A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
GSCA and RCRC Leadership Meet with UTOPIA Fiber
Calaveras County Supervisor Jack Garamendi and Alpine County Supervisor David Griffith, Chair and Vice Chair respectively of Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA), traveled with members of the RCRC leadership team to Salt Lake City this week for a series of meetings with UTOPIA Fiber, the largest open-access municipal fiber network in the United States. During the trip, the team met with the UTIOPIA Fiber executive leadership team and members of their Board, discussing key aspects of their operations. They also visited UTOPIA Fiber’s headquarters and operations center, seeing firsthand how UTOPIA Fiber designs and finances the network, and provides customer support. The team even visited a fiber hut to see how fiber is deployed in the field. This visit provided key insight and a clear demonstration for the GSCA and RCRC team on successful implementation and operation of open-access municipal fiber, which will help inform future GSCA efforts in rural California.
GSFA Highlights the Journey to Homeownership in New Video Series
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) is sharing the real-life stories of hardworking individuals and families in California who have achieved the dream of homeownership through GSFA in a new online video series title ‘The Journey to Homeownership”. The series highlights homebuyers who graciously share their unique situations and challenges, unveiling their journey to becoming homeowners. The common theme: With dedication and focus on the homebuying goal coupled with down payment and closing cost assistance from GSFA, these former renters became homeowners. Catch the latest episode, “Building a Better Life” here.
ESJPA Welcomes New Member San Luis Obispo County
The Rural Counties’ Environmental Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) recently expanded to 25 member counties with the addition of San Luis Obispo County as its newest member. Supervisor John Peschong will serve as the delegate on the ESJPA board representing the County. San Luis Obispo, which joined RCRC in 2016, joins the ESJPA as our focus intensifies on assisting member jurisdictions with implementation of organics regulations in accordance with Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, 2016). The regulations, which will impact all residents and businesses in California, require separation of organic food waste and recovery of edible foods to help reduce emissions of methane, a harmful short-lived climate pollutant. While the regulations are complex, ESJPA is committed to helping ensure that its members are equipped to implement the program to the maximum extent feasible in our rural communities.