SierraTelephone

Sierra TELEPHONE

2024

BASS LAKE BALD EAGLES

STORY ON INSIDE BACK COVER

Shop in Your Own Backyard

We All Win When You Support the Local Provider

Sierra Tel is your local provider of communications solutions, but it’s much more personal to us than that. We hire locally and are involved in our local schools, chambers of commerce, service clubs, and non-profit organizations. We’re not just your communications provider, we’re your neighbors. Internet and telephone service is our business, but our passion is the community and people we have lived with and served for over 100 years. Thank you for your continued support.

559-683-4611 • 209-966-3636 www.SierraTel.com

Cornerstone Group © 2023

Emergency Numbers

911

TTY Emergency Calls: Dial 911 and Press the Space Bar Until Someone Answers

Fire

Highway Patrol/Sheriff/Police

Ambulance

911 Will Ask...“What Is Your Emergency?” (Fire, Medical or Sheriff) Stay on the Line - Follow Instructions

Your Phone Number _________________________ Street Address _______________________________

Special Directions? _________________________________________________________________________

Send Someone Outside to Meet the Rescue and Ambulance Units

DIALING 9-1-1 AND YOUR PRIVACY: When CALLING 9-1-1, your number (including non-published numbers) and address may be displayed on a viewing screen regardless of whether you have Caller ID Blocking. This enables the emergency agency to locate you if the call is interrupted. If you do not wish to have your telephone number

and address displayed, call the appropriate emergency number. However, be aware that if you do, your number may be revealed to the emergency agency. To avoid this you need to have Caller ID “Complete Blocking” or press *67 to block transmission of your number .

Published by: DPS Media | 2630 Hwy 109 Wildwood, MO 63040

1

Emergency Numbers

Crisis Intervention Agencies AL-Anon & Alateen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-683-1166 Behavioral Health Services For Madera County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-673-3508 Crisis Services Available 24 hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-275-9779 Or Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1 Behavioral Health Services For Mariposa County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-7000 Crisis Services Available 24 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-549-6741 Central California Narcotics Anonymous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-255-5881 Helping Hands Pregnancy & Parenting Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-742-5500 or 559-642-2229 Mountain Crisis Services Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault 24 Hour Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-2350 or 888-966-2350 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 988 Victim Services/Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-355-8989 Victim Service Center Business Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-658-8588 Emergency Information Hotlines Mariposa County Emergency Information Hotline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-1133 Or Dial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-966-1133 County Sheriff Madera County Sheriff Oakhurst 48267 Liberty Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-642-3201 If No Answer Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-560-4911 Madera 2725 Falcon Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-675-7770 Mariposa County Sheriff and Animal Control 5099 Old Highway N. P.O. Box 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-3615 or 800-774-8314 California Highway Patrol (CHP) Eastern Madera County 40500 Redbud Dr Oakhurst, CA 93644. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-658-6590 After Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-356-2900 Road Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-427-7623 Mariposa County 5264 Highway 49 North Mariposa, CA 95338. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-3656 After Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-356-2900 Road Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-427-7623 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fresno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-436-4474 If No Answer Call Sacramento. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 916-746-7000 California Department of Health Services Hazardous Waste Materials In an emergency call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1 In Madera County for non-emergency situations: During business hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-675-7823 After hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-642-3201 In Mariposa County for non-emergency situations: During business hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-2220 After hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-966-3615 Or In Any Emergency Dial 911 The information contained in these listings has been prepared with great care, but we cannot guarantee it is complete or in all cases correct.

Write your local numbers here:

Sheriff ___________________ Doctor ___________________ Fire ___________________ Hospital ___________________ Poison Control Center National Poison Control Center 800-222-1222

2

Index

Area Code 350 Addition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Area Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-31 Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 California Relay Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Community Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59-62 Community Clubs, Organizations and Information . . . 47-58 Consumer Information and Consumer Rights . . . . . . . 12-17 Counseling Services For Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Custom Calling Services and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Directory Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Emergency Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Emergency Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Emergency Preparedness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69-72 Equipment Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Government Representatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 How to Reach Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Local Calling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Long Distance Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-25 Online Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Products & Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-41 Repair Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-64 Service and Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Service Area Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Shop Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Time Announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See White Pages Underground Cable Locating Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Voice Mail Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-41

3

How to Reach Us

559-683-4611 • 209-966-3636 • 877-658-4611

Long Distance Service Local Dependable Service Web Hosting

High Speed Internet Whole Home Wi-Fi Telephone Service

MARIPOSA 5151 Bullion Street Post O ffi ce Box 185 Mariposa, California 95338 Lobby Hours : Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

OAKHURST 49150 Rd 426 Post O ffi ce Box 219 Oakhurst, California 93644 Lobby Hours : Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Technical Support Available by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 559-683-4611 • 209-966-3636 • 877-658-4611 Customer Service Available by telephone Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Directory Assistance (24 hours a day). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .411 Repair Service (24 hours a day) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .611 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559-683-4661 Call Before You Dig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .811

Know what’s below. Call Before You Dig!

www.SierraTel.com

4

TALK A LITTLE OR A LOT YOU CAN DEPEND ON US, YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL PARTNER

UNLIMITED Nationwide Long Distance $ 14.95 per month Call 559-683-4611 or 209-966-3636 You can depend on Sierra Tel to keep you connected to what matters most to you. We offer a broad range of solutions — Internet, Telephone, and Whole Home Wi-Fi — combined with friendly, local customer service. Connect with your friends and family for as long as you want for one flat monthly fee! 559-683-4611 209-966-3636

Siierra Tell Long Diistance Requiired, Resiidentiiall Customers Onlly. Lower 48 States, Allaska & Hawaiiii.

5

5

Local Calling

Important Information About Telephone Service Availability

* California LifeLine and Federal Lifeline Program benefits are available to all RESIDENTIAL customers who meet the eligibility rules established by the California Public Utilities Commission and who qualify under either the California LifeLine program-based or income based criterion. Documentation of qualified program participation or proof of household income is required at the time of enrollment. Sierra Telephone provides discounted rates for qualified California LifeLine customers through a combination of the federal and/or state programs. Customer benefits include: reduced monthly service rates, $9.37 connection/conversion rates, a credit for the monthly Subscriber Line Charge, free toll blocking, and exclusion of state-mandated surcharges normally applicable to the basic service rate. A second California LifeLine Service telephone line discount is available for qualified disabled RESIDENTIAL customers through state-only funding. ** Federal Minimum Service Standard: Speed of 25/3 Mbps or the broadband service that is the highest available speed at your location. *** Federal Enhanced Lifeline and Expanded Link-Up Program benefits and qualification standards apply to all RESIDENTIAL customers living on Tribal lands as described in the Code of Federal Regulations at Section 47 C.F.R. § 54.400(e). To qualify for Federal Enhanced Lifeline, the customer must also qualify to participate in the California LifeLine Program and certify that they reside on Tribal land. Eligible residents of Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 in Federal Enhanced Lifeline support. Qualified RESIDENTIAL customers living on Tribal lands who require assistance with initial service installation costs are eligible to receive the Expanded Link-Up discount. Expanded Link-Up provides a 100% reduction, up to $100, of the charges for both service connection and line extension charges in connection with the one-time costs associated with initiating a single connection for RESIDENTIAL telephone service at the customer’s principal place of residence. Charges for facilities or equipment (for example, inside wire or a telephone) that falls on the customer side of the demarcation point are not covered. For additional details about Sierra Telephone’s services or to apply for California LifeLine Service or Federal Enhanced Lifeline Service, please contact a Sierra Telephone Business Office: OakhurstBusinessOffice......................... 559-683-4611 MariposaBusinessOffice ........................ 209-966-3636 or Toll Free. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-658-4611 www.SierraTel.com

Sierra Telephone has been providing reliable service of the highest quality to customers in eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties since 1895. A wide variety of products and services are available to customers within our 775 square mile serving area - including the following:

Basic Service Offerings: Rates in effect February 1, 2023 and are subject to change.

The above rates include the following: • Local Calling • Access to Directory Assistance • Touch Tone Capability • Access to Interexchange Service Providers • Access to Operator Services • Voice Grade Access to the Public Switched Network • Access to Emergency 9-1-1 Services • Toll Blocking ** Meets federal minimum service standard . . . . . . . $5.85 ** Does not meet federal minimum service standard $7.85 *** FEDERAL ENHANCED LIFELINE Single Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.00 - and Expanded Link-Up*** Sierra Telephone provides discounted monthly service rates and free Toll Blocking to all Residential Customers who qualify for California LifeLine Service or Federal Enhanced Lifeline Service government assistance programs. Lifeline service is non-transferable, only eligible consumers may enroll in the program, and the federal discount is limited to one Lifeline discount per household. RESIDENTIAL SERVICE Single Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26.50 BUSINESS SERVICE Single Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43.25 *CALIFORNIA LIFELINE SERVICE Single Party

6

Local Calling

Local Telephone Service Residence Service – Plus Taxes and Surcharges

Service Connection Charges For Single Line Service

The residence monthly service rates are based on Flat Rate Service, which includes unlimited calling within your local service area, Economy Voice Mailbox, Call Waiting and Call Forwarding. Throughout the entire serving area, our network provides services such as single party service with voice grade access to the public switched network utilizing modern signaling technology, as well as toll blocking, access to Emergency 9-1-1 Service, Operator Services, Directory Assistance, and a variety of Interexchange or Long Distance Toll Service Providers. The basic monthly service rates which include touch calling service are as follows: 1-Party Residence Service: $26.50 per month* The local service area for customers served from the Coarsegold/ Oakhurst Exchange (prefixes 641, 642, 658, 683, and 692) includes prefixes 641, 642, 658, 683, 689, 692, 868, and 877 (Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Fish Camp, North Fork, Oakhurst, O’Neals, and Raymond areas). The local service area for customers served from the Raymond Exchange (prefix 689) includes prefixes 641, 642, 658, 683, 689, and 692 (Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Fish Camp, Oakhurst, and Raymond areas). The local service area for customers served from the Mariposa Exchange (prefixes 742 and 966) includes prefixes 742 and 966 (Mariposa area). A $6.50 per month Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Subscriber Line Charge and a per month Federal Universal Service Charge, reviewed quarterly, apply to each 1-Party Residence Service. See www.neca.org Members Services-Tariff 5 for details. Monthly rates shown do not include taxes and surcharges, equipment rental or any optional services, e.g., Custom Calling Service Features or Voice Mail Service.

When you order new service or request changes in your existing service, you are charged only for the specific work that actually is done. The amount you are charged is determined by the type of work completed. Service Order Charge (processing your order): New service or transfer of service (for installation, reinstallation, and reconnection of new or additional service). - Each order: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18.75 Change in existing service (for changes and/or additions to existing service, record changes, directory changes, and voice mail installation). - Each order: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Network Access Charge: For Central Office work and outside plant work necessary to complete your order. - Each access line or trunk: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28.00 Premises Visit Charge: When an Installation Technician is dispatched to your home, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, certain hourly rates may apply.

If some of these steps are not necessary, you will not be charged for them. Your Customer Care Associate can tell you what your estimated charges will be when

you place an order for service. 4-Hour Appointment Notice

Whenever a contract for service or repair is entered into between Sierra Telephone and a customer, and the parties have agreed that the presence of the customer is required at the time of service or repair, Sierra Telephone shall specify, prior to the date of service or repair, a four-hour period within which the work shall commence .

*Rates in effect February 1, 2023 and are subject to change.

7

Service & Billing

Important Notice About the California LifeLine Program From Sierra Telephone

** Federal Minimum Service Standard: Speed of 25/3 Mbps or the broadband service that is the highest available speed at your location. You may also qualify for the California LifeLine discounts on a second telephone line if you or another person in your household is disabled and needs a teletypewriter (TTY) when using the phone. To get the 2nd California LifeLine discount you must certify that the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program issued the TTY or provide a medical certificate indicating the need for TTY. There is also the Enhanced Lifeline and Link-Up Program funded by the federal government. Residents of federally recognized tribal lands who qualify for Enhanced Lifeline may receive additional federal Lifeline discounts of up to $25 a month for basic home phone service and an additional Link-Up benefit of up to $100. Applicants must still qualify by the same eligibility guidelines detailed below. Eligibility Guidelines Only one California LifeLine discount per household is allowed (except for TTY users). Households cannot get the discount from multiple phone companies. A household includes adults and children who are living together at the same address as one economic unit. An economic unit consists of all adults (persons at least 18 years old) contributing to and sharing in the household’s income and expenses. You can qualify for the California LifeLine discounts by either Method 1 Program-Based OR Method 2 Income-Based. All applicants must submit copies of documentation showing their eligibility along with their application form to the California LifeLine Administrator before the response date. Applicants may use either the paper process or online process to submit their application form and any other required documentation. Acceptable documentation of eligibility can include but is not limited to: Program Eligibility: the current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying assistance program, a notice or letter of participation in a qualifying assistance program, program participation documents, or other official document demonstrating that you or one or more of your dependents or household members receives benefits from a qualifying assistance program. Income Eligibility: the prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return, current income statements or paycheck stubs for three consecutive months within the calendar year, a statement of benefits from Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement/pension, Unemployment Compensation, and/or Workers’ Compensation, a divorce decree, child support document, or other official documents.

The California LifeLine Program (California LifeLine) provides discounts on basic home phone service to qualified households. This government assistance program of the California Public Utilities Commission helps consumers to lower their phone bills. For more information, go to: www. CaliforniaLifeLine.com Consumers applying for the California LifeLine Program must be approved before receiving the California LifeLine discounts. If you apply to be in California LifeLine, you will pay the regular rates for basic home phone service until your application is approved. To help you pay the up-front costs of establishing your home phone service like the service installation/ connection fee, service conversion fee, and deposits, you can request to be on an interest-free payment plan. After being approved by the California LifeLine Administrator, you will be refunded the difference between the regular rates and the California LifeLine discounted rates for any applicable monthly service charges, service installation/connection fee, service conversion fee, and deposits for basic home phone service. The refund and the California LifeLine discounts will be retroactive to the date your service began or the date you requested to be enrolled, whichever is later. If your bill has a net credit balance of $10.00 or more, you may request a refund check from Sierra Telephone. Otherwise, the refund will just be a credit on your account.

Discounted Services: Rates in effect February 1, 2023 and are subject to change.

CA LifeLine Flat Rate Service Single Party

** Meets federal minimum service standard . . . . . . . $5.85 ** Does not meet federal minimum service standard $7.85 CA LifeLine Service Connection or Conversion Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.37

CA LifeLine Toll Restriction or Blocking . . . . . . . . . FREE

CA LifeLine Deposit for Basic Home Phone Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE

8

Service & Billing

Type of Call TTY/VCO/HCO to Voice (Spanish) Voice to TTY/VCO/HCO (Spanish) From or to Speech-to-Speech

Toll-Free 800 Number 1-800-735-2929 1-800-855-3000 1-800-735-2922 1-800-855-3000 1-800-854-7784

If you believe there is an error on your bill or have a question about your service, please call Sierra Telephone Company, Inc. customer support at Oakhurst - 559-683-4611, Mariposa - 209-966-3636, or toll free 877 658-4611. If you are not satisfied with Sierra Telephone Company, Inc.’s response, submit a complaint to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by visiting www.cpuc.ca.gov/complaints/ . Billing and service complaints are handled by the CPUC’s Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB), which can be reached by the following means if you prefer not to submit your complaint online: Telephone: 1-800-649-7570 (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday) Mail: California Public Utilities Commission, Consumer Affairs Branch, 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2003, San Francisco, CA 94102 If you have limitations hearing or speaking, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service, which is for those needing direct assistance relaying telephone conversations, as well their friends, family, and business contacts. If you prefer having your calls immediately answered in your mode of communication, dial one of the toll-free language-specific numbers below to be routed to the California Relay Service provider.

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 1. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS) 2. Stanislaus Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKS) 3. Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) 4. Welfare to Work (WTW) • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) • Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program To avoid having service turned off while you wait for the outcome of a complaint to the CPUC specifically regarding the accuracy of your bill, please contact CAB for assistance. If your case meets the eligibility criteria, CAB will provide you with instructions on how to mail a check or money order to be impounded pending resolution of your case. You must continue to pay your current charges while your complaint is under review to keep your service turned on. If your complaint concerns interstate or international calling, write the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB), 45 L Street NE Washington, DC 20554, or at fccinfo@fcc.gov , or call 1-888-225-5322 or ASL Video Call 1-844-432-2275. Note: the CPUC handles complaints of both interstate and intrastate unauthorized carrier changes (“slamming”). The California Consumer Protection Rules are available online at www.cpuc.ca.gov .

Method 1 Program-Based: at least one household member is enrolled in any of these public assistance programs: New California LifeLine Limitations Effective June 1, 2023

• CalFresh, Food Stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) • Medicaid/Medi-Cal • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 • National School Lunch Program (NSLP) • Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only) • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

Method 2 Income-Based: your household’s total annual gross income is at or less than these annual income limits for your household size:

Annual Income Limits

Household Size

1-2 members 3 members 4 members

$32,500 $37,700

$45,900 Add $8,200 for each additional person after four people. Effective 06/01/23 to 05/31/24

Applicants cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person’s income tax return. The discounts can only be for the primary residence. Discounts are non-transferable. Individuals who do not follow the one discount per household rule will lose their discounts, and may be prosecuted by the U.S. government. Individuals can also be punished for giving false information to get the discounts. Penalties can include imprisonment, losing the discounts, monetary fines, and being banned from the California LifeLine Program.

9

Service & Billing

How to Apply for the California LifeLine Discounts

Establishing or Transferring Service For new service you will need to complete an application packet; it will expedite the process if you are able to visit our Business Office in person. A valid picture ID, as well as the complete service address, is required. We can mail, email or fax the application packet to you if you prefer. To transfer your service to a new location within our service area, simply contact one of our Customer Care Associates during regular business hours. A Customer Care Associate will provide you with information relative to all service and equipment options available from Sierra Telephone. There are special programs for the deaf and disabled, and discounts for low income families. There are special requirements for provisioning service for new home construction. A Customer Care Associate will provide you with the necessary information and guidelines. NOTE: When connecting or reconnecting telephone service you may select an interexchange Carrier (IXC) or Long Distance Company of your choice to handle your intraLATA service area toll calls and interLATA or interstate long distance toll calls by pre-subscribing to that IXC. This service, known as “Equal Access,” allows you to make long distance calls without requiring you to dial a series of access numbers. Your Telephone Bill How You Are Billed Charges for local service and equipment are billed one month in advance. Installation and Repair charges are billed after they have been completed. All changes, except termination of service, and disconnection of certain options, require a service charge. The amount you are charged depends on the type of change requested. Consult your Customer Care Associate for a cost estimate for different services. Error On Your Bill If you have a question regarding your bill, call your Customer Care Associate. Please pay the undisputed charges on time so you will maintain a good payment record while the problem is being investigated. Payment Options • On-Line Bill Payment • Cash or Check • Electronic Check • Credit Card • Automatic Payments Visit our website at www.SierraTel.com

If you think your household qualifies for the California LifeLine discounts, please contact a Sierra Telephone Business Office: Oakhurst - 559-683 4611, Mariposa - 209-966-3636, or toll free 877-658-4611. We will review the program and eligibility rules with you. Then we will inform the California LifeLine Administrator to send you an application form. The California LifeLine Administrator will mail you an application form in a PINK envelope with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can apply online at www.CaliforniaLifeLine.com using your PIN or complete, sign, and mail the form and any required proof to the California LifeLine Administrator. The form and any required documents must be completed and returned before the response date indicated on the form. If you do not return the form, or fail to provide requested documentation, you will not get the California LifeLine discounts and will continue to pay the regular rates. How to Keep Your California LifeLine Discounts Once you are a California LifeLine participant, you must renew your participation annually. The California LifeLine Administrator will mail you a renewal form in a PINK envelope with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can renew online at www.CaliforniaLifeLine.com using your PIN or complete, sign, and mail the form to the California LifeLine Administrator. If you do not renew before the response date or get approved, you will lose the California LifeLine discounts, will be removed from the program, and will be charged the regular rates. If you have questions about your renewal, contact the California LifeLine Administrator at 877-858-7463 or 888-858-7889 (TTY) from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday. If you believe your household no longer qualifies for the discounts or if your household is getting more than one discount by mistake, you must inform Sierra Telephone or the California LifeLine Administrator within 30 days. If you do not follow this notification rule, you may be penalized. De-Enrollment Rules Your household may lose the California LifeLine discounts if your household no longer qualifies, is already receiving the discounts (except TTY), fails to use the phone service for 60 consecutive days, or does not renew the discounts on an annual basis.

FEDERAL ENHANCED LIFELINE AND EXPANDED LINK-UP BENEFITS, QUALIFICATIONS AND CUSTOMER CERTIFICATION Please see page 6 for information.

Pay your bill online by visiting: www.SierraTel.com

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Service & Billing

Limited Service is temporarily provided by Sierra Telephone at no charge to residential locations where there has been previous telephone service and it is permissible with existing technology and facilities. It is also provided to a new residential location where there is an outside network interface, known as a Minimum Point of Entry (MPOE), and inside jacks have been wired to the MPOE. This residence service allows callers to have limited outgoing call capability. Calls are restricted to 9-1-1 for emergency service and to a local telephone number for the Sierra Telephone Business Office. To verify the availability of Limited Service at a residential location that does not have current active telephone service, plug in a standard corded telephone to a properly wired inside jack or at the network interface box. If dial tone is present at the residential location: To reach emergency services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dial 9-1-1 To reach the Oakhurst Business Office . . . . . . . . . . dial 559-683-4611 To reach the Mariposa Business Office . . . . . . . . . . dial 209-966-3636 Limited Service will be provided for 120 days following (1) the date of notification of discontinuation of telephone service to existing residential locations, or (2) the date of provision of Limited Service to a new residential location. How to Get Service Restored A customer whose basic local exchange telephone service* has been discontinued for non-payment of bills will be required to pay any unpaid balance for basic local exchange telephone service charges, including mandated surcharges and taxes, due to Sierra Telephone prior to restoration of basic local exchange telephone service. A service connection charge may also be applicable. If payment is made for only the outstanding balance for basic local exchange telephone service and mandated surcharges and taxes, only basic local exchange telephone service will be restored. Long distance service and other optional services, such as Internet Service/Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Toll/Calling Plans, Custom Calling, Voice Mail, and other Individual or Bundled Features associated with the account will be restored when the outstanding unpaid balance due, including any mandated surcharges and taxes and all applicable service charges associated with those services, is paid. *Basic Charges are defined in California Public Utilities Commission Decision 96-10-066, Appendix B, Page 5.

Monthly Bill For Service You are responsible for payment of authorized charges on your bill. Your payment is DUE when you receive your bill and becomes DELINQUENT TWENTY-TWO (22) calendar days thereafter. Failure to pay charges for basic flat rate single line service charges, as defined in California Public Utilities Commission Decision 96-10-066, Appendix B, page 5, including all mandated surcharges and taxes (i.e. the charges designated with an * on your telephone bill) may result in a disconnection of telephone service. Other services, such as the ability to make toll calls, may be restricted if not paid. Optional services may be discontinued. Other action to collect unpaid accounts may also be taken. If your service is disconnected for non-payment, you must pay the delinquent amount plus a 1.5% late fee and a charge to reconnect your service. You may If your service is disconnected for non-payment, past charges and previous debts must be paid before your service can be reconnected. The reconnection fee will be added to your next bill. **Important Notice Regarding 911 Service** All disconnected residential telephone lines will be provided with access to 9-1-1 and the Sierra Telephone Business Offices: also be required to pay a deposit. How to Get Service Restored

Dial 559-683-4611 for Oakhurst Dial 209-966-3636 for Mariposa

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Consumer Protection Information

Caller ID Blocking Important Privacy Information Your Telephone Number Can Be Seen By Everyone You Call Unless You Block It!!!

If you have any questions about your choices or the effect any of these services may have upon you and your privacy, please call our Business Office. If you do not receive a satisfactory response from us, you may contact the California Public Utilities Commission at: California Public Utilities Commission Consumer Affairs Branch 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2003 San Francisco, CA 94102-3298 Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Voice 800-649-7570 or TTY 7-1-1 or 800-735-2929 To file a complaint online go to: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/complaints/ Rates & Tariffs Copies of our Tariffs, on file with the California Public Utilities Commission, are located at our Business Offices and are available for public inspection or may be viewed on the internet at: www.SierraTel.com Telephone Number Changes If a telephone number change is requested by a customer, it will be billed at the standard rate for connection. Sierra Telephone reserves the right and may, at its discretion, change a Sierra Telephone automatically provides a free Directory Listing, which may include your name, address, and telephone number listed alphabetically in the White Pages of the Sierra Telephone Directory and with Local Directory Assistance. **Your Responsibility** You assume full responsibility for your directory listing name and address. Sierra Telephone is not responsible for any claims, loss, damage, or liability which may result from the use of such listing. Sierra Telephone does not check to determine the legal, contractual, or other right to the use of a name or address listed in the telephone directory. You are also responsible for notifying Sierra Telephone of any change in your non-service address (an address other than where your telephone service is located) . customer’s telephone number. Directory Listings

Any telephone from which you place a call will automatically transmit its number to the person you are calling. Those subscribing to a service known as “Caller ID” will be able to see your telephone number before they answer their phone. It is important to note that the law guarantees you the right to decide who receives your telephone number. We also believe you should be able to choose how you would like to have your phone number blocked - your privacy is paramount. That’s why the law requires FREE blocking services that give you the freedom to choose when, how, and if your number will be shown to those you call. Complete Blocking - Complete Blocking is a FREE service that gives you permanent control over the transmission of your telephone number. Complete Blocking blocks the transmission of your telephone number on the calls you place, unless you specify otherwise. There is no need to enter a code before making each call. Those with Caller ID units who receive your calls will see the word PRIVATE displayed. Calls to those with Anonymous Call Rejection will receive an announcement informing the caller that the called party will not accept calls from callers who have chosen to block display of their telephone number. You may deactivate Complete Blocking on specific calls by pressing *82 on your touch calling telephone before you dial (or dialing 1182 on a rotary telephone). Selective Blocking - Selective Blocking is a FREE service that blocks your telephone number from being transmitted and/or seen on Caller ID units on a per call basis. By simply pressing *67 on your touch calling telephone (or dialing 1167 on a rotary telephone) before placing a call, your telephone number will not be transmitted. Those with Caller ID units who receive your call will see the word PRIVATE displayed. Calls to those with Anonymous Call Rejection will receive an announcement informing the caller that the called party will not accept calls from callers who have chosen to block display of their telephone number. If you do not select a blocking option, you will be assigned selective blocking. If you wish to change your initial blocking option or the blocking option assigned to your telephone number, you may do so one time free of charge. After that, you will be charged $10.00 to change your blocking option. Important note : Caller ID blocking may not work on interstate calls. Also, you cannot block transmission of your telephone number for calls to 9-1-1, 800, 833, 844, 855, 888, 866 or 877 service, regardless of the blocking option you choose. If, for some reason, you want to report an emergency without having your number displayed, you should call the agency’s ten-digit number instead of 9-1-1. If the number you are calling from is not equipped with Complete Blocking, you will need to press *67 before you dial the agency’s number in order to block your number from being shown (or 1167 on a rotary telephone).

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Consumer Rights Protect Yourself Against Slamming, Cramming & Scamming

National Do Not Call Registry Consumers who wish to decrease the amount of unsolicited telemarketing calls they receive should register with the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry www.donotcall.gov Voice: 888-382-1222 TTY: 866-290-4236 Telephone Sales Protections By law, you have 72 hours to cancel a purchase made by phone. Be sure you receive a phone number to call when placing an order. Prosecuting Fraudulent Callers It is illegal for another person to charge long distance calls to your number or calling card without your permission. People using unauthorized calling cards or phone numbers are subject to prosecution and may be imprisoned, fined, or both. Slamming It is illegal for someone to change your Long Distance Carrier without your authorization. Protect Yourself Ask your telephone company for a “PIC Freeze” so that your carrier will not be changed without your permission. If you receive notification in the mail verifying a new long distance carrier service that you did not order, call Sierra Telephone immediately to make sure your carrier has not already been switched without your knowledge. If you have been “slammed,” be sure to call your carrier of choice and notify them also. They will have been notified of your carrier change and may have cancelled whatever calling plans or discount rates you have on your account. Always be sure to verify with your carrier that your plan is still in place.

Handling Unwanted Phone Calls If you do not want to talk to a telemarketer, just say “no thank you,” and hang up. If you’re bothered by harassing or anonymous phone calls, try these techniques to discourage them: • Always hang up immediately at the first obscene word or if the person on the other end of the line doesn’t respond after you’ve said “hello” twice. • Don’t talk to the caller. This is what he or she wants you to do. • Don’t give out any information or let the caller know if you’re alone. Teach your children to say, “Mom or Dad can’t come to the phone. May I take a message?” If the problem occurs continuously, report it to your local law enforcement agency. Keep a record of the days and times of the calls, and note the caller’s sex, voice, accent, and comments. This information could assist the police. It is a crime to make harassing, obscene, or anonymous phone calls under both federal and state laws. California law requires that calls originating in this state and using a recorded message must be preceded by a live person who does the following four things: • Tells you who’s calling. • Tells you what the call is about and how long it will last. • Asks you if you are willing to listen. • Hangs up if you say you don’t want to hear the message. Similar laws may not apply to calls originating in other states, and so occasionally you may receive a call that does not follow these rules.

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Consumer Rights Protect Yourself Against Slamming, Cramming & Scamming

Cramming It is illegal for someone to add charges for various services to your local phone bill that you have not ordered. The charges are not related to your actual telephone service. Protect Yourself Make sure you read your monthly statement very carefully each month and immediately notify Sierra Telephone of any unauthorized charges. The charges can be removed and the companies responsible contacted to cancel any future charges. Avoid contests and sweepstakes that ask for a signature, and always read the fine print on all entry blanks or promotional materials. Often, you are authorizing more than your entry for the contest. Don’t leave your phone number on recorded messages to 800 or 900 #’s unless you’re certain that the company you’re dealing with is legitimate. If you receive materials in the mail confirming your new services, contact the company sending the letter, inform them that you did not request or authorize the new service and you refuse to pay for them. Then contact Sierra Telephone immediately, to verify that the services are not appearing on your monthly statements. 10 Tips for Spotting a Scam Be on the alert in the following situations! 1) A company or agency has a name that is intended to sound like a government agency or a familiar company or utility. 2) You must act on the offer the same day. 3) The telemarketer acts like he or she has done business with you before. 4) The company is unwilling to send you written information on the offer or give you references. 5) The caller asks for your calling card number as identification for purchases. 6) Individuals linger close by while you are making a call from a public phone. 7) Someone claims you have won a prize, and you haven’t entered a contest. 8) Someone asks for your calling card or credit card number to qualify you for a prize. 9) A telemarketer asks for your social security number so you can purchase products or qualify for prizes. 10) You have to pay a fee before you receive complimentary goods or services. Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your inbox.

Who to Contact for Help A number of other organizations and government agencies can provide assistance with additional information.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) 45 L Street NE Washington, D.C. 20554 Voice 888-225-5322 TTY 888-835-5322 Fax 866-418-0232 Email: fccinfo@fcc.gov www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch

505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2003 San Francisco, California 94102-3298 Voice 800-649-7570 TTY 7-1-1 or 800-735-2929 To file a complaint online go to: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/complaints/

Blocking of 900 and California 976 Numbers 900/976 Pay-Per-Call Billing Rights Statement You have the right not to be billed for pay-per-call services not offered in compliance with Federal laws and regulations. Failure to pay legitimate 900/976 charges may result in involuntary blocking of your access to 900 and/or 976 services . Important: Your local and long distance service cannot be disconnected as a result of non-payment of 900 or 976 charges. You have 60 days from the date of the 900/976 bill to dispute a billing error. If you orally communicate an allegation of a billing error via the telephone number on the 900/976 bill page, it will be considered sufficient notification of a billing error. Examples of billing errors include (but are not limited to): • You were dissatisfied with poor transmission quality, the quality or value of the service, or you dispute the amount billed; or • The 900 number service provider did not follow federal regulations. In addition to billing error disputes, if your dispute is for calls to 900 and 976 numbers within California, Sierra Telephone will offer a one-time adjustment of charges when: • Calls were made by your minor child without your permission; or • You did not authorize the calls.

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Consumer Rights

Please contact the following agencies for additional information: “Straight Talk About Telemarketing” Write:

You have the right to withhold payment for the disputed charges during the billing error review. No collection activity for disputed 900/976 charges will occur while the charges are under investigation. If the disputed 900/976 charges are found to be legitimate, the long distance company or the information provider may proceed with outside collections against your account for payment of these 900/976 charges. You may obtain the name, address, and telephone number of any information provider upon request at no cost by calling our Business Office. The billing entity forfeits the amount of any telephone-billed purchase (up to $50.00 per transaction) if it fails to comply with the billing error resolution requirements. Residential or Business customers: You can request that your phone be blocked from being able to complete calls to all 900 and 976 numbers by calling Sierra Telephone at 559-683-4611, 209-966-3636 or toll free 877-658-4611. 900/976 Blocking is free for residential lines. Business lines are charged a one-time charge of $15.00 per line for 900/976 Blocking. There is a one-time charge of $5.00 per line to remove 900/976 Blocking from a residential line, and $15.00 per line to remove 900/976 Blocking from a business line. The request to remove 900/976 Blocking from a residential line must be made in writing. State Law (Assembly Bill 2134), effective January 1, 1999, requires Sierra Telephone to inform our customers that various governmental agencies publish information that generally describes telephone customers’ rights under state and federal law. As a consumer, you have rights to privacy and to protect yourself from potential telemarketing fraud, unsolicited sales calls and faxes. The laws apply to live calls, prerecorded voice calls, and artificial (computerized) voice calls. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules and regulations, effective December 20, 1992, implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Different rules and regulations apply to calls placed to homes and businesses. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also has Telemarketing Sales Rules, which have been enacted to help protect you as a consumer. State laws are in place to protect citizens who have had their privacy violated or have been victims of fraudulent telemarketers. The State Attorney General’s Office, along with the Telemarketing Sales Rules, has the authority to investigate and prosecute fraudulent telemarketers who operate across state lines. Help Protect Against Unsolicited Telephone Marketing Calls and Faxes

Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20580 Telephone:

Voice 877-382-4357 TTY 866-653-4261 Internet: www.ftc.gov/bcp National Consumers League’s Fraud Center

The National Consumers League’s Fraud Center is operated by the National Consumers League which is a private, non-profit organization that maintains a consumer website to provide services and assistance in filing telemarketing and Internet fraud complaints. It sends information reported by individuals about suspected telemarketing and Internet scams to the appropriate local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Internet: www.fraud.org

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