The Barbed Wire - December 16, 2022

The Barbed Wire Will Return in January

The Barbed Wire will be on hiatus through the end of the year, resuming on Friday, January 6, 2023. Warmest wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year from all of us at RCRC! 

California Judicial Council Releases Proposed CARE Act Rules and Forms for Public Comment

The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act requires the California Judicial Council to develop rules of court, as well as a petition form and any other forms necessary for the court process, to implement the Act’s procedural provisions. The draft, “Rules and Forms: Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act (Proposal W23-10)”, proposed by the Probate and Mental Health Advisory Committee, has been posted on the California Courts “Invitations to Comment” webpage here.  

The proposal consists of 11 Rules of Court and 11 forms to implement the requirements, including “Information for Petitioners-About the CARE Act (Form CARE-050-INFO)”, “Information for Respondents-About the CARE Act (Form CARE-060-INFO)”, and “Petition to Commence CARE Act Proceedings (Form CARE-100)”, among others. 

The public comment period is open until January 27, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Details and materials can be found on the Invitations to Comment page under the "Probate and Mental Health" topic. Comments may be submitted via the online Comment Form or by email to invitations@jud.ca.gov. 

For additional information or questions, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett.

CARE Act Pre-Recorded Informational Webinar Available December 19th, from CalHHS, DHCS, and JCC

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), in collaboration with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Judicial Council of California (JCC), will be sharing a pre-recorded informational webinar about the implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment (CARE) Act. The pre-recorded webinar will be available on December 19th on the CARE Act website.  

The recording will include general information and important updates and will include: 

• An overview of the CARE Act, based on the enacted law SB 1338  

• Discussion of Frequently Asked Questions about CARE  

• Updates on implementation activities  

• Information about upcoming CARE implementation activities 

Interested parties may e-mail CAREAct@chhs.ca.gov to be included on the CalHHS CARE listserv to receive an email announcement on December 19th, as well as updates and information on future stakeholder events.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Approves $10 Million in Grants in RCRC Counties

On December 9, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Governing Board approved $10 million in grants through the agency’s Watershed Improvement Program (WIP) to 20 different projects in RCRC member counties. The grants were awarded to projects that enhance recreation and tourism and promote strategic land conservation in the Sierra Nevada region as part of the WIP’s overall effort to restore resilience to forested landscapes and communities.  

The Board awarded more than $5 million in grant funding to land conservation projects in Butte, El Dorado, Kern, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Sierra, Plumas, Lassen, Madera, and Calaveras counties, including $1.4 million to expand the Butte Creek Canyon Preserve near Paradise, CA. Nearly $5 million was awarded to recreation grants in Lassen, Mariposa, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, and Siskiyou counties, including $2.2 million for the Sierra Valley Recreation Project in Sierra County.  

For more information on the grants, see the SNC website. For inquiries and questions, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton.

DWR Releases Draft Guidelines for LandFlex Program Aimed at Drought Relief & Protection of Drinking Water

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is offering a new, short-term land fallowing program in certain Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) in critically overdrafted basins. The goal of the LandFlex Program is to provide immediate drought relief by reducing groundwater use in drought-stricken areas, which will help protect drinking water wells in vulnerable communities. 

Under LandFlex, GSAs will work with farmers to identify land to reduce groundwater pumping impacts to nearby dry wells. The program will provide $25 million in block grants to eligible GSAs and farmers will receive financial incentives for each enrolled acre. The program is focused on small and mid-sized farms, with eligibility limited to farmers with a 3-year average Adjusted Gross Income of $2.5 million or less.  

For those interested in applying for a LandFlex grant, DWR will host an Applicant Workshop on Thursday, January 19, 2023. To register for the workshop and learn more about the LandFlex program and how to apply, visit water.ca.gov/landflex. 

DWR's draft LandFlex Program Guidelines are available here. The Public Comment period closes on December 29th. Comments may be submitted via email to sgwp@water.ca.gov. 

For more information or questions, contact RCRC Policy Advocate Sidd Nag.

USDA Announces Investments Supporting Climate-Smart Commodities, Critical Infrastructure, and Clean Energy Expansion Across Rural America

This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced investments supporting climate-smart commodities, clean energy expansion, and critical infrastructure to lower energy costs.  

The first announcement occurred on Monday, December 12th, when USDA revealed 71 projects being funded through the Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities. This is the second funding pool announced for this opportunity, which was originally introduced in February of this year.  This program allows USDA to finance partnerships supporting the production and marketing of climate-smart commodities by way of pilot projects lasting from one to five years. Details about the California projects selected are available here.  

Later in the week, on Thursday, USDA announced the investment of $285 million through the Rural Energy for America Program.  USDA is making 844 investments to help farmers, ag producers and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Of those investments, 19 impact areas of rural California such as Sierra, Yolo, and Siskiyou counties. A full list of awards is available here. The program application period for Fiscal Year 2023 is open through March 31, 2023. More information about this continuing opportunity is available here.

U.S. DOT Announces $1.5 Billion Available through the 2023 RAISE Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2023. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. The administration has said that half of the funding will go to projects in rural areas, and at least $15 million in funding is guaranteed to be used for projects in Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities. The NOFO is available here. The deadline for applications is 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2023 and selections will be announced no later than June 28, 2023.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Rural California Counties have a Digital Equity Problem

With billions of dollars flowing from both the State and Federal government for broadband deployment, the need for Digital Equity planning has come to the forefront. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) requires States, in order to draw done $42 billion in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding, to have a plan for ensuring historically disenfranchised populations, including residents in rural areas, have access to reliable highspeed connectivity. In this article, Nevada County Chief Information Officer and Barbed Wire guest writer Steve Monaghan outlines what rural counties need to know about Digital Equity planning in 2022. Read the Article Here

BULLETIN BOARD

Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.

Save the Date: Informational Briefing on Federal EV Infrastructure Funds for Rural Counties

Save the date for an informational briefing from the California Energy Commission and the California Department of Transportation to RCRC counties on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), California will receive $384 million over five years to deploy Electric Vehicle (EV) fast chargers in priority, underserved highway segments. For more information, see here. 

WHEN:                  Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 1pm to 2pm
WHERE:                Virtual
RSVP:                  To register, please contact Leigh Kammerich, RCRC Policy Advocate, or Bob Burris, RCRC Deputy Economic Development Officer. 

Career Opportunities

Calaveras County

• The County of Calaveras, California is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who possesses strength of character, chemistry, and proven experience.  The successful candidate must have a solid background working with a five-member Board of Supervisors, elected and non-elected department heads as well as community stakeholders. This is the top management position in the County and provides administrative direction to all County departments.  The Administrative office has direct responsibility for Human Resources & Risk Management, Information Technology and G.I.S. Services, Airport, Office of Emergency Services, Economic Development, Integrated Waste Management, Public Access TV, Facilities and Grounds, Capital Improvement Projects, and Purchasing.  All non-elected department heads are appointed by and reports to the CEO. The application process will close on January 13, 2023 at 5pm. For additional information or to apply, see here.

Sierra County

• The County of Sierra is seeking a Director of Health and Social Services, responsible for the management and administration of Department of Health and Social Services.  A full description and qualifications are available here. For more information, visit the county website here or call (530) 289-2879.
• The Sierra County Department of Transportation is recruiting for a Transportation Planner II or III, depending on qualifications. This position is open until filled. For more information, see the county website here or call 530-289-2879

Imperial County

Imperial County is seeking applicants for three open engineering positions. These positions are open until filled.

• Associate Civil Engineer to perform, supervise, and coordinate professional civil or structural engineering work in the field and office.  View details here

• Assistant Director of Public Works to plan, organize, and assist in the day to day-to-day operations of the Department; prepare and deliver presentations to a variety of commissions and groups; assist in the oversight of the department’s divisions and special districts; and assume responsibility for Department operations in the absence of the Public Works Director. View details here

• Principal Engineer to plan, organize and direct complex civil engineering work. operations and activities including the office and field design, preparation, review and analysis of engineering and construction plans and specifications; coordinate and direct communications, information, personnel, projects and resources to meet designated County engineering needs and assure smooth and efficient activities; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.  View details here

Tuolumne County

• Tuolumne County Public Works is seeking an experienced integrated waste professional with extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance to oversee the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste and hazardous materials, provide public outreach and training, promote recycling programs, maintain two closed landfills, and negotiate and monitor contracts for environmental and landfill services. The Director of Solid Waste, as a key member of the management team, will oversee a staff of four and provide expert advice and support to the Director, Board members, and the community.  Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in solid waste management with two years at a supervisory or higher level. Flexible schedule 90/8 or 20%-40% telework considered for right candidate. Position is open until filled. EOE For additional details, see here.

Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.

In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.

Next Training: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, February 17, 2023

Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities

Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox.

KEEPING UP

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

Michal Kurlaender, of Davis, has been appointed to the Education Commission of the States. Kurlaender has been a Professor at the University of California, Davis since 2016, where she has served in several positions since 2004 including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor. She has been Co-Director at Policy Analysis for California Education since 2009. Kurlaender was a Teaching Fellow and Researcher at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education from 1999 to 2004. She was a Researcher for the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University from 1997 to 2004. Kurlaender is a member of the National Academy of Education and Lead Researcher at Wheelhouse: The Center for Community College Leadership and Research. She earned a Master of Education degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University and a Doctor of Education degree in Education Policy from Harvard University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Kurlaender is a Democrat.

IN THE NEWS

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.

New California wildfire risk map released. Check your home – Sacramento Bee

After 15 years, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has updated its wildfire risk map, showing an increase in fire hazard in the state. The new Wildfire Hazard Severity Zone map updates fire hazards for unincorporated, rural areas of California — areas more susceptible to fires — and does not show wildfire risks for addresses in the city.

Lumber mill accused of sparking deadly Mill Fire to settle with victims – San Francisco Chronicle

The Northern California lumber company accused of igniting the Mill Fire in Weed (Siskiyou County) has reached a settlement agreement with hundreds of people who filed wrongful death, personal injury and property loss claims in the deadly conflagration.

Police shortage: Will California help rural agencies?  – Cal Matters

In some parts of the state, particularly rural areas, there aren’t enough of them. Tehama County, population 65,000, made national headlines last month when the sheriff announced he would be ending daytime patrols due to the agency’s “catastrophic staffing shortage.” But the two main challenges facing Tehama County are also plaguing law enforcement agencies across California and the country.