The Barbed Wire - February 10, 2023

RCRC Officers Visit Washington, D.C.

The RCRC Officers arrived in Washington, D.C. early this week to hold meetings on Capitol Hill, prior to the convening of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference. RCRC Chair Doug Teeter, First Vice Chair Chris Lopez, Second Vice Chair Geri Byrne, Executive Committee Member At-Large Matt Kingsley, and Executive Committee Member EJ Crandell (Region 3), have been meeting with members of the California congressional delegation, as well as key senior Administration officials from a variety of agencies about important rural issues.  

Members of RCRC’s leadership delegation will remain in Washington for the NACo Legislative Conference, where they will participate in the national discourse about public lands, agriculture, and other key matters for rural counties. Supervisor Matt Kingsley will also attend the meeting of the Western Interstate Region (WIR) Board of Directors, on which he serves as RCRC’s representative.

Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Introduced to Boost Efficient, Effective Forest Management

On February 1st, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Scott Peters (D-San Diego) joined with Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) to introduce the Root and Stem Project Authorization Act to facilitate efficient and effective forest management by empowering collaboratives and public-private partnerships. This bicameral, bipartisan bill will accelerate forest management projects that are rooted in science to protect our ecosystems and climate. For more information, read the full text of the bill here, or view the one page summary here.

U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Preparedness, Reduce Risk for Catastrophic Wildfires

On January 31st, California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla introduced the Wildfire Emergency Act, a bipartisan bill to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the West. Among the bill’s provisions include allowing the U.S. Forest Service to leverage private financing to accelerate forest restoration projects, creating a program to ensure critical facilities maintain power during wildfire disruptions, expanding a weatherization grant program to help low-income households fireproof their homes, and establishing a prescribed fire-training center in the West.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

CMSP Offering Healthcare Infrastructure Development Matching Grant

The CMSP Healthcare Infrastructure Development Matching Grant program (HID Matching Grant) will help CMSP counties and non-profits contracted with CMSP counties to expand their physical capacity to provide healthcare and behavioral health services by providing required local level match funds for state, federal or other infrastructure grants.  Up to $10 Million may be awarded!  Awards range up to $500,000 for projects serving a single CMSP county and up to $ 1,000,000 for projects serving multiple CMSP counties. HID Matching Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, beginning February 1, 2023 through June 1, 2023.   Applications will be considered as they are received and will be submitted to the Governing Board for consideration at an upcoming regularly scheduled public meeting of the Board. Completed applications must be submitted to grants@cmspcounties.org by June 1, 2023. To learn full program details and requirements, or to download an application, visit the CMSP website here.

Training: Land Use Planning for Wildfire (Free!) 

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection announces the launch of the CAL FIRE / Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Introduction to Land Use Planning for Wildfires in California Trainings.  

These free, all-day, in person trainings are open to land use planners, fire marshals, fire chiefs, fire mitigation specialists, building officials, and other professionals from government agencies and the private sector engaged in planning, policy, development review and/or approval activities in California. 

The following is a list of upcoming trainings across the state. 

• February 16, 2023 – Redding 
• March 7, 2023 – Roseville 
• March 9, 2023 – Morgan Hill 
• April 18, 2023 – Del Rey 
• April 20, 2023 – Los Osos 

Space is limited. For more information and to register, see here. 

view flyer

Career Opportunities

Mariposa County

• Mariposa County is seeking applications for Chief Probation Officer. For more information, or to apply online, see here (position flyer here). Only online applications will be accepted. The position closes on February 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Shasta County

• Shasta County invites applications for County Counsel. For more information, or to apply online, see here. View the full position announcement here. The final filing date is February 15, 2023 at 7:59 a.m.

Sierra County

• The County of Sierra is seeking a Director of Health and Social Services, responsible for the management and administration of Department of Health and Social Services.  A full description and qualifications are available here. For more information, visit the county website here or call (530) 289-2879.
• The Sierra County Department of Transportation is recruiting for a Transportation Planner II or III, depending on qualifications. This position is open until filled. For more information, see the county website here or call 530-289-2879

Tuolumne County

• (NEW!) The County of Tuolumne is seeking qualified candidates for Chief Deputy Assistant County Clerk & Auditor-Controller, a Chief Deputy Assistant department head who will have primary supervision and administrative oversight of the department and may assume full responsibility of the office in the absence of the County Clerk & Auditor Controller.  Requires bachelor’s degree in accounting or related and to meet one (1) of four (4) additional qualifications as outlined in the full job announcement. Please visit https://ca-tuolumnecounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/  Salary range: $10,455 - $12,709 /mo. Closes Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EOE

• Tuolumne County Auditor Controller's Office is seeking qualified candidates for the Assistant Auditor-Controller. This assistant department head position will be responsible for assisting with the planning, organizing, and directing of the daily functions of the Auditor’s Office, including budget prep and administration, payroll, fixed asset accounting, procurement, general accounting, A/P, auditing and reporting. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in accounting, and five (5) years of public accounting experience. Equal Opportunity Employer. Salary range: $9,505 - $11,553/mo. Position closes Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Apply online here.

• Tuolumne County Public Works is seeking an experienced integrated waste professional with extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance to oversee the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste and hazardous materials, provide public outreach and training, promote recycling programs, maintain two closed landfills, and negotiate and monitor contracts for environmental and landfill services. The Director of Solid Waste, as a key member of the management team, will oversee a staff of four and provide expert advice and support to the Director, Board members, and the community.  Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in solid waste management with two years at a supervisory or higher level. Flexible schedule 90/8 or 20%-40% telework considered for right candidate. Position is open until filled. EOE For additional details, see here.

Yolo County

• The County of Yolo is seeking an innovative, forward thinking, and politically astute executive leader to become the new Director of Community Services. The annual salary range for the Director of Community Services position is $173,396 - $210,764, depending upon experience and qualifications. The County of Yolo also offers an attractive benefits package. For more information, or to apply online visit the website of Bob Murray & Associates here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: March 5, 2023.

• The County of Yolo is currently recruiting for the position of Director, Integrated Waste Division. To learn more about the position and application process, please click here. Apply no later than February 24, 2023.

• The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill one (1) regular, full-time position in the class of Public Information Officer (PIO) at the County Administrator's Office. The role of the Public Information Officer is to manage the County’s communications with the public through press releases, social media, videos, live media and the County website. The PIO informs and engages the community and other stakeholders regarding County activities, services, and strategies.  The PIO also functions as the County Spokesperson which requires knowledge of County programs and policies. As a member of the County Emergency Operations Center personnel, the PIO also acts in a lead capacity in disseminating information during an emergency. The full job announcement can be found here. This position is open until filled.

Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.

In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.

Next Training: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, February 17, 2023

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.

Sean Duryee, of Galt, has been appointed as Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol where he has served as Acting Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol since January 2023. He served in several positions at CHP from 1998 to 2022, including Deputy Commissioner, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, Special Representative to the Legislature, Commander of the Department’s Commercial Vehicle Section, Academy Instructor and Cadet. He is a coach for the Liberty Ranch High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $315,348. Duryee is registered without party preference.

Justin Matthews, of Salinas, has been appointed to the Dental Hygiene Board of California. He has been an Associate Professor of General Experimental Psychology at California State University, Monterey Bay since 2014 and a Subject Matter Expert for the Monterey County Department of Human Resources since 2019. He was a Commissioner and Vice Chairperson for the Monterey County Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Advisory Commission from 2016 to 2021. Matthews was a Teaching Fellow and Staff Research Associate at University of California, Merced from 2005 to 2014 and a Lecturer at California State University, Fresno from 2005 to 2006. Matthews earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cognitive and Information Sciences and a Master of Science degree in Social and Cognitive Sciences from the University of California, Merced. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from California State University, Fresno. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Matthews is a Democrat.

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.

Rainstorms can’t fix California’s depleted groundwater  – CalMatters

Despite historic winter storms, experts warn that many of California’s residential wells are far from being replenished, leaving many families without a dependable source of water. 

California's fir trees are dying at an alarming rate  – San Francisco Chronicle

A new report by the U.S. Forest Service shows that California lost nearly 36.3 million trees in 2022 due to drought, illness, and insects. Left unaddressed, tree mortality may increase wildfire severity in the future. 

Hunger spike feared as food stamp boosts end in April  – CalMatters

Food banks across California are bracing for a feared spike in hunger amid inflated prices after a pandemic-era boost in food aid ends in April. March is the last month CalFresh recipients will get the additional benefits, as the federal government cuts off the “emergency allotments” that have kept food stamp allowances higher than usual for nearly three years now.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

AB 78   (Ward)   Grand juries.     Location: Assembly Public Safety   Status: 2/2/2023-Referred to Com. on PUB. S.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 297   (Fong, Vince)   Wildfires: local assistance grant program: advance payments.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 2/2/2023-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 324   (Pacheco)   Gas corporations: renewable gas procurement.     Location: Assembly U. & E.   Status: 2/9/2023-Referred to Coms. on U. & E. and NAT. RES.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 338   (Aguiar-Curry)   Public works: definition.     Location: Assembly Labor and Employment   Status: 2/9/2023-Referred to Com. on L. & E.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 340   (Fong, Vince)   California Environmental Quality Act: grounds for noncompliance.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 2/9/2023-Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and JUD.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 538   (Holden)   Multistate regional transmission system organization: membership.     Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/9/2023-From printer. May be heard in committee March 11.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 35   (Umberg)   Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/18/2023-Referred to Com. on RLS.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)