Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Ann Notthoff, of Carmel Valley, has been appointed to the California Coastal Commission. Notthoff served the Natural Resources Defense Council for nearly 40 years, most recently as Senior Western Advocacy Director, before her retirement in 2020. She was a founding member of the California League of Coastal Protection, previously served as Northern Vice President for the California League of Conservation Voters Board, and currently serves as Board Chair of LandWatch Monterey County. She served as a Senate Rules Committee appointee on the State Coastal Conservancy from 2005 until 2023. This appointment, made by Senate Rules Committee, is a four year term. Compensation is $100 per diem and actual and necessary expenses.
James O’Rourke, of Shingle Springs, has been appointed to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. O’Rourke has served as a Sergeant at the California Highway Patrol since 2007. He was a California Highway Patrol Officer from 2000 to 2007. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. O’Rourke is a Republican.
Joy Sterling, of Sebastopol, has been appointed to the California State Coastal Conservancy. Sterling is the Chief Executive Officer and Partner of Iron Horse Vineyards, where she has served since 1985. Previously, she was a Deputy Bureau Chief at ABC Network News. She serves as a member of the State Board of Food and Agriculture, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Task Force on Connectivity for Precision Agriculture, California Wine Institute, Sonoma County Vintners Association, North Bay North Coast Broadband Consortium, and California Broadband Council Advisory Board. This appointment, made by Senate Rules Committee, is a four year term. Compensation is $100 per diem and actual and necessary expenses.
Marc Van Camp has been awarded the 2023 Innovative Water Management Award. The award is given by the NCWA President to an individual (or organization) who has demonstrated innovation and creativity in advancing water management in the Sacramento Valley. Read about Van Camp here or view NCWA's tribute to Van Camp here.