, as these professionals must constantly adapt to evolving technology and safety practices.
Beyond the technical expertise, the job demands incredible physical stamina and unwavering trust. Because the work is often performed in high-stakes environments, the crew relies on seamless communication and shared responsibility. It is a profession where teamwork is not just a benefit but a necessity, as every member of the team must remain focused on the safety of their colleagues and the community.
Join the Celebration
While much of their work happens behind the scenes or in the middle of the night, the impact of these hometown heroes is felt by every resident, school and business in our area. You can follow the LMUD Facebook page throughout the week to see special posts, photos and stories highlighting the crew’s efforts.
Local Coffee Shops Join Forces for Sexual Assault Awareness
The battle for the best Real Teal drink is officially on, with a goal of raising awareness for Lassen Family Services and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Three local coffee shops are inviting you to try their version of the tasty beverage with part of the proceeds going to Lassen Family Services.
If you find yourself in uptown Susanville, stop by the Blue Ox Bistro. Their version of the Real Teal is a refreshing blend of blue raspberry, green apple, and coconut. They offer a choice of Red Bull or lemonade as the base, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart. For every one of these tropical treats sold, $1 is donated to the cause.
Over at Joe’s Coffee, the Real Teal takes on a tropical, magical twist. Their recipe features a Blue Raspberry and Passion Fruit Red Bull infusion, finished with an edible shimmer that makes the drink look as good as it tastes. Just like the Bistro, Joe’s is donating $1 from every Real Teal order throughout the month of April.
Rounding out the trio is The Smokin’ Bean, located in the parking lot the Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel. They are pulling out all the stops with a large-size-only Real Teal that features a sparkly mix of blue raspberry and lemon-limeade infused Red Bull. They even offer a sugar-free Red Bull substitution for those watching their intake. The Smokin’ Bean has raised the stakes for the competition, donating a generous $1.50 from every purchase to LFS.
Every Sip Counts
While the competition is friendly, the mission is vital. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is about education, prevention and ensuring that Lassen Family Services has the resources needed to provide local advocacy and support.
The challenge to the community is simple: Stop by one, or all, of these amazing local businesses before the end of April. Invite a friend, try each unique recipe, and help your favorite shop take the lead in the standings. Every drink purchased helps shed light on an important cause and ensures that help remains available right here in our community.
Is something noteworthy happening with your business? Let us know about it! Each Thursday morning, we present a round-up of interesting news from the Lassen County business scene and we want to hear from you. E-mail your business news to Marshel at [email protected].
