The Barbed Wire - November 8, 2024

State Commission Adopts Report on Insurance Crisis

On Thursday, November 7, the nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission adopted a report on California's ongoing property insurance crisis which was issued for public review earlier in the week. The report, which was developed over the course of 2024 through hearings, interviews and public comment from impacted stakeholders, contains several recommendations to state lawmakers for addressing the insurance crisis, including:  

• Allowing insurers to use catastrophe models for pricing, but requiring that wildfire mitigations performed by homeowners are reflected in those models;  

• Creation of an independent panel of experts to evaluate the usage of those models, rather than relying on the California Department of Insurance's internal processes; and,  

• Forming a state working group of wildfire experts to develop a minimum set of wildfire mitigation standards for homeowners and communities to undertake.  

The report was developed without the input of California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who declined to participate in the process. However, many local representatives, including RCRC and RCRC member counties, gave input into the report to help paint the full picture of how the crisis is impacting rural homeowners across California.  

To read the report or for more information on the study, visit the Little Hoover Commission website or contact Staci Heaton at sheaton@rcrcnet.org.

RCRC Comments on CalRecycle’s Updated Draft Single Use Packaging Regulations

On November 4, RCRC submitted formal comments and suggested modifications to CalRecycle’s updated draft single use packaging regulations.  

SB 54 (Allen) of 2022 requires manufacturers of single use packaging and food service ware to take responsibility for the management and recycling of the products they introduce into the stream of commerce.  CalRecycle was required to determine which categories of covered materials are recyclable and compostable and SB 54 requires all local jurisdictions to include those materials identified by CalRecycle in their collection and recycling/composting programs (unless they receive an exemption or extension from CalRecycle).  Those 19 counties with fewer than 70,000 residents (and cities within those counties) may exempt themselves from this requirement.   

RCRC’s comments on the updated draft regulations acknowledge several significant improvements based upon suggestions made by RCRC and other stakeholders, but also raise concerns about other aspects of the proposal.  RCRC outlined issues with the scope of expenditures eligible for reimbursement, the expensive dispute resolution process outlined to resolve differences between local governments and the producer responsibility organization, and the enforcement process.   

RCRC anticipates that CalRecycle will have to make several additional changes and release a third draft that should be subject to another brief 15-day public comment period. 

For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy at jkennedy@rcrcnet.org. 

CalRecycle Releases Vision for Recycling System Improvements in a New Draft Program EIR for SB 54 Regulations

On November 4, CalRecycle released a draft program environmental impact report (EIR) for its SB 54 single-use packaging regulations.  The program EIR outlines how CalRecycle believes the state’s recycling system must expand to meet the new single-use packaging collection and recycling requirements.   

As a program EIR, developers and local governments may be able to tier off this document in complying with the California Environmental Quality Act, thereby saving time and resources that would have otherwise been needed to develop larger, more complex EIRs.   

In the document, CalRecycle observes that the state will have to increase the state’s plastic packaging capacity to roughly eight times the current level.  This will include the construction of 16 new large materials recovery facilities (MRFs), 6 medium MRFs, 8 small MRFs, 1,181 recycling depots, and 133 processing facilities for glass, paper, plastic, and metal packaging.  Recycling depots are envisioned to be operated at existing transfer stations, solid waste collection sites, retail facilities, and standalone containers in parking lots.   

CalRecycle assumes that every county will have at least one recycling depot, plus an additional depot for every 60,000 people in Metropolitan Statistical Areas or 40,000 people for all other areas.  They expect at least one depot in each city with over 15,000 residents in an MSA (or 7,500 residents in cities outside of an MSA) plus one additional depot for every 75,000 people in cities within an MSA (or 35,000 people for cities outside an MSA). 

Under SB 54, the producer responsibility organization (PRO) will have to reimburse local governments for any implementation costs associated with these improvements, which could be operated by local governments, recycling service providers, or the PRO itself. 

For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy at jkennedy@rcrcnet.org.

Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program Now Open for Applications

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has reopened the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program for applications for direct livestock loss compensation. The program, which had been depleted of its original $3 million in funds, received $600,000 in funding in the 2024-25 State Budget Package to commence payments to livestock owners for confirmed or probable losses of livestock by gray wolves after July 1, 2024. 

Due to the limited funds, CDFW will be prioritizing direct loss compensation and will not be accepting applications for non-lethal deterrents or pay-for-presence compensation. For more information, visit the CDFW Wolf Livestock Compensation Grant page.

Governor Newsom Calls for Special Session of the Legislature in Preparation for an Incoming Trump Administration

2024 Presidential Election Update

President Trump has won a second term and will be the 47th President of the United States. Republicans have also won back control of the Senate with a majority. However, control of the House remains too close to call, with results continuing to come in over the next several days. With these changes in mind, RCRC is analyzing potential upcoming policies from the President-elect and working to establish communication with new members in California and Congress. Throughout his campaign, President Trump has focused on immigration, taxes and tariffs, healthcare reform, and changes to the federal workforce. 

In the meantime, we are headed to a lame duck session which may be somewhat truncated from the original calendar should the Republicans win both houses of Congress. Either way, a host of issues await action. Key among them are SRS funding and the Farm Bill; while both expected to be taken up with an appropriation and continuing resolution, respectively, it is not a certainty. 

RCRC is also tracking California Senate and Assembly results and ballot propositions that will impact our rural communities.  

As more information is gathered over the coming days, the RCRC team will work to identify opportunities at the state and federal level under the changed environment. 

For further information, contact Mary-Ann Warmerdam at mwarmerdam@rcrcnet.org.  

BULLETIN BOARD

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

CalOES Economic Recovery Support Function - Bi-Monthly Statewide Partner Meeting

The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and GO-Biz invite local economic development leaders to join the CalOES Economic Recovery Support Function (RSF) state partner call on November 12, 2024, to learn about valuable resources supporting disaster recovery. This meeting will provide an overview of assistance available from CalOES and active state and federal partners, all aimed at building resilient, economically strong communities. By attending, local leaders can gain insights into strategic funding, recovery tools, and partnership opportunities to bolster their community’s readiness and response capabilities. See details here. 

CPUC “Powering Up California: Energization Webinar” 

On Wednesday, November 13th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will host an informational webinar to provide an overview of newly approved timelines designed to accelerate new service or increased loads to the grid, such as new homes and electric vehicle charging. The CPUC will discuss what the timelines mean for individual customers and local governments to work toward statewide electrification goals. REGISTER HERE For more information, see here. 

TeamCalifornia Lunch and Learn Webinar: "Building a Sustainable Future: Economic Development and Climate Action"

On Thursday, November 14th, TeamCalfiornia and Kosmot Companies will host a lunch and learn webinar on California's new Climate Resilience Districts (CRD) and the available funding for projects like energy, water, infrastructure, and fire resilience. Register for free here. 

REMINDER - NCWA Call for Nominations

The Northern California Water Association (NCWA) Board of Directors is calling for nominations in preparation for the next NorCal Water Leaders Program coming in 2025, Please nominate a future water leader from your area by November 15, 2024.

Cultivating strong and knowledgeable leadership in the Sacramento Valley is critical to safeguard Norther California water rights and supplies, and to sustainably manage water supplies for future generations. The program is dependent upon the nomination of individuals who care about the Sacramento Valley and are interested in learning more about our precious water resources. The program aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of water leaders in the Sacramento Valley with a deeper understanding of the region. the NorCal Water Leaders Program of 2025 will be a seven-month program with half-day seminars at various locations throughout the Valley. each seminar will focus on important water issues affecting Northern California water supplies and water quality.

Details

• Nominations due no later than November 15, 2024
• First seminar held in January 2025
• Meets monthly through July 2025
• Program will include tours

For additional details and the full call for nominations, see here. Send nominations by email to Danyella Ochoa. Include the nominee's name, address, phone number, email address, and any background information about why you have nominated the individual.

Employment Opportunities

Mendocino County

• County Health Officer - Salary Range: $185,224.00 - $225,139.20 Annually. Position is open until filled. For more information or to apply, see here.
  Under the direction of the Health Services Director, the County Health Officer ensures enforcement of California statutes, regulations, and local ordinances pertaining to the protection of public health; oversees public health programs as pre-scribed by the California Department of Public Health; advises the Board of Supervisors and Health Services Director concerning community health issues; assesses and reports on the County’s health status; and, provides leadership in developing health policy for the County and the community.

Yolo County

• Senior Personnel Analyst - Saraly Range: $103,064.00 - $125,278.40 Annually. Position closes November 11, 2024. For more information or to apply, see here.
  The County of Yolo Human Resources Department is looking for a motivated and experienced HR professional to fill one (1) full-time position in the class of Senior Personnel Analyst.  The incumbent will report to a Human Resources Manager or designee and perform comprehensive and professional level work in a full generalist capacity to support County departments. Areas of emphasis include workforce development and training, employee and labor relations, investigations, HRIS (including position control), recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, and assisting with performance management and progressive discipline. 

Critical Funding Opportunity Available to Expand Behavioral Health Services

On July 16, DHCS released the Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready Request for Applications (RFA). Eligible organizations can apply for funding to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate properties for behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members. DHCS will award up to $3.3 billion in grants to projects that expand community-based behavioral health facilities and services.

This funding aims to address significant treatment gaps by improving access to behavioral health care. Interested parties can find application instructions on the BHCIP website and submit applications by December 13, 2024. This initiative, part of Proposition 1, seeks to transform California’s mental health and substance use disorder systems, providing more comprehensive care for the state’s most vulnerable populations. For more information, contact DHCS at BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov. To speak to RCRC about this opportunity, contact RCRC's Policy and Local Assistance Manager, Eric Will.

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

WEEKLY NEWSCLIPS

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.

Severe California droughts increasingly likely, scientists say. Here’s why – San Francisco Chronicle

A historic drought brought devastating impacts across California from 2020 to 2022. Water levels plummeted in surface reservoirs across the state, with Lake Oroville hitting an all-time low. California’s agriculture industry lost billions of dollars and thousands of farmworkers lost their jobs. Similar severe droughts will become much more likely in the western United States, according to a study published Wednesday, led by scientists at UCLA, the National Integrated Drought Information System and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Napa County prepares to launch CARE Court for mentally ill  – Napa Valley Register

Napa County is preparing to launch by Dec. 1 a program championed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to address severe, untreated mental illness, as mandated by state law.  

USDA Invests in California Compost Facility, Part of Plan to Strengthen American Farms & Businesses, Increase Competition and Lower Costs – USDA Rural Development

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Maria Gallegos Herrera announced a $4.2 million investment to expand a vermicomposting facility in Hollister, California.