EPA Announces Plans to Revise WOTUS Rule
On March 12, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that EPA will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to review the definition of “Waters of the United States.” The agencies…
Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 470 (McKinnor)—Telephone Corporations: Carriers of Last Resort
RCRC opposes Assembly Bill 470, authored by Assembly Member Tina McKinnor. This measure would allow any Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) telephone service provider to abandon its obligations…
Joint Task Force to Target Underutilized Federal Land for Housing
This week, Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner announced the establishment of a Joint Task Force which will focus on using underutilized federal land suitable for housing…
U.S. Senators Ask USDA to Reverse Canceled Local Food Purchases for Schools, Farmers
This week, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) led a group of 31 Senators in a letter that voiced “serious concerns” about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cancelation of food purchase programs across the United States. They noted…
RCRC Board Member Spotlight: Bob Nelson (Santa Barbara County) – RCRC Second Vice Chair
This is the third installment of the RCRC Board Member Spotlight, a recurring feature of the Barbed Wire! RCRC is pleased to introduce the subject of this Board Member Spotlight, Santa Barbara County Supervisor and RCRC’s 2025 Second Vice Chair, Bob Nelson…
Bulletin Board
Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of rural county importance.
Keeping Up
Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties.
Chamandeep Johal, of Merced County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Merced County Superior Court. Johal has served as a Commissioner at the Mariposa County Superior Court since 2023 and as a Family Law Facilitator at the Merced County Superior Court since 2018. She was the Principal Attorney at Johal Law from 2010 to 2018. She was a Partner at Connich & Grewal, LLP from 2008 to 2010 and an Associate at the Law Offices of Michael J. Connich from 2004 to 2008. Johal received a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald Proietti. Johal is registered as no party preference.
Ricardo Sanchez, of Hollister, has been appointed to the California State Board of Pharmacy. Sanchez has been an Investigator at the California Department of Motor Vehicles since 1989. He is the Chief Financial Officer for the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association and a Member of the San Benito Masonic Temple #211, Order of Eastern Star, Athena #46, California Mexican American Veteran Memorial Beautification and Enhancement Committee and El Solado Latino. Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Union Institute and University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sanchez is a Democrat.
Eva Spiegel, of Davis, has been appointed Deputy Director of Communications at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Spiegel was Senior Communications Specialist at Kearns & West from 2021 to 2025. She was Founder and Principal of Spiegel Communications from 2019 to 2021. Spiegel was Director of Communications for the League of California Cities from 2007 to 2019. She was Director of Broadcast Operations and Special Projects at the American Communications Foundation from 1995 to 2006. Spiegel earned a Master of Arts degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from California State University, San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science for the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,000. Spiegel is a Democrat.
Weekly News Clips
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.
Major rockslide closes key road into Yosemite National Park indefinitely – San Jose Mercury News
Just as the spring tourist season is getting started, a major rockslide has closed one of the primary routes into Yosemite National Park. The slide came crashing down across both lanes of Highway 140, a scenic winding route along the Merced River between the town of Mariposa and Yosemite’s Arch Rock entrance.
Headwaters and Wildfire in California – Public Policy Institute of California – Public Policy Institute of California
California’s headwaters, vital for water supply, face rising wildfire risks from dense vegetation and development. Mitigation requires collaborative thinning, prescribed burns, and ignition prevention.
PG&E Asks California for Rate Increase to Boost Shareholder Profits – San Francisco Chronicle
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. on Thursday asked state energy regulators to increase shareholder profits because of the high risk of doing business in California after a historic year of rate hikes sent utility bills soaring.
California bill would restore water protections for wetlands – The Los Angeles Times
California lawmakers are proposing legislation that aims to reestablish safeguards for the state’s streams and wetlands in response to a Supreme Court ruling limiting federal clean water regulations.
Legislative Update
Information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties. This report updates in real time.
For a full list of RCRC-tracked legislation, by issue area, use our Legislative Tracking Tool.