RCRC Concludes 2021 Annual Meeting in Monterey County

Highlights Rural County Interests

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) concluded its 2021 Annual Meeting in Monterey County on Friday, October 1. This year over 200 rural government representatives from RCRC’s 37 member counties attended the Annual Meeting set over three days at the Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay.  

The event featured a variety of experts discussing issues relevant to rural counties and critical matters facing California’s future. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta served as the keynote speaker providing his observations on the dangers of a growing bipartisan divide as well as the need for rural counties to come together to advocate on important issues like catastrophic wildfire. Attendees were also treated to engaging panel discussions with experts on the implications of California migration, the state and national political landscape, current challenges to California’s military, and the significance of water studies occurring in space and in California.   

“The RCRC Annual Meeting is an important event for local government leaders throughout California to engage in meaningful dialogue for the benefit of rural communities,” said RCRC Board Chair and Mono County Supervisor Stacy Corless. “We are thankful to the many amazing speakers and sponsors that brought such value to this year’s meeting in Monterey County.”

In addition to the keynote and panel discussions, the event included a meeting of rural county administrators and of the RCRC Board of Directors discussing updates on state and federal legislation and featuring guest speaker Jennifer Eberlein, Regional Forester with the United States Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. Attendees also participated in the RCRC Annual Auction and Basket Drawing during which county-themed baskets are auctioned off to support a select number of charities in the county of the RCRC Chair.

“It has been an honor to host RCRC’s Annual Meeting here in Monterey County,” said RCRC Board Delegate and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. “The event highlighted key issues of interest to rural communities, that have real and lasting impacts on the lives of all Californians. It was a privilege to create the space for conversation and debate while showcasing our county to leaders from across the state.”

RCRC’s Annual Meeting serves as a venue for rural leaders to gather and engage on important issues effecting rural counties. This year marks the first in-person Annual Meeting for RCRC since 2019 due to the delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. The event and associated functions were held in compliance with the guidelines established by Monterey County and the Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay. To learn more about RCRC visit www.rcrcnet.org.

 

ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)

The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-seven member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta with Mono County Supervisor and RCRC Board Chair Stacy Corless engaged in discussion at the RCRC 2021 Annual Meeting

 

 

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and Mono County Supervisor Stacy Corless