On August 29, the California Senate Appropriations Committee held two measures that attempted to provide California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) relief for wildfire prevention projects. AB 1227 (Ellis, R-Bakersfield) would have created a temporary CEQA exemption...
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is proposing to disapprove of California’s Heavy-Duty (HD) Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Requirements as it applies to out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles. The HD I/M requirement in...
On September 2, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), announced he secured significant federal funding for two airports in San Luis Obispo County for infrastructure improvements. SLO County Airport will receive $2,725,597.00 to construct a new 315-foot Taxiway...
Following several months of stakeholder outreach and focus group engagement, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced upcoming webinars discussing resources and tools available to assist local jurisdictions with clean energy...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. Lights out in rural California – Politico In this POLITICO article, John Kennedy, senior policy...
Friday morning, the State Assembly and Senate began the final push to the finish line of the legislative year with the final Appropriations Committee “suspense” hearings of 2025. For the Fall suspense hearings, bills from the other house with a significant cost to the...
RCRC strongly supports the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471/S. 1462), which is co-sponsored by 21 members of California’s Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. This measure would provide pathways to improve and expedite forest management and...
On August 22, CalRecycle began the official Administrative Procedure Act process by releasing proposed SB 54 single-use packaging regulations for public comment. Comments are due by October 7. SB 54 (Allen) of 2022 requires manufacturers of single use packaging and...
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the producer responsibility organization (PRO) selected to administer California’s SB 54 single use packaging law, has announced a series of consultation sessions for stakeholders. As the PRO, CAA will coordinate industry efforts and...
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a five-day extension of the deadline to submit comments on the proposed USDA Reorganization Plan. Comments were originally due on August 26, 2025, but will now be accepted through August 31, 2025. The...
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the intent to develop an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed rescission of the USDA Forest Service Roadless Rule. The Rule, which was finalized in 2001, prohibits road...
On August 26, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) withdrew funding for four projects related to California’s High-Speed Rail project: Le Grand Overcrossing Project on the Merced Extension (CHSRA;...
The North State Planning and Development Collective at Chico State is a leader in economic development and GIS, dedicated to finding solutions for the region’s most pressing issues. From protecting and enhancing our natural resources to workforce development and...
A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities. GSCA Update – August 2025 Draft bid packages for Golden State Connect Authority’s (GSCA) broadband...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Bryan Bishop, of Placer County, has been appointed Director of Division of Adult Parole Operations at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Bishop...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. How California can support rural volunteer firefighters – Sacramento Bee In a commentary to the The...
After weeks of searching, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) has named a new Executive Officer. Late last week, Tony Anderson was appointed by the BOF as the Executive Director, replacing Edith Hannigan who left earlier this year. Andersen...
Assembly Bill 632, sponsored by RCRC and authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), seeks to strengthen local enforcement mechanisms for state housing law violations, fire hazards, and unlicensed cannabis activities by providing more penalty collection...
Congress is set to return from recess on September 2nd, giving lawmakers just four weeks to avert a government shutdown and reauthorize the Farm Bill before the September 30th deadline. This is alongside growing pressure to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools Act,...
At Anthem, we’re committed to being a valued health care partner and working together to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. We’re developing the technology, solutions and programs that give members greater access to care and working...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. Giselle Morris, of Hollister, has been reappointed to the California Youth Empowerment Commission, where she has served since 2024. Morris has been an Intern for the...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. California’s self-own on wind and solar – POLITICO RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy, is...
“Early Bird” registration for RCRC’s 2025 Annual Meeting ends today, August 15th. RCRC’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held September 17–19, 2025 at the Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley (Placer County). Check out this year’s program...
RCRC, in coalition with our public agency partners, strongly opposes Assembly Bill 340, authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Cupertino). This measure seeks to broadly expand confidential communication protections by barring a public employer from questioning...
Comcast appreciates the partnership of our Rural Counties in connecting everyone to quality broadband. Here is a video celebrating one year in the rural community of Caruthers. Watch this brief video to learn more and be sure to connect with Comcast at RCRC’s...
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties. John Ohanian, of Vacaville, has been appointed Policy Advisor for Data Exchange at the California Department of Health Care Services. Ohanian has been Chief Data Officer...
RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications. Is ‘carrier of last resort’ on its way out? – Capitol Weekly The Rural County Representatives of...
This week, RCRC President and CEO Patrick Blacklock sat down with the host of KZYX Mendocino’s Gower Hour, Bode Gower, to talk about rural issues. Together, they explored a variety of topics including broadband access, one-size-fits-all state policies, wildfire...
RCRC supports the bipartisan More Opportunities for Rural Economies (MORE) Grants Package, introduced by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Steve Daines (R-MT) on August 4. The two pieces of legislation in this package aim to help...
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has released several amendments to the Homekey+ Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). These amendments include the following: HCD will to continue accepting Homekey+ applications over the counter...
Sarah Dukett
Senior Policy Advocate
Leigh Kammerich
Senior Policy Advocate
John Kennedy
Senior Policy Advocate
Staci Heaton
Senior Policy Advocate
Tracy Rhine
Senior Policy Advocate
Eric Will
Policy Advocate
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
Senior Vice President Governmental Affairs