The Barbed Wire - July 9, 2021

Save the Date: RCRC’s 2021 Annual Meeting – Registration Opening Soon

Registration is opening soon for RCRC’s 2021 Annual Meeting!  This year’s conference will be held September 29-October 1 at the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey County.

RCRC Fifth Annual Rural County Photo Contest Going On Now

The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is holding its Fifth Annual Rural County Photo Contest from July 1 through July 31, 2021. The contest invites amateur photographers to capture life in rural California by showcasing the beautiful scenery, activities, communities, history, and charm of RCRC’s 37 member counties.

Photo entries should be sent to photocontest@rcrcnet.org. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2021 and must include:

• Location where the photo was taken, including the county in which it was taken; and
• Photographer’s full name and email address.

The grand prize winner will receive a $50 gift card, and the winning image will be displayed during RCRC's Annual Meeting taking place September 29 - October 1, 2021 in Monterey County. Contest details, a printable flyer, and official rules are available here.

Wildfire and Land Use Coverage Update

This week, several media outlets covered the ongoing wildfire and land use discussions happening in Sacramento.  Both the Capitol Weekly and KQED discuss the current efforts of the State to address the ongoing wildfire threats to California residents, including the proposed Board of Forestry Fire Safe Regulations.  In the articles, RCRC staff discusses the impacts of these proposed policy decisions, particularly the impacts on communities in RCRC member counties.

Read them here:

• Capitol Weekly, July 6, 2021 - Rural areas, counties ask for help as California fire season heats up
• KQED, July 7, 2021 - New Regulations Would Increase Wildfire Risk to Firefighters and Civilians, Fire Experts Warn

For more information, contact Tracy Rhine, RCRC Senior Legislative Advocate by email or call (916) 447-4806.

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 792 (Glazer) - Sales and Use Tax: Returns: Online Transactions: Local Jurisdiction Schedule

RCRC has expressed support for Senate Bill 792, authored by Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), which would place reporting requirements on local sales tax collected by online retailers with annual qualified online sales of more than $50 million.

The ever-growing trend of online sales across the state is having significant impacts on California’s economy.  In particular, rural communities that would otherwise benefit from a distribution of sales tax under the Bradley-Burns Uniform Sales Tax Act (Bradley-Burns) tied to the jurisdiction of the purchaser’s residence are now finding diminishing revenues as Bradley-Burns allocations are made at the point-of-sale where distribution centers, company offices, or warehouses are located.  Rural communities are unnatural fits for centralized distribution or sales of goods for major retailers, making it nearly impossible to compete or incentivize companies to locate in those areas.  The current practice of “kickback agreements” where municipalities give retailers a percentage of Bradley-Burns allocations in exchange for certain economic development benefits also skew toward urban and suburban areas with more space for industrial development.

SB 792 would place new reporting requirements on retailers with more than $50 million in transacted online revenue during the previous year to help demonstrate that economic development agreements divert revenues away from jurisdictions that would receive residence-based Bradley-Burns allocations.

SB 792 passed the Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee on July 5, 2021, and has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  RCRC’s letter of support can be accessed here.  For more information, contact Staci Heaton, RCRC Senior Regulatory Affairs Advocate by email or call (916) 447-4806.

Hometown California Talks with Jim Ogsbury, Executive Director of the Western Governors Association

On the newest episode of Hometown California our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with Jim Ogsbury, Executive Director of the Western Governors Association (WGA). Together, Paul and Jim discuss the work of the WGA, who they are, and the intersection with rural California and the Rural County Representatives of California.

With membership that includes the Governors of the 22 western-most states and territories of the United States, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, WGA is largely an instrument of bi-partisan policy development, information exchange, and collective action on mutual interests.

Listen in to hear about how Executive Director Jim Ogsbury came to lead an organization of 22 elected Governors, how the organization operates, and how such an ideologically diverse group of members come together to develop policies that drive the organization forward. Find out about some of WGA's successes influencing federal policymaking in the areas of forest and federal lands management, endangered species, and more. And learn what is on the horizon as WGA continues to collaborate on issues impacting the western United States. Download now

Biden Administration Pledges Better Pay for Federal Firefighters

Last week, the Biden Administration announced it is hiring more federal firefighters — and immediately raising their pay — as officials ramp-up response efforts in the face of a severe drought across the West.  President Biden announced the moves during a virtual meeting with governors from multiple Western states, including California.  

President Biden’s plan would ensure that no federal firefighter is making less than $15 per hour and would add or convert to full-time nearly 1,000 firefighters across a host of agencies.  The pay raise will come in the form of retention incentives and by providing additional bonuses to those working on the front lines.  Following the call, Governor Gavin Newsom stated that he was pleased to be working with the White House, “rather than as ‘sparring partners” as he described his state’s former relationship with the Trump Administration. 

Read more here:

• FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Administration Acts to Address the Growing Wildfire Threat | The White House
• Readout of President Bidens Wildfire Preparedness Meeting With Cabinet Officials Governors and Private Sector Partners
• Remarks By President Biden In Meeting on Western Wildfires

Federal Drones to Monitor Illicit Marijuana Grown on California Public Lands

In last week’s House Appropriations Committee report filed for the U.S. Department of the Interior for its fiscal year 2022 spending bill, the Committee expressed its support of federal law enforcement efforts to deploy drones in California to find illicit marijuana grow sites on public lands.  “The Committee is aware that trespassers illegally grow marijuana on public lands in California…the Committee supports Forest Service efforts to develop tools to detect and eradicate grow sites.”

Infrastructure Negotiations Update

With the passage of the House’s surface transportation bill last week, House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee leaders must now turn to negotiations with their Senate counterparts.  

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has already approved its own surface reauthorization bill; however, its version includes significant differences between the House T&I Committee language, largely maintaining a status quo of highway funding and not including the millions of dollars in earmarked projects included in the House’s version.  Additionally, the Senate Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over the authorization of transit spending, has yet to produce its piece of the Senate legislation.

Furthermore, last week, the White House released state fact sheets that highlight the need for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. Click here to view California’s fact sheet.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

CalPERS Investment Returns & Risk Mitigation Update

On July 12, 2021, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) will be announcing its investment returns for the one-year period ended June 30, 2021.  This will occur on the first day of CalPERS Board and Executive team offsite meeting that can be watched virtually here. 

Forest Stewardship Workshop

The University of California Cooperative Extension is offering training opportunities to help landowners develop sustainable plans to improve and protect their forest lands.

• Online every Wednesday, (6-7:30pm) starting August 4, 2021 through September 29, 2021, and in-person Saturday, August 28th in Tuolumne County

For more information, see here.

State Water Board Awarding O&M Grants To Disadvantaged Public Drinking Water Systems

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is soliciting letters of interest from public agencies, public water systems or nonprofit organizations to award a total of $27.5 million from uncommitted Proposition 68 funds for disadvantaged communities (DACs) treatment of contaminated groundwater. Specifically, operations and maintenance (O&M) costs are eligible for DAC water systems over a period of three to five years, including (but not limited to) permitting, monitoring and reporting, chemicals, and/or plant operator labor. Letters of interest are due to the SWRCB’s Division of Financial Assistance by July 12, 2021. For more information, see here.

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. 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE

Resource pages, deadline extensions, and available programs to assist communities impacted by COVID-19.

Coronavirus Relief Available from the Small Business Administration

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering several coronavirus relief options to help alleviate the financial hardships resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The programs have received an overwhelming number of applications from businesses, so be sure to check the SBA website for the latest updates on the status of these programs.

• The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. After initial funding was quickly depleted, the program received an infusion of an additional $310 billion, allowing the SBA to resume the program on April 27, 2020. Be sure to check the SBA website for the most recent information on the application process and availability of funds.
• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
• SBA Express Bridge Loans can be used to bridge the gap for businesses while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan; small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
• SBA Debt Relief provides a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in programs for other disasters, the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance portal is available here.

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has assembled resources for communities and business impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The page will be continually evolving as new resources become available. To go directly to the CALED resources, click here.

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Infectious Disease Response

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Check out the Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response for guidance and additional information.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), RCRC’s local government partner, continues to provide excellent up-to-date state and federal information to counties on this ever-changing pandemic event.  We encourage visiting CSAC’s COVID-19 resource page, which contains vital links to all CSAC COVID-19 advocacy letters and resources.  CSAC’s staff continues to work around the clock to update activities so that all of California’s counties can remain properly informed.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE

Information related to the current status of legislation and regulations impacting California’s rural counties.

Assembly Bill 246 (Quirk) Contractors: disciplinary actions. Assembly Bill 246 allows the Contractors State Licensing Board to take disciplinary actions against a contractor who violates state or local laws prohibiting illegal dumping.  Status: AB 246 passed the Legislature and awaits consideration by the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 297 (Gallagher) Fire Prevention. Increases funding for forest health improvement and wildfire risk reduction projects and makes other substantive changes to help expedite project completion.  Status: AB 297 awaits consideration in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. RCRC Status: Support

 Assembly Bill 322 (Salas): Energy: Electric Program Investment Charge program: Requires the Energy Commission to consider bioenergy projects for biomass conversion when awarding funds under the Electric Program Investment Charge program. Status: AB awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support    

 Assembly Bill 332 (ESTM): Hazardous waste: treated wood waste: Reestablishes a statutory pathway for the alternative management and disposal of treated wood waste in a landfill.  Status:  AB 332 consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status:  Support

Assembly Bill 819 (Levine) California Environmental Quality Act: notices and documents: electronic filing and posting.  Requires lead agencies to post California Environmental Quality Act notices and documents on their internet websites and to submit CEQA documents to the State Clearinghouse in electronic form.  Status: AB 819 passed the Legislature and awaits consideration by the Governor. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 843 (Aguiar-Curry): California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: renewable feed-in tariff: Allows Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) to access the CPUC BioMAT program that provides funding for renewable bioenergy electricity projects, including biomass and biogas. Status: AB 843 awaits consideration in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 881 (Gonzalez) Plastic waste: diversion: recycling: export. Repeals the ability for local governments to claim diversion credit for mixed plastic waste that is exported for recycling. Status: AB 881 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 1311 (Wood) Recycling: beverage containers: certified recycling centers. Makes modest changes to the Beverage Container Recycling Act to increase consumer access to redemption opportunities. Status: AB 1311 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1344 (Arambula) State Department of Public Health: Needle and Syringe Exchange Services.  Exempts needle and syringe exchanges services from the California Environmental Quality Act.  Status: AB 1344 awaits consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Neutral 

Assembly Bill 1403 (Levine) Emergency Services. Assembly Bill 1403 clarifies that deenergization events (also known as PSPS events) qualify as events for which a state of emergency can be declared by the Governor under the California Emergency Services Act, but not for a local emergency declared by a local government. Status: AB 1403 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Pending

Assembly Bill 1454 (Bloom) Beverage Container and Litter Reduction Act.  Assembly Bill 1454 makes several changes to the Beverage Container Recycling Program, including creation of a new $25,000 startup loan for the creation of new recycling centers in unserved or underserved areas and increased payments to redemption centers with an even greater increase in rural areas.  Status: AB 1454 awaits consideration by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.  RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 37 (Cortese) California Environmental Quality Act Exemption.  Senate Bill 37 eliminates the ability to use a “common sense exemption” under the California Environmental Quality Act for any projects undertaken at over 40,000 sites throughout the state that appear on the Cortese List of currently or formerly contaminated properties.  The bill will require discretionary projects with no environmental impact at those locations (including many local corp yards, fire stations, airports, etc.) to undergo an initial assessment and prepare a negative declaration.  Status:  SB 37 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Status:  Oppose

Senate Bill 52 (Dodd): State of Emergency: Power Outages. Senate Bill 52 clarifies that deenergization events (also known as PSPS events) qualify as events for which a local emergency can be declared under the California Emergency Services Act. Status: SB 52 awaits consideration on the Assembly Floor. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 99 (Dodd): Community Energy Resilience Act of 2021. Senate Bill 99 requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans. Status: SB 99 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 244 (Archuleta): Lithium-ion batteries: illegal disposal: fire prevention: Senate Bill 244 seeks to prevent lithium-ion battery fires by requiring the state to develop training and best practices for the detection, safe handling, and suppression of fires that originate from discarded lithium-ion batteries in solid waste collection vehicles, transfer and processing stations, and disposal facilities.  Status: SB 244 awaits consideration on the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 341 (McGuire) Makes several changes to increase oversight and accountability of telecommunications service outages. Status: SB 341 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support 

Senate Bill 343 (Allen) Prohibits the sale of any product or packaging using a deceptive or misleading claim about its recyclability, including using the chasing arrows symbol unless CalRecycle determines the product or packaging is recyclable.  Requires CalRecycle to identify the types of plastic products and packaging from which a claim of recyclability may be made. Status: SB 343 awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Watch 

Senate Bill 533 (Stern) Electrical corporations: wildfire mitigation plans: deenergization events: microgrids. Requires utilities to discuss in their Wildfire Mitigation Plans efforts to improve their electrical systems, focused on those areas and assets that have been deenergized the greatest number of times.   Status: SB 533 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 619 (Laird) Organic waste: reduction regulations. Will seek to provide local governments with additional flexibility to achieve the state’s organic waste recycling requirements.  Status: SB 619 awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support