The Barbed Wire - October 28, 2022

October 28, 2022
RCRC Affiliate GSFA Releases Request for Proposals for Consultative Services
PG&E on Pathway to Exit Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement Process Related to Vegetation Management Despite Widespread Refusal to Remove Felled Wood
CPUC Opens New Rulemaking on Small Bioenergy Projects
RCRC Testifies Before CARB on Zero-Emission Fleet Rule
USDA Announces $759 Million to Bring High-Speed Internet Access to Communities Across Rural America
FHWA Announces $7.1 Million for Climate Challenge Participants
RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS

RCRC Affiliate GSFA Releases Request for Proposals for Consultative Services

RCRC affiliate, Golden State Finance Authority has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Consultative Services to develop two Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). The work is made possible by a grant from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and will cover Colusa County and Inyo/Mono/Alpine Counties. Interested respondents can access the RFP here. Proposals are due Wednesday, November 16, 2022. 

PG&E on Pathway to Exit Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement Process Related to Vegetation Management Despite Widespread Refusal to Remove Felled Wood

On November 17, the Public Utilities Commission will consider whether PG&E should exit Step 1 of the Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement Process relative to its vegetation management operations. Information about the opportunity for comments is contained at the conclusion of this article. 

The CPUC placed PG&E on step one of its enhanced oversight and enforcement process because PG&E failed to adequately prioritize its wildfire mitigation vegetation management work on the highest risk power lines in 2020.  PG&E was ordered to report that failure and focus its future work on those highest risk circuits. 

This development comes at a time when PG&E has repeatedly refused to remove felled wood from trees cut during its vegetation management operations.  This refusal is impairing public safety, increasing fuel loads, compromising property owners’ efforts to create and maintain defensible space, and imposing heavy financial burdens on property owners to abate these hazards created by PG&E.   

PG&E traditionally removed felled wood cut under its various vegetation management programs; however, more than a dozen counties have expressed concerns that PG&E now refuses to remove felled wood despite repeated requests from landowners.  This course change is even more confusing considering PG&E’s prior acknowledgement that wood removal is intended “to reduce wildfire risk created by hazard trees piling up” and that, “dead wood constitutes fuel on the ground that not only can catch fire, but also compromises firefighter safety.” 

As felled trees dry out, they increase the fuel load, thereby exacerbating the risk and severity of wildfires.  These concerns are heightened when the trees are felled and left within the 100’ defensible space perimeter that property owners are required to maintain.  In some cases, property owners who passed defensible space inspections reportedly failed subsequent inspections as a result of trees cut down and left in place by PG&E vegetation management crews.   

The CPUC will accept comments on this proposal through Thursday, November 3, 2022.    

The CPUC will take public comment at its November 17th voting meeting, when this item is expected to be considered.  Members of the public will have 1-2 minutes to speak, and the call-in number will be:

  • Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 9899501#  
  • Spanish Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 3799627# 

For more information or to learn how to provide comments to the CPUC, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, John Kennedy. 

CPUC Opens New Rulemaking on Small Bioenergy Projects

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) formally opened a new regulatory proceeding focused on expanding the number of small bioenergy projects throughout the state. 

The “Order Instituting Rulemaking to Implement Assembly Bill 843” will modify the state’s Bioenergy Market Adjusting Tariff (BioMAT) program to enable local Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) to procure power for their customers through the BioMAT program. 

The BioMAT program requires investor-owned utilities to procure 250MW of energy from small-scale bioenergy projects, including from: wastewater treatment, municipal organic waste diversion, food processing, and co-digestion; dairy and agricultural operations; and, projects using byproducts of sustainable forest management.  AB 843 did not change any of the procurement requirements, but simply allows CCAs to contract for bioenergy under the program.  Many CCAs have expressed a strong interest in procuring bioenergy under the BioMAT program to help develop local projects that will reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, improve local energy resiliency, or help meet the state’s new organic waste procurement requirements.   

The CPUC is also considering whether to extend the program’s December 31, 2025 sunset date.  RCRC strongly supports extending that sunset date, as the BioMAT program could be very helpful to promote local energy reliability, reduce wildfire risk, and satisfy SB 1383 organic waste procurement obligations.  The rapidly approaching deadline could chill many of these smaller projects that will be instrumental to the state’s forest health, climate change, and pollution reduction objectives.   

AB 843, authored by Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry was sponsored by Marin Clean Energy and Pioneer Community Energy and strongly supported by RCRC.

For more information contact RCRC Policy Advocate, John Kennedy

RCRC Testifies Before CARB on Zero-Emission Fleet Rule

On Thursday, members of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) sat through hours of public testimony on the proposed Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Rule, a comprehensive set of regulations intended to replace all commercial vehicles in public and large private fleets of gross vehicle weight 8,500 pounds and above with zero-emission versions by the year 2045. Representatives for the regulated community, including RCRC, along with spokespeople for communities impacted by pollution from heavy duty vehicles spoke in turn on how the rule could be improved.  

A main point of contention for Board members was whether utilities would be able to provide charging infrastructure and grid reliability for the number of electric vehicles the ACF would require, as currently drafted, in a very short timeframe.  Representatives from both the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) revealed plans to work together on a joint strategy for electrification deployment; however, neither agency could give assurances of a timeline that would allow CARB to implement ACF in tandem with the state’s electric passenger vehicle goals.  

The rule was originally proposed for adoption by the Board at the hearing on Thursday, but staff announced that a new draft will be released in Winter 2023 that will provide more flexibility for public entities and will address fleets that are using renewable fuels to comply with mandates under CalRecycle’s organics recycling program pursuant to 2016’s Senate Bill 1383 (Lara). These changes are in response to efforts by RCRC and numerous other public and private stakeholders that are continuing to engage with CARB staff to attempt to craft a more workable final ACF rule. Board members also asked staff to consider the feasibility of moving the full implementation timeline to 2036, as well as moving initial implementation dates back, to account for demonstrated delays in electrification deployment.  

For more information on ACF, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton. More information on Advanced Clean Fleets can be found on CARB’s website.

USDA Announces $759 Million to Bring High-Speed Internet Access to Communities Across Rural America

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is making available $759 million in loans and grants to enable rural communities to access high speed internet. This latest funding is the third round provided through the ReConnect Program, part of the $65 billion provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In the RCRC member county of Siskiyou, Cal-Ore Telephone Co. was awarded a grant of over $17.5 million to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 321 people, seven farms, six businesses and three public schools to high-speed internet.  

FHWA Announces $7.1 Million for Climate Challenge Participants

On October 20th, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the provision of $7.1 million for 25 state departments of transportation involved in FHWA’s Climate Challenge, as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ongoing work to address climate change. The Climate Challenge Initiative provides funding, training, and technical assistance to help state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other public sector stakeholders explore the use of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).  In this first cycle of the Climate Change Initiative, Caltrans has been provided $312,000 for three projects focused on more sustainable roadways.

RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES

A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.

 

GSNR Awarded Region 5 Pacific Southwest Stewardship Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)

Last week, the USDA Forest Service awarded Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) a Region 5 Pacific Southwest (PSW) Stewardship Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) on the El Dorado, Klamath, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta-Trinity, Sierra, and Stanislaus National Forests.  

Under this BPA program, the Forest Service has now placed GSNR on an exclusive pre-qualified bidders list for certain low value forest thinning, fuel reduction, and tree salvage service contracts on each National Forest.  Only entities on this list will be invited to evaluate and bid on these types of projects where the value of the forest products removed will not pay for all of the important fire hazard reduction work the USFS needs to complete.   Historically, these types of service contracts were open to all contractors regardless of experience and ability, resulting in inconsistent results on many projects. GSNR hopes to be successful in being awarded many of these low to no-value forest resiliency projects using one or more of their local highly skilled logging and chipping contractors to create resilient forests, watersheds, and communities, while using the removed biomass in one of GSNR’s export wood pellet facilities that are currently under development in the southern Cascades and central Sierras.

To learn more about GSNR and its forest resiliency projects visit www.goldenstatenaturalresources.com 

 

Golden State Connect Authority

The CPUC began delivering award notifications to applicants of the Local Agency Technical Assistance Program (LATA) earlier this month. Many Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) member counties were among those receiving notification. Of the seventy-two applications that have been submitted since the program opened on August 1, more than half represent GSCA member counties, and several cities therein.  

The LATA program will provide up to $500,000 per applicant to fund pre-broadband deployment projects that will ultimately advance the deployment of broadband across the entire state. Most GSCA member counties are utilizing LATA funds to develop construction-ready, low level network designs for priority unserved/underserved project areas in their communities.  

The LATA program is serving an invaluable role in providing access to the technical assistance and expertise needed to expand access to broadband across the entire state, towards the goal of Broadband for All. 

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

Public Workshop for Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Public Access Recreation Action Plan, November 3rd

Solano County, the California Department of Water Resources, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are seeking input on an Action Plan for enhancing public recreation opportunities within the Cache Slough region. The Action Plan will help guide future County and State investments in feasible recreation facilities within the Cache Slough region that are safe, inclusive, and respect local land uses and landowners.  For more information on this effort, please visit the project website.

Workshop Details
Date: Thursday, November 3
Time:  6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.   
Location: Rio Vista Veterans Memorial Building, 610 St. Francis Way, Rio Vista, CA 94571   

RSVP here

 

Upcoming Webinar Sponsored by RCRC and CSAC, November 10th 

Workforce turnover, increasing (internal and public) demand for greater efficiency, better service levels, and fuller transparency are leading many counties to rethink their processes and technology. Join OpenGov for a live webinar, sponsored by RCRC and CSAC, to learn how your county can use modern solutions to work and serve amidst these forces of change.

With best practices from Tuolumne County, this session with Eric Erhardt, the Assistant County Administrator, will address how to lead change for your administration.

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Learn More and Register Here

 

Career Opportunities

  • Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID) is seeking a Water Operations Superintendent. This position is open through October 31, 2022. For additional information, see the flyer here or visit the GCID website here.
     

  • Imperial County is seeking applicants for three open engineering positions. These positions are open until filled.

    • Associate Civil Engineer to perform, supervise, and coordinate professional civil or structural engineering work in the field and office.  View details here

    • Assistant Director of Public Works to plan, organize, and assist in the day to day-to-day operations of the Department; prepare and deliver presentations to a variety of commissions and groups; assist in the oversight of the department’s divisions and special districts; and assume responsibility for Department operations in the absence of the Public Works Director. View details here

    • Principal Engineer to plan, organize and direct complex civil engineering work. operations and activities including the office and field design, preparation, review and analysis of engineering and construction plans and specifications; coordinate and direct communications, information, personnel, projects and resources to meet designated County engineering needs and assure smooth and efficient activities; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.  View details here
       

  • UC Agriculture & Natural Resources- Davis is currently seeking to hire a Government and Community Relations (GCR) Associate Director to expand and strengthen the UC ANR Government and Community Relations team. This position is open until filled. For more information, see here.
     

  • Reclamation District 1004 seeks an Assistant General Manager to assist in the day-to-day operations of the district, maintain infrastructure, maintain pumps, maintain equipment, maintain and oversee water meters, coordinate landowner relations, assist in the direction of the field staff, and assist in record keeping. Email questions to rd1004@comcast.net.  For additional information, see here.
     

  • Shasta County invites applications for County Health Officer to maintain primary responsibility for the enforcement of public health laws in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County. For more information or to apply online see here (view brochureClosing Date:  November 28, 2022, 7:59 am.

     

  • State Water Resources Control Board is currently accepting applications for two positions, open through October 31, 2022:
    • Delta Watermaster. The job posting is available here.

    • Presiding Administrative Hearing Officer. The job posting is available 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 is currently seeking a Chief Budget Official. To apply for this career opportunity, please email a detailed resume and letter of interest to Vanessa Lee no later than Friday, November 18, 2022 For detailed information about the position, see here.

 

30x30 Virtual Expo Series

The California Natural Resources Agency is excited to host a virtual expo experience building on the recent 30x30 Partnership Kick-Off Event Community Expo. Join Jennifer Norris, Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat, and partners from across state agencies to learn more about the programs, funding, and other resources available to help reach California’s 30x30 goal.

Each Virtual Expo will include a Q&A for you to ask questions about funding programs, technical assistance, and more. Register to join using the links below.

Virtual Expo Series Registration - Upcoming Sessions:

 

GO-Biz Cannabis Equity Grants Available for Eligible Local Jurisdictions

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced $15 million is available in FY 2022-23 for eligible cities and counties to promote equity and eliminate barriers to populations and communities that were disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. Local jurisdictions can be awarded up to $75,000 for assistance on cannabis equity program development, or up to $5 million for cannabis equity program applicants and licensees to gain entry to the state’s regulated cannabis marketplace. Grant applications must be received by December 14, 2022 and will be awarded no later than March 31, 2022. For more information on this grant and how to apply, see here.

 

2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program Opening in October

California Fire Safe Council (CFSC), in partnership with CAL FIRE, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program application. The application is open from October 3rd, 2022, through November 15th, 2022.

The objective of the 2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program is to educate, encourage, and develop county-wide collaboration and coordination among various wildfire mitigation groups. Up to 21 counties will receive a one-time grant of $175,000 to be used to cover administrative costs relevant to county-wide coordination efforts, including but not limited to the salary, support, and administrative costs for a designated County Coordinator.

Eligibility:

The 2022 Statewide County Coordinator Grant Program application is intended for the remaining counties who did not receive funding as part of the 2021-2022 Northern or Southern Region County Coordinator Grant Program. To apply, counties must be the starting point and invested in the scope and goals of the project. However, counties may choose to direct the application process and funds to the non-profit or public agency that they feel are best equipped to execute the project. Local fire mitigation groups are not eligible to apply unless their county designates them as the primary applicant and provides a letter of support. Only one application per county will be accepted.

To Apply: 

Applications open October 3rd, 2022. Visit the California FireSafe Council website here to learn more. Applications will be available for viewing beginning October 3rd, 2022. Applications will close on November 15th, 2022, at 11:59PM PST.

View the 2022 County Coordinator Statewide Grant Opportunity Announcement in its entirety here.

This grant program and publication are funded in full by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as part of the California Climate Investments Program.

 

 

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: Orange County, November 18, 2022

 

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.

 

Mike Barreto, of Eureka, has been appointed to the 9th District Agricultural Association (Redwood Acres Fair Board). Barreto has been the President of Trinity Diesel since 2004 where he was a Manager from 1998 to 2012. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Barreto is a Republican.   

Peter Frangel, of Lincoln, has been appointed Executive Advisor in the Strategic Initiatives Office at the California Department of Rehabilitation. Frangel has been Staff Services Manager I at the Department of Rehabilitation since 2019 and has served in several positions there since 2014, including as Innovation Project Specialist and Associate Governmental Program Analyst. Frangel was a Student Engineering Assistant at the Department of General Services from 2011 to 2014. He was a Senior Consultant and Data Specialist at Hromiko & Associates LLC. from 2007 to 2011. Frangel was a Full-Time Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 2004 to 2006. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $109,812. Frangel is a Republican.

Kelly Gordon, of Santa Barbara, has been reappointed to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, where she has served since 2021. Gordon has been Chief of Police at the City of Santa Barbara since 2022. She was Chief of Police at the City of Monterey Park from 2020 to 2022, where she served as Captain from 2017 to 2020. She served in multiple positions for the City of Montebello Police Department from 2000 to 2017, including Lieutenant, Detective and Training and Personnel Sergeant. Gordon was a Police Officer at the Los Angeles Police Department from 1996 to 2000. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gordon is a Democrat. 

Michael S. Green, of Lakeport, has been appointed to the Lake County Board of Supervisors, District Four. Green has been a City Councilmember for the City of Lakeport since 2021, where he served on the Planning Commission from 2017 to 2021 and has been a Staff Services Analyst at the Lake County Department of Social Services since 2021. He was President of the Lake County Growers Association from 2016 to 2019, Campaign Treasurer for Yes on Measure A in the City of Fresno in 2018 and Campaign Treasurer for Yes on Measure C in Lake County in 2016. This position does not require Senate confirmation. Green is a Democrat.

Blake Harlan, of Woodland, has been appointed to the 40th District Agricultural Association (Yolo County Fair Board). Harlan has been Director at Farm Credit West since 2003. He has been President of Harlan Family Ranch since 1998, where he has worked as an employee since 1989. Harlan has been a Partner at Wilson Bend Farms since 1988. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Harlan is registered without party preference.  

Amy Horne, of Truckee, has been reappointed to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she has served since 2003. She was an Intern at the Natural Resources Defense Council, in the Office of U.S. Senator Harry Reid, in 2015 and an Intern in the Office of the Delta Watermaster at the California State Water Resources Control Board in 2014. Horne was a Science Writer at the Tahoe Environmental Research Center from 2007 to 2009, Research Director at the Sierra Business Council from 1998 to 2005 and a Forest Researcher at the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station from 1993 to 1997. Horne earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Boyd School of Law, Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry and Master of Forest Science degrees from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and a Master of Public Administration degree in Natural Resource Policy and Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Horne is a Democrat.

Denise Kadara, of Allensworth, has been reappointed to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she has served since 2014. Kadara served in several positions for the City of San Mateo from 1997 to 2004, including as Senior Management Analyst and Economic Development Specialist. She was a Senior Planner for the City of Hesperia from 1990 to 1994 and served in several positions for the City of Fontana from 1986 to 1990, including as Senior Planner and Administrative Analyst. Kadara was a Project Coordinator for the City of Norwalk from 1984 to 1986 and served in several positions for the City of West Covina from 1978 to 1984, including as an Aide and Planning Intern. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Kadara is a Democrat.

Darrel Ng, of Davis, has been appointed to the 40th District Agricultural Association (Yolo County Fair Board). Ng has been Vice President at Health Net since 2020. He served as COVID Vaccine Communications Lead for the State of California in 2021. Ng was Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Fast Twitch Communications from 2019 to 2020. He was Managing Director at the W2O Group from 2017 to 2020 and Staff Vice President at Anthem Inc. from 2011 to 2017. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, California Capital Chapter Board of Directors. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Ng is registered without party preference.    

Tina Nieto, of Monterey, has been reappointed to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, where she has served since 2021. Nieto has been Chief of Police at the City of Marina Police Department since 2017. Nieto served in multiple roles for the City of Los Angeles Police Department from 1989 to 2017, including Commanding Officer, Lieutenant in the Consent Decree Unit and District Lieutenant. She earned a Master of Science degree in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Nieto is a Democrat. 

Beth Sederberg, of Loleta, has been appointed to the 9th District Agricultural Association (Redwood Acres Fair Board). Sederberg has been a CALPADS Coordinator for the Fortuna Elementary School District since 2013, where she has served in several positions since 2008, including School Secretary and Data Technician. She has been a Fitness Instructor at HealthSport Fortuna since 2017. Sederberg is a member of the Women’s Group. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Sederberg is a Republican.

Katherine Warburton, of Napa, has been appointed Statewide Medical Director at the California Department of State Hospitals, where she has served as Deputy Director of Clinical Operations since 2011. Warburton was Senior Psychiatrist Supervisor of Hospital Oversight and Monitoring at the California Department of Mental Health from 2010 to 2011. She held several roles at the California Department of Mental Health, Napa State Hospital between 2006 and 2009, including Chief of Forensic Psychiatry and Staff Psychiatrist. Warburton earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee and the NRI Research Institute Board of Directors. She is a Western Cabinet Member of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors’ Medical Directors Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $389,292. Warburton is registered without party preference.  

  
 

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.

South Monterey County gets record $2.5M state broadband investment King City Rustler

CPUC LATA funds are expected to impact communities on the south end of Monterey County. RCRC Affiliate GSCA is specifically mentioned for their role in creating open-access fiber networks.

The Specialist Squeeze: How to Fix the Shortage of Doctors in the Rural North – California Health Report

Challenges in attracting and accessing health specialists has a deep impact in rural communities. The Shasta Community Health Center is using a variety of techniques to bridge the divide.

Here’s what it’s like for migratory birds trying to fly south through California amid record drought – San Francisco Chronicle

As birds adapt their migration patterns in response to California’s drought conditions, experts are concerned about the potential impact on the health of migratory birds. Some state and federal wildlife refuges are taking precautions to reduce the animals' stress.