Nestled in a high-desert valley in northeastern California, bordered by both lush evergreen forests and arid sagebrush, Susanville is a community of independent spirits. First a rugged trading post for Noble's Train wagon trains, in 1854, pioneer Isaac Roop wrought the first permanent settlement by allotting a large piece of his land for the city, which eventually would be named for his daughter Susan. Early settlers worked the surrounding ranches,...