Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
CalOES State and Local Cybersecurity Grants - Applications Due by End of Day September 27th
The CalOES State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program application window is now open. The State competitive offering combines two federal Fiscal Year allocations (FY22 and FY23) from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security totaling nearly $19.1 million. Individual grants can be up to $250,000 and no match is required. Twenty-five percent of statewide funds will be set aside for rural communities of less than 50,000 residents. There will be three additional rounds of federal funds, but they will require matches. Grants are available to city or county governments, districts and federally recognized tribal governments. Applications are due by end of day, Friday, September 27, 2024.
For more information see: State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services or contact RCRC Deputy Economic Development Officer, Bob Burris.
Register today (September 27th) for CalHHS “CARE Act Cohort 2 Pre-Launch Implementation Convening”
County Behavioral Health Directors are invited to attend a day-long in-person CARE Act Cohort 2 Pre-Launch Implementation Convening, hosted by the California Health and Human Services Agency, with the Judicial Council, and Department of Health Care Services. These convenings are for all counties implementing CARE this year. The goal is to support and strengthen the roll-out of CARE in each county. Two dates are available to choose from:
- Monday, October 7, 2024
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sacramento, CA
- November 7 or 8, 2024
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
San Jose Area (specific location to be determined)
Each convening will include time for updates from the California Health and Human Services Agency, Judicial Council, and Department of Health Care Services, as well as representatives from Cohort 1 counties. There will also be time for attendees from each county to share information, identify training and technical assistance needs, and move forward with implementation strategies.
CalHHS is asking each county to identify 4-6 leaders to attend one of these convenings (space is limited). Attendance could include Behavioral Health Directors, CAOs/CEOs, Court/Judicial partners, Public Defenders/respondents counsel, housing partners, and social services administrators. Please also consider inviting contracted providers, Public Guardian/Public Conservator staff, and hospital representatives. For additional information about who may be best to include, please review the list below of System Pathways for CARE Act Petitions and consider which stakeholders should attend.
- Please register here by September 27th
- Please identify 4-6 leaders from your county to attend one of these convenings and forward the link to them.
For questions, reach out to CAREAct@chhs.ca.gov.
*********
System Pathways for CARE Act Petitions (for consideration of local stakeholders to invite)
- County behavioral health, crisis teams, and contracted providers
- Hospitals and LPS Designated facilities
- Public Guardian / Public Conservator offices (for LPS diversions and step downs)
- Jail Mental Health (for pre-release transition planning)
- MIST and FIST diversions
- Peer leaders, NAMI, or other family advocates
- Homeless services providers and Shelters
- First Responders
- Public Defenders/Respondents Counsel (supporting self-referral)
- Adult protective services
- Tribal courts
- Indian health services program or tribal behavioral health department
Upcoming Webinar Offered by the Institute for Local Government (ILG) - October 3
Mark your calendars and click the link below to find out more about an upcoming webinar offered by the Institute for Local Government.
- Public Meetings: From Brown Act Basics to New Legislation | Thursday, October 3, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Employment Opportunities
Mendocino County
- County Health Officer - Salary Range: $185,224.00 - $225,139.20 Annually. Position is open until filled. For more information or to apply, see here.
Under the direction of the Health Services Director, the County Health Officer ensures enforcement of California statutes, regulations, and local ordinances pertaining to the protection of public health; oversees public health programs as pre-scribed by the California Department of Public Health; advises the Board of Supervisors and Health Services Director concerning community health issues; assesses and reports on the County’s health status; and, provides leadership in developing health policy for the County and the community.
- Deputy Director - Social Services (Family and Children's Services) - Salary Range: $120,411.20 - $146,390.40 Annually. Position closes 10/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific. For more information or to apply, see here.
Under executive direction, the Deputy Director plans, organizes, and directs the overall administrative activities of one or more of the major divisions of a social services agency to include administrative services units, employment, eligibility, or social services programs either directly or through subordinate managers; may act in the Director's absence; and performs related work as required. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.
3rd Annual Chamber Summit - Bridging the Gap Between Rural and Urban Chambers
The 3rd Annual Chamber Summit is coming to Copperopolis, California on October 3rd & 4th. This dynamic event brings together chambers of commerce from both rural and urban areas for 2 days of collaboration, resource sharing, and inspiration. Attendees will benefit from engaging workshops, access to invaluable resources, and hear from visionary keynote speakers. Together, we'll explore new strategies to enhance our chambers, uplift our communities, and empower the businesses we serve. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Make your Chamber's Annual Corporate Retreat meaningful! Find more information here.
SWRCB October 9th Public Workshop on Water Code 1242.1 Flood Diversions
The State Water Board will hold a workshop on October 9th, intended for both public entities and individuals interested in diverting floodwaters for groundwater recharge. The goal of the workshop is to provide an overview of the function of Water Code 1242.1. Presenters will provide helpful tools and tips for successful diversion reporting.
Date: October 9, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Remote participation only
For a full agenda, participation details, and additional information, see here.
CARB to Host Regional Listening Sessions on Zero-Emission Space and Water Heaters in September and October
The California Air Resources Board is developing statewide standards for new space and water heaters sold in the state and announced upcoming listening sessions to solicit feedback. At these regional listening sessions, CARB staff wish to share information and seek public input regarding 1) needs in rural areas, especially those experiencing extreme temperatures; 2) potential housing impacts from a transition to zero-emission space and water heating, and ways to minimize risks to tenants of increased rental cost or displacement; 3) energy cost implications and strategies for maintaining energy affordability; and 4) access to knowledgeable contractors and high-quality jobs. The current schedule can be found below. For more information, see here.
Free Technical Assistance on Data Collection for Public Defense Systems
The Center for Justice Innovation, the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, and OSPD are offering no-cost assistance to three counties interested in understanding and better addressing their specific data needs related to indigent defense. The project seeks to improve the availability, quality, and use of data in administering indigent defense services. Selected counties will receive assistance on what data points to collect, where and how to access the data, and how to analyze the data for decision-making. This opportunity is open to counties without an institutional county public defender office.
Learn more about the project and apply here today Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis this summer. Site visits and assistance will begin this fall.
Critical Funding Opportunity Available to Expand Behavioral Health Services
On July 16, DHCS released the Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready Request for Applications (RFA). Eligible organizations can apply for funding to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate properties for behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members. DHCS will award up to $3.3 billion in grants to projects that expand community-based behavioral health facilities and services.
This funding aims to address significant treatment gaps by improving access to behavioral health care. Interested parties can find application instructions on the BHCIP website and submit applications by December 13, 2024. This initiative, part of Proposition 1, seeks to transform California’s mental health and substance use disorder systems, providing more comprehensive care for the state’s most vulnerable populations. For more information, contact DHCS at BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov. To speak to RCRC about this opportunity, contact RCRC's Policy and Local Assistance Manager, Eric Will.
NCWA Call for Nominations
The Northern California Water Association (NCWA) Board of Directors is calling for nominations in preparation for the next NorCal Water Leaders Program coming in 2025, Please nominate a future water leader from your area by November 15, 2024.
Cultivating strong and knowledgeable leadership in the Sacramento Valley is critical to safeguard Norther California water rights and supplies, and to sustainably manage water supplies for future generations. The program is dependent upon the nomination of individuals who care about the Sacramento Valley and are interested in learning more about our precious water resources. The program aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of water leaders in the Sacramento Valley with a deeper understanding of the region. the NorCal Water Leaders Program of 2025 will be a seven-month program with half-day seminars at various locations throughout the Valley. each seminar will focus on important water issues affecting Northern California water supplies and water quality.
Details
- Nominations due no later than November 15, 2024
- First seminar held in January 2025
- Meets monthly through July 2025
- Program will include tours
For additional details and the full call for nominations, see here. Send nominations by email to Danyella Ochoa. Include the nominee's name, address, phone number, email address, and any background information about why you have nominated the individual.
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