The Barbed Wire - April 1, 2022

Governor Newsom Issues Drought Emergency Order

On Monday, March 28th, Governor Newsom issued his fourth emergency order on drought, building on emergency orders from April, May, and October of 2021. This new order significantly expands the previous three by enacting several new provisions on water use conservation, permissible landscaping, maintenance of fish habitat, water hauling, illegal diversions, new well permits, and groundwater recharge, among other provisions.  

Some notable changes made by the new provisions include: 

• New Urban Water Agency Conservation Targets. The new order directs State Water Resources Control Board to consider a rule directing urban water suppliers to enact Level 2 measures under their water shortage contingency plans, to result in a reduction of water usage by 20%. 

• Restriction on “Non-functional Turf”. The new order directs State Water Board to consider adopting a rule banning irrigation of ‘non-functional turf’ at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites.  

• Authority to Limit CEQA. The order suspends environmental review for the adoption of aforementioned new rules by State Water Board, and allows the Resources Secretary to suspend the application of CEQA for water conservation projects determined by the Secretary that are conducted pursuant to the order. 

• Expediting Petitions for Change in Water Use to Promote Habitat Conservation. The order directs Water Board to consider, on an expedited basis, petitions by water use diverters seeking to change their permitted use to a beneficial use for promoting fish habitat and conservation. 

• Suspension of Local Ordinances Prohibiting Out-of-Basin Water Hauling for Emergency Supply. The order suspends all local ordinances that prohibit an out-of-basin transfer of water hauled to provide an emergency supply to maintain public health and safety. 

• Directs Water Board to Increase Its Inspection Program for Illegal Diversions. The order not only directs the board to increase inspection for illegal diversions, but also for diversions considered “wasteful and unreasonable”. 

• Limitation on Local Approval of New (non-domestic) Wells. The order directs local authorities to obtain written verification from a relevant Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) before permitting new wells or expansions of existing wells, other than wells approved for the purposes of providing domestic supply or emergency public health and safety supply. GSAs must verify that a new or expanded well project is not inconsistent with its sustainability plan. The order also prohibits local agencies from issuing a permit if a new or expanded well project would interfere with production from existing wells or would result in subsidence that adversely impacts or damages surrounding infrastructure. 

• Prioritizing Groundwater Recharge Projects. The order directs the state water agencies to prioritize permits and project approvals across several categories that facilitate groundwater recharge, and suspends application of CEQA to projects approved pursuant to the Department of Water Resources Flood-Managed Aquifer program and Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant program. 

• Accelerated Deadline for State Agencies to Provide Budget Proposals. The order directs all relevant state agencies to provide Department of Finance with budget proposals for programs and projects intended to address the drought emergency. 

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1186 (Wiener) - Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act

RCRC, in coalition with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), has expressed opposition to Senate Bill 1186, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). This measure would severely undermine local decision-making under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). 

With the enactment of MAUCRSA, a large number of licensed industry actors are participating in the regulated commercial cannabis market. The ability of local jurisdictions to regulate business entities participating in their local area was central to the passage of both the original Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA) and Proposition 64, and is consequently integral to the combined MAUCRSA. 

The coalition expressed that local control must be sustained to ensure counties and cities can set regulatory standards associated with local land-use authority. This includes the ability to restrict or prohibit commercial cannabis activities or impose stricter local standards than those afforded in State regulations. SB 1186 undermines the intent of MAUCRSA by (1) eliminating a local jurisdiction's ability to prohibit medical cannabis retail activities, regardless of the needs or conditions in the jurisdiction, and (2) restricting the ability for the large number of jurisdictions that permit and regulate cannabis retailers to set appropriate local regulations which are developed in a public process. 

SB 1186 proceeds entirely from the premise that there are serious “barriers” to medical cannabis access in California. That is simply untrue. Our state produces three times the amount of cannabis that the California market can consume, and there are well over 200 jurisdictions permitting some form of medical and adult-use retail, with additional jurisdictions coming online in 2022.  

SB 1186 is set for hearing in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development on Monday, April 4, 2022. RCRC’s letter of opposition is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett. 

RCRC Submits Comments on CARE Court Proposal

On Friday, March 25th, RCRC provided comments and recommendations on the Governor's Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court proposal, which is a cross-jurisdictional approach to provide new ways to encourage individuals with serious mental illness (schizophrenia and psychosis) to receive treatment.

As presented, the CARE Court framework outlines new responsibilities that require additional resources at the county level. The proposal raises a number of questions and lacks sufficient details to adequately assess the scope of CARE Court and its implementation impacts on counties. RCRC has expressed concerns, questions, and recommendations to the Administration on aspects of the proposal, including capacity, funding, housing, resources, implementation timelines, and workforce challenges. RCRC and our county partner organizations continue to engage with the Administration on CARE Court and work collaboratively on solutions to better serve individuals with mental health conditions. Read RCRC's comment letter here. For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett.
 

RCRC County Receives Homekey Funding in Latest Round of Awards

On Wednesday, March 30th, Governor Newsom announced another round of awards granted in Project Homekey, a program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This program provides grant funding to cities, counties, or other local public entities within California to purchase and rehabilitate housing, hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other buildings and convert them into interim or permanent, long-term housing. Among the award recipients is the RCRC-member county of Glenn which, together with the City of Orland, will receive $8.7 million for a 33-unit new construction permanent supportive housing project. 

Additional Homekey awards will be announced in the coming weeks. Completed applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or May 2, 2022, whichever comes first. Detailed information is available on the HCD Homekey website here.  

Biden Administration Releases FY 2023 Budget Request

On Monday, March 28th, the Biden Administration released its $5.8 trillion budget request for Fiscal Year 2023, which highlights many Administration priorities and kicks off the appropriations process on Capitol Hill. While much of the budget is requesting funds for programs already announced under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), some new provisions of interest for RCRC member counties include: 

• The Budget provides nearly $3.9 billion for Forest Service Wildland Fire Management, an increase of $778 million, plus an additional $2.6 billion authorized in the suppression cap adjustment.  

• The Budget upholds the President’s commitment that no Federal firefighter will make less than $15 an hour, and increases the size of the Federal firefighting workforce by providing $1.8 billion for personnel and preparedness. Consistent with the President’s commitment to use the latest technologies in the fight against wildfires, the Budget also permanently sustains a pilot program that leverages sensitive satellite imagery to rapidly detect wildfires.  

• The Budget also invests $646 million in Hazardous Fuels Management and Burned Area Rehabilitation programs to help reduce the risk and severity of wildfires and restore lands that were devastated by catastrophic fire over the last several years. This funding complements the $2.5 billion for hazardous fuels management and $650 million for burned area rehabilitation projects provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

• The Budget provides $300 million in new funding for grants, loans, and debt forgiveness for rural electric providers as they transition to clean energy, as well as $6.5 billion in loan authority for rural electric loans, an increase of $1 billion over the 2021 enacted level. 

• The Budget invests over $675 million in Western water resource infrastructure to provide potable water to rural areas, serving both tribal and non-tribal communities. The Budget also provides funding to address the ongoing drought in the western United States. 

Marijuana Legalization Bill Heads to U.S. Senate After Being Passed by the House of Representatives

On Wednesday, March 30th, the House Rules Committee formally advanced the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3617). A full chamber vote took place on Friday, April 1st, and the legislation was passed in a vote of 220-204. The last time the MORE Act went to the floor in December 2020, it passed in a 228-164 vote, with five Republicans joining Democrats to advance the reform. Also on Wednesday, a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report found that the MORE Act would “add billions in revenues and reduce prison costs over the next decade.” Additionally, CBO estimates that the federal Small Business Administration will provide $1.4 billion “in grants to states and localities to make business loans to related small businesses and to develop cannabis-licensing rules.”  The MORE Act is expected to have an uphill battle in the Senate.

Updated 4/1/2022 10:05 AM Pacific Time

Senate Unanimously Approves Marijuana Research Reform

Last week, the Senate unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein, which would expand scientific and medical research on marijuana and its compounds, including cannabidiol. An earlier version of the bill also unanimously passed the Senate in 2020 and was reintroduced in February 2021. 

Meanwhile, advocates and stakeholders are awaiting the formal introduction of a separate Senate legalization bill being finalized by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). Schumer recently said the plan is to file that bill—the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act (CAOA)—in April. 

Recent Study Highlights Benefits of Telehealth for Expanding Healthcare Access

A new report and survey of Health Net’s COVID-19 Telehealth Capacity Grant program emphasizes the benefits of telehealth in increasing healthcare accessibility, and identifies barriers that remain. The data comes from a survey, performed by Harder & Co. Community Research, of nearly 100 Medi-Cal providers across California that received grants from Health Net to establish or expand digital health practices during the pandemic. Over the course of the program, participating providers increased telehealth visits to 45%, compared to 2% prior to the pandemic.  However, providers also ran into challenges when expanding virtual care options – including access to technology, reliable internet access and more. Specifically, 82% of providers said that patients had problems accessing technology and the internet. The latest analysis illustrates that while virtual care shows great promise in addressing historic barriers to care, key issues – like digital equity – still need to be solved to solidify its future role. Read the full report at Bridging the Divide: http://bridgingthedivideca.com/resource-library/ 

BULLETIN BOARD

Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Launches New Grant Programs to Conserve Lands and Boost Local Economies

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has launched its 2022 Strategic Land Conservation and Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant programs. The Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant Program supports efforts to enhance and develop sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities, as well as increase access to public lands in the Sierra Nevada region. The Strategic Land Conservation Directed Grant Program conserves lands through the planning and implementation of fee-title and conservation-easement acquisitions that provide access for public use or to public lands, safeguard lands threatened by conversion, and protect lands that provide critical resilience to climate change. 

This current grant-program cycle includes a minimum of $3.1 million available for Vibrant Recreation and Tourism and a minimum of $6.7 million available for Strategic Land Conservation. The funding for both programs is part of the state’s historic $15 billion investment focused on protecting Californians from the effects of climate change, including wildfires, drought, and extreme heat. 

Applicants interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to discuss project ideas with an SNC Area Representative. Concept Proposals must be submitted by May 6, 2022. If invited, full proposals will be due July 22, 2022. Awards will be made starting in December 2022. 
 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Releases Small-Scale Water Efficiency Grant Opportunity

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has announced the Small-Scale Water Efficiency grant opportunity.  The program provides 50/50 cost share funding entities with water or power delivery authority for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts.  

Projects eligible for funding include: 

• installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system,  
• lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or 
• other similar projects that are limited in scope.

The funding amount for this Small-Scale Water Efficiency grant award is capped at $100,000, and total project cost should not exceed $225,000.   

Applications are due on April 28th and can be found here.  If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, click here and select Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Inquiries to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.

Workshop - Water Shortage Contingency Plan Template Development for Small Water Suppliers

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), in collaboration with the State Water Board, is hosting a series of stakeholder meetings to inform the development of an abridged Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) template as part of a comprehensive effort to assist small water systems in meeting new requirements outlined in Senate Bill 552. At the first meeting, on April 20, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., DWR and State Water Board staff will provide an overview of the legislation requirements, review a proposed abridged WSCP template outline, and solicit participants input on the template content and function. Register here.

USDOT Opens Application Window for Competitive Grants to Support Infrastructure Projects

On Wednesday, March 23^rd, United States Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $2.9 billion in competitive grants is available for major infrastructure projects as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While there are three major grant programs with funding up for grabs, including the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL), USDOT has combined the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)  into a single application to reduce the burdens on state, regional and local government applicants, as well as make it easier to apply for more than one program at a time. Up to $300 million is available this year for rural highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the rural economy. 

The application deadline is May 23, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. The NOFO can be found here. For more information, including frequently asked questions or how to apply, see here. 

CDFA Announces New Funding to Help Nutrition Program Participants with Purchases of California-Grown Produce

The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, has announced seven projects selected to receive $750,000 in total grant awards to facilitate the purchase of California-grown fruit and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets by shoppers using the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition programs. CNIP addresses food insecurity and access to fresh fruits and vegetables among low-income Californians while simultaneously supporting and expanding markets for California farmers. CNIP currently offers nutrition incentives to CalFresh shoppers at more than 280 locations throughout the state, including Certified Farmers’ Markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and retail outlets.
 
Among the new grantees are the rural counties of Tulare, Butte, Shasta, and Tehama. A detailed list of grantees and project descriptions is available on the CNIP webpage here. 
 

USDOT Announces $1.5 Billion in Discretionary Grants Available for Local and Regional Infrastructure

The United States Department of Transportation released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program—originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as TIGER grants. RAISE grants can be used for a wide variety of projects and under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, RAISE expands the number of communities eligible for 100 percent federal share of funding, specifically those in rural communities, Areas of Persistent Poverty and Historically Disadvantaged Communities. To determine if a project location is considered as a Historically Disadvantaged Community, please use the tool available here. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. EST on April 14, 2022, and selections, which are vigorously reviewed and selected based on merit, will be announced no later than August 12, 2022. 

USDA Offers Rural Communities Financial Assistance for Renewable Energy Projects 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the application window is now open for (competitive) Rural Energy Pilot Program grants. State, Local, Tribal and non-profit entities are eligible for up to $2 million over three years to support community-scale renewable energy projects in rural communities, with priority given to distressed and high-energy burden communities that spend a greater proportion on energy costs than the average U.S. household. Funds may be for planning, installing, equipping, and maintaining community scale distributed renewable energy technologies, systems and resources. For more information, see here. Letters of Intent are due on or before April 19, 2022, and completed applications are due no later than July 18, 2022.

Registration Open for 2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Conference on Illegal Dumping

The 2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Conference on Illegal Dumping is happening April 19-21, 2022 The Conference will begin at 9:00 AM daily. This virtual conference is free to attend and designed for elected officials, city and county staff, public works agency employees, community based organizations, faith groups, community members and anyone interested in illegal dumping, community beautification or blight removal. Registration is now open! See here to register or for more information.

PG&E Safety Net Program – How to File a Claim 

If you are a residential customer who has gone without power for at least 48 hours because of severe storm conditions, you may qualify for an automatic payment under our Safety Net program. This program provides a payment of $25 - $100, which we pay automatically about 60 days following the storm outage.  However, you may submit a claim if you believe that PG&E caused a loss for which you should be compensated. You can make this type of claim using various methods, but online is the fastest way for it to be processed.  

View this message from PG&E for details. 

Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities

Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox. 

KEEPING UP

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

Leland C. Adams III, of Downieville, has been reappointed to the Commission on State Mandates, where he has served since 2017. Adams has served on the California State Historical Resources Commission since 2018. He has been a County Supervisor for the Sierra County Board of Supervisors since 2009. Adams was Sheriff and Coroner for Sierra County from 1988 to 2007. He served in several positions at the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office from 1979 to 1988, including Sergeant and Deputy Sheriff. He is a member of the California State Sheriffs’ Association, California State Association of Counties, Rural County Representatives of California, Sierra County Historical Society and Downieville Museum. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Adams is a Democrat.

Thomas Adams, of Davis, has been appointed to the California History-Social Science Project Advisory Board. Adams has been a Board Trustee for Davis Joint Unified School District since 2014. He was Deputy Superintendent of the Teaching and Learning Support Branch at the California Department of Education from 1998 to 2019. Adams earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in History from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Adams is a Democrat.

Monet Allen, of Montague, has been appointed to the 10th District Agricultural Association (Siskiyou County Fair Board). Allen has been Secretary and Partner at CLT Logging Inc. since 1997. She is a board member of the Siskiyou Family YMCA. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Allen is a Republican.

Alyssa C. Burrone, of Fort Jones, has been appointed to the 10th District Agricultural Association (Siskiyou County Fair Board). Burrone has been a Teacher at Etna Elementary School since 2021, where she has been Varsity Girls Basketball Coach since 2017. Burrone was a Client Services Manager at the Banner Bank from 2016 to 2021. She was Front Desk and Computer Resource Technician at Shasta Regional Medical Group from 2014 to 2016. Burrone is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Shasta and Vice President of Scott Valley Pleasure Park. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Burrone is registered without party preference.

Michael Gallo, of Merced, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2012. Gallo has been Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Gallo Farms, maker of Joseph Farms Cheese, since 1985, and Co-Owner since 1972. He is a member of the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board of Directors, Merced County Chamber of Commerce, Merced Elks, Italo American Lodge, Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Merced College President’s Circle. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gallo is a Republican.

Rajan Gill, of Yuba City, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, where he has served since 2013. Gill has been an Adjunct Professor of History at Yuba College since 2019 and a Managing Partner at Gill Ranches since 2010. He was Lead Researcher at Kesar Singh Dhillon Ghadar Memorial Trust in 2012. Gill earned a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gill is a Democrat.

Elizabeth Lewis, of Roseville, has been appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council. Lewis has been Senior Recruiter for Union Pacific Railroad since 2011. She was an Employment Specialist at Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation from 2009 to 2011. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lewis is a Democrat.

Thomas J. Linville II, of Yreka, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Siskiyou County Superior Court. Linville has served as a Commissioner at the Siskiyou County Superior Court since 2020. He was an Associate at the Law Office of Darrin W. Mercier from 2004 to 2020. Linville earned a Juris Doctor degree from the John F. Kennedy University, College of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William J. Davis. He is registered without party preference.

Glenda Humiston, of Novato, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Humiston has been Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of California since 2015. She was California State Director for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2009 to 2015, Senior Partner at AGvocate Consulting Services from 2001 to 2003 and Deputy Undersecretary for the United States Department of Agriculture from 1998 to 2001. Humiston earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in environmental science, policy and management from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Science degree in international agricultural development from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Humiston is a Democrat.

Bryce Lundberg, of Chico, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2013. Lundberg has been Vice President of Agriculture at Lundberg Family Farms since 2000 and Partner and Owner at B&E Lundberg since 1984. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lundberg is a Democrat.

David Mancera, of Salinas, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Mancera has been Director of Kitchen Table Advisors since 2018 and Principal Consultant of Mancera Consulting Group since 2014. He was Senior Business Advisor at Kitchen Table Advisors from 2015 to 2018, Agriculture Business and Technology Institute Adjunct Professor at Hartnell College from 2014 to 2017 and a Business Broker Associate for BTI Group/Business Team from 2014 to 2015. Mancera was a Senior Compensation Analyst at Granite Construction from 2011 to 2014 and Senior Financial Analyst at Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc. from 2007 to 2011, where he was a Marketing Analyst from 2005 to 2007. He was Director of Grower Relations at Colorful Harvest in 2011, Economic/Research Intern at the California Strawberry Commission in 2005 and a Sales Associate at FoodSource from 2001 to 2002. Mancera was a Field Laborer for Agriculture Labor Contractors from 1993 to 2001. Mancera earned a Master of Science degree in agricultural and resources economics from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Mancera is a Democrat.

Susan Masten, of Klamath, has been appointed Supervisor for the 5th District of the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors. Masten is a local business owner and was Chair of the Yurok Tribe from 1998 to 2003, as well as Vice Chair from 2012 to 2015 and 2007 to 2010. She served on the Yurok Interim Council from 1991 to 1994 and was a member of the Yurok Transition Team from 1988 to 1991. She was Vice President of the Native American Market at Union Bank of California from 2003 to 2007. Masten is co-president of Women Empowering Women for Indigenous Nations and co-chair of the Red Nation International Film Festival Board of Directors. She is a former chair of the Board of Directors of the North Coast Small Business Development Center and past president of the Klamath Chamber of Commerce. This position does not require Senate confirmation. Masten is a Democrat.

Frank Salazar, of Imperial, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Salazar has been President of Vencer Public Affairs and Strategy since 2020. He was Director of Communications and Community Relations at Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District from 2016 to 2020, Director of Communications for California State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia from 2014 to 2016 and Special Assistant to State Senator Ben Hueso from 2012 to 2014. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Salazar is a Democrat.

Joy Anne Sterling, of Sebastopol, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where she has served since 2013. Sterling has been Chief Executive Officer at Iron Horse Vineyards since 2006, where she was Director of Sales and Marketing from 1985 to 2006. She was a Deputy Bureau Chief at ABC Network News Los Angeles from 1983 to 1985. Sterling is Chair of the California Democratic Party Rural Caucus. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Sterling is a Democrat.

Patricia Stock, of Chico, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Stock has been Dean of the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico since 2021. She was Director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from 2018 to 2021, where she was a Professor in the Department of Entomology and the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences from 2001 to 2021. Stock earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Natural Sciences from Universidad Nacional de la Plata. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Stock is a Democrat.

David Yee, of Granite Bay, has been appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. Yee has been a Urologist and Urologic Oncologist for Sutter Medical Group since 2011 and has served on its Board of Directors since 2022. He has been a Clinical Instructor at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine since 2022 and also served as a Clinical Instructor there from 2011 to 2018. Yee has been an Assistant Clinical Professor at the California Northstate University College of Medicine since 2022. He served as a Clinical Instructor at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 2008 to 2010 and at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center from 2007 to 2008. Yee is secretary of the Sutter Roseville Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees and a member of the California Medical Association, American Urological Association, Society of Urologic Oncology, Sacramento Yee Family Association and the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Association. Yee earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health. He completed his Urology Residency and Robotic Surgery Fellowship at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center and his Urologic Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Yee is a Republican.

IN THE NEWS

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 plan would pay farmers to grow less to save water' -Associated Press

California would pay farmers not to plant thousands of acres of land as part of a $2.9 billion plan announced Tuesday aimed at letting more water flow through the state’s major rivers and streams to help restore the unique habitat in one of North America’s largest estuaries.

'Yolo County launches basic income pilot to prevent homelessness’ -Sacramento Business Journal

As cities and counties throughout the Sacramento region grapple with solutions to the rising homelessness crisis, Yolo County is trying something new: a basic income program targeted at families experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.

'Sierra Nevada Conservancy Launches new Grant Programs to Conserve Lands and Boost Local Economies' – YubaNet

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy, a state agency dedicated to improving the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada region, has launched its 2022 Strategic Land Conservation and Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant programs.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties.

AB 240   (Rodriguez)   Local health department workforce assessment.  This bill would require the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to contract with an appropriate and qualified entity to conduct an evaluation of the adequacy of local health department infrastructure, including an assessment of future staffing, workforce, and resource needs.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 8/27/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(12). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 7/5/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 522   (Fong)   Forestry: Forest Fire Prevention Exemption.   The Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 authorizes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to exempt specific forest management activities, including the harvesting of trees for the purpose of reducing the rate of fire spread, and duration, intensity, fuel ignitability, or ignition of tree crowns, known as the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption. Assembly Bill 522 extends the sunset of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption to January 1, 2026 to aid forest landowners with wildfire prevention activities.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/27/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 759   (McCarty)   Elections: county officers.   Assembly Bill 759 would require an election for all county-wide offices (sheriff, assessor, district attorney, etc.) be held at the presidential general election. Initially, this bill only applied to the county sheriff but recent amendments expand it to all county-wide offices. In addition, this bill would require that these officeholder elections occur at the 2024 General Election thereby requiring affected officeholders to hold a two-year term (assuming election in 2022).   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 870   (Santiago)   Hazardous materials: liens.    Provides that when the Department of Toxic Substances Control determines that a contaminated site must be remediated, and issues a cost estimate to the property owner for the estimated cost of remediation, the amount in the cost estimate shall constitute a lien on the property that takes priority over all other liens, including liens for local property taxes and special assessments.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  John (1)

AB 925   (Dahle, Megan)   Sexual assault forensic examinations: reimbursement.   Would authorize the appropriate local law enforcement agency to seek reimbursement from the Office of Emergency Services, using the specified federal funds, for the cost of conducting the medical evidentiary examination of a sexual assault victim.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 8/27/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(12). (Last location was APPR. on 6/29/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1001   (Garcia, Cristina)   Environment: mitigation measures for air quality impacts: environmental justice.   Modifies the California Environmental Quality Act by: 1) Requiring air and water quality impacts to a disadvantaged community to be mitigated in that community; 2) Requiring local agencies to give consideration to the principles of environmental justice by ensuring the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 3/22/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on RLS.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1078   (Patterson)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.   Exempts residential buildings damaged or destroyed in a disaster during the 2020 calendar year from having to install solar energy systems under the California Energy Commission’s recently adopted building requirements.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/27/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 61. Noes 0. Page 3410.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1154   (Patterson)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: egress route projects: fire safety.   Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act secondary egress route projects undertaken by a public agency for a subdivision in a high fire threat area that was evaluated by the Board of Forestry.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/27/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1434   (Friedman)   Urban water use objectives: indoor residential water use.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1454   (Bloom)   The California Beverage Container and Litter Reduction Act.   Assembly Bill 1454 makes several changes to the Beverage Container Recycling Program, including creation of a new $25,000 startup loan for the creation of new recycling centers in unserved or underserved areas and increased payments to redemption centers with an even greater increase in rural areas.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was E.Q. on 6/16/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1547   (Reyes)   Air pollution: warehouse facilities.   AB 1547 allows the Air Resources Board to regulate indirect sources of air pollution and requires local governments to undertake many other actions to identify and address the potential environmental impacts of warehouse development projects.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1608   (Gipson)   County officers: consolidation of offices.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 1/14/2022-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and PUB. S.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1642   (Salas)   California Environmental Quality Act: water system well and domestic well projects: exemption.   Exempts from CEQA, vital projects to prevent or mitigate failure of a well that would leave residents without an adequate supply of drinking water. This exemption only applies to those wells in areas designated by the State Water Resources Control Board as being at high risk or medium risk in the state’s annual Drinking Water Needs Assessment.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 3/28/2022-Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1707   (Boerner Horvath)   Property tax postponement: Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Postponement Fund.     Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 3/30/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1717   (Aguiar-Curry)   Public works: definition.   Assembly Bill 1717 requires prevailing wage to be paid for public works projects funded by public dollars related to community wildfire prevention, vegetation management and fuels treatment.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 3/17/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (March 16). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1749   (Garcia, Cristina)   Community Air Protection Blueprint: community emissions reduction programs: toxic air contaminants and criteria air pollutants.   Prohibits approval or issuance of permits for projects that contribute to an increase in air pollutants or toxic air contaminants in a CalEnviroScreen disadvantaged community unless the agency finds that increased emissions caused by the project (combined with cumulative emissions from other sources) will not cause or contribute to additional negative public health impacts on individuals living and working in that community. Requires the state to identify measures to reduce criteria air pollutant and toxic air contaminant emissions in CalEnviroScreen disadvantaged communities.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 3/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 3.) (March 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1814   (Grayson)   Transportation electrification: community choice aggregators.   Allows community choice aggregators to file applications with the state for approval of programs and investments to accelerate widespread transportation electrification.   Location: Assembly U. & E.   Status: 3/29/2022-Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1832   (Rivas, Luz)   Tidelands and submerged lands: hard mineral extraction.   Prohibits the State Lands Commission and local trustees of granted public trust lands from granting leases or issuing permits for extraction or removal of hard minerals (not including rock, gravel, sand, silt, and coal) from tidelands and submerged lands.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 3/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (March 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1944   (Lee)   Local government: open and public meetings.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 2/18/2022-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1952   (Gallagher)   Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.    Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act projects funded by the $500 million set aside for the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.   Location: Assembly Housing and Community Development   Status: 2/18/2022-Referred to Coms. on H. & C.D. and NAT. RES.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1956   (Mathis)   Solid waste: woody biomass: collection and conversion.   Creates a new grant program administered by CalRecycle to fund woody biomass collection and disposal by rural counties with a population of 250,000 or less.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 3/24/2022-Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2208   (Kalra)   Fluorescent lamps: sale and distribution: prohibition.     Location: Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials   Status: 2/24/2022-Referred to Com. on E.S. & T.M.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2258   (Wood)   Property Assessed Clean Energy program: wildfire safety improvements.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 3/30/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on L. GOV. Read second time and amended.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2374   (Bauer-Kahan)   Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping.     Location: Assembly Public Safety   Status: 3/29/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2419   (Bryan)   Environmental justice: federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Justice40 Oversight Committee.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 3/29/2022-Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2421   (Rubio, Blanca)   Water: unlicensed cannabis cultivation.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 3/15/2022-Re-referred to Com. on W.,P., & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2449   (Rubio, Blanca)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 3/3/2022-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

ACA 1   (Aguiar-Curry)   Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval.    ACA 1 would lower the vote threshold to 55 percent for approval of local bonded-indebtedness and specially dedicated taxes imposed for specified uses.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 4/22/2021-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Tracy (1)

AJR 5   (Rivas, Luz)   Wild free-roaming horses and burros: protection: roundup moratorium.   AJR 5 would urge the federal government to declare a moratorium on all further wild horse and burro round-ups and would urge the United States Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to introduce and support populations in areas of California where wild horses and burros were historically present.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 8/25/2021-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 11   (Rubio)   The California FAIR Plan Association: basic property insurance: exclusions.   Senate Bill 11, which would remove certain barriers to enable homes and structures used to conduct business on farmland to be covered through the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/23/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 128, Statutes of 2021.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 12   (McGuire)   Local government: planning and zoning: wildfires.   Senate Bill 12 requires that the Office of Planning and Research, among other things, coordinate with appropriate entities, including state, regional, or local agencies, to establish a clearinghouse for climate adaptation information for use by state, regional, and local entities, as provided. This bill would require the safety element, upon the next revision of the housing element or the hazard mitigation plan, on or after July 1, 2024, whichever occurs first.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was H. & C.D. on 6/24/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 37   (Cortese)   Contaminated Site Cleanup and Safety Act.   Senate Bill 37 eliminates the ability to use a “common sense exemption” under the California Environmental Quality Act for any projects undertaken at over 40,000 sites throughout the state that appear on the Cortese List of currently or formerly contaminated properties. Instead allows specified types of projects to use either a statutory or categorical CEQA exemption is certain circumstances are met   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

SB 38   (Wieckowski)   Beverage containers.   Replaces the existing Beverage Container Recycling Program (Bottle Bill) with a new recycling program administered by beverage container manufacturers and increases the CRV from $0.05 to $0.10 per container if the state fails to achieve specified recycling rates. Repeals the $10.5 million annually set aside for payments to cities and counties to address recycling and litter.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 2/14/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. (Amended 2/14/2022)   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act.   SB 54 requires manufactures of single-use, disposable packaging and food service ware to ensure that those products sold, distributed, or imported into the state are either recyclable or compostable.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/24/2022-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 7.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Support In Concept   Staff:  John (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 2/1/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 284   (Stern)   Workers’ compensation: firefighters and peace officers: post-traumatic stress.   Establishes a workers’ compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries sustained in the course of employment.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 8/30/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 286   (Min)   Elections: Orange County Board of Education.   Senate Bill 286 would require the top-two vote-getters seeking election to a county office to face-off in a General Election.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 30. Noes 7.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.  

SB 316   (Eggman)   Medi-Cal: federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/9/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 335   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: liability.   Senate Bill 335 prohibits a claim for workers’ compensation from being maintained unless within 30 days after the occurrence of the injury, the injured person, or in case of the death, a dependent, or someone on the injured person’s or dependent’s behalf, serves notice of the injury upon the employer.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was INS. on 6/10/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 359   (Caballero)   Climate change: Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program.   Senate Bill 359 requires the Department of Conservation to develop and implement the Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program to assist the County of Merced to develop and adopt a climate action plan through the use of a scenario-planning tool developed by the department and provide financial assistance to private landowners in implementing activities resulting from the use of the scenario-planning tool set forth in the adopted climate action plan.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 832   (Dodd)   Water rights: measurement of diversion.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 3/24/2022-Set for hearing April 5.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 833   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2022.   Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 3/25/2022-Set for hearing April 4.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 915   (Min)   Firearms: state property.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 3/25/2022-Set for hearing April 4.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Senate Governmental Organization   Status: 3/29/2022-Set for hearing April 5.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 938   (Hertzberg)   The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000: protest proceedings: procedural consolidation.     Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 3/24/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on GOV. & F.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 953   (Min)   Oil and gas leases: state waters: State Lands Commission.   Requires the State Lands Commission to terminate all remaining oil and gas leases under its jurisdiction in tidelands and submerged lands within state waters.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 3/10/2022-March 22 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 3/25/2022-Set for hearing April 4.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1100   (Cortese)   Open meetings: orderly conduct.     Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 3/30/2022-April 5 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1127   (Atkins)   Workers’ compensation: liability presumptions.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 3/25/2022-Set for hearing April 4.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1186   (Wiener)   Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act.     Location: Senate B., P. & E.D.   Status: 3/29/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on B., P. & E.D.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/29/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1235   (Borgeas)   Air pollution: portable equipment: emergency events.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/17/2022-March 28 hearing postponed by committee.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.     Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 3/30/2022-Set for hearing April 19.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1326   (Caballero)   Cannabis: interstate agreements.     Location: Senate B., P. & E.D.   Status: 3/25/2022-Set for hearing April 18.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1338   (Umberg)   Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.     Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 3/23/2022-Re-referred to Coms. on JUD. and PUB. S.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)