In the News - Rural County Representatives Of California

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April 24, 2026

Forest and Public Lands Stewardship | Public Safety and Emergency Management | Wildfire

CBS Sacramento - California bill would bring back fire prevention fee to high-risk areas

As California lawmakers debate reinstating a controversial fire-prevention fee, RCRC’s own Staci Heaton was featured in a CBS Sacramento report highlighting concerns from rural residents. She questioned both the fairness of the proposed charge and whether it would deliver clear, tangible benefits to the communities expected to pay it.

See the full video here: California bill would bring back fire prevention fee to high-risk areas – CBS Sacramento

April 24, 2026

Forest and Public Lands Stewardship | Public Safety and Emergency Management | Wildfire

San Francisco Chronicle - California could make homes in fire-risk areas pay up to $150

RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton is featured in the San Francisco Chronicle opposing Senate Bill 1404, which would reinstate a statewide fire prevention fee of up to $150 for rural homeowners to fund Cal Fire prevention efforts.

See the full article here: California could make homes in fire-risk areas pay up to $150

March 13, 2026

RCRC Organization

Valley Public Radio - RCRC Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey featured on the Central Valley Daily Podcast

RCRC Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey joined Valley Public Radio’s Central Valley Daily news podcast to discuss the unique challenges facing California’s rural counties. Menetrey called for stronger rural representation in state policy...

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March 4, 2026

Transportation

CalMatters - California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study. Rural groups say they need it

Madera County Supervisor Robert Poythress is featured in CalMatters.org highlighting the projected decline in gas tax revenues that fund roads and highways and the need to explore alternative transportation funding sources through AB 1421.