RCRC wishes to thank the participants of the 2024 Annual Meeting, our generous sponsors, and the expert panelists, and our keynote speaker who, together, made this a memorable event.
This year, over 300 participants, including representatives from RCRC’s 40 member counties, attended the Annual Meeting over three days at the Doubletree by Hilton - Sonoma Wine Country.
The event featured experts sharing their knowledge on issues pertinent to rural governance. This included engaging panel discussions with specialists in renewable energy storage, regenerative agriculture, sustainable forest management, and the challenges of short-term rentals. This year’s political panel provided insights from California Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher and Former Minority Leader of the State Senate, Brian Dahle about their legislative leadership experience from the rural perspective, and conference attendees heard from Senate President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Mike McGuire, with an opportunity to engage in dialog around important issues facing rural communities.
In addition to the panel discussions, attendees were treated to an inspiring session with a delegation from Rikuzentakata, Japan, sharing their remarkable story of resilience and leadership in the aftermath of the 2011 Tsunami, as well as the enduring and unexpected bond they formed with the high school students and leaders of Del Norte County.
"At RCRC’s Annual Meeting, we witnessed the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to advancing rural communities across California. This event is a testament to the strength and resilience of our local leaders, who come together to address pressing challenges and celebrate innovative solutions,” said RCRC Chair and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. “Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the panelists whose expertise illuminated our discussions, and to every attendee whose engagement and dedication drive meaningful change for our rural communities."
"It has been an honor to host RCRC’s Annual Meeting in Sonoma County, a pivotal event for rural leaders across California. This meeting not only highlights the fortitude and ingenuity of our communities but also fosters critical dialogue and partnership,” said James Gore, an RCRC Board Delegate, President of the National Association of Counties, and Sonoma County Supervisor. “Thank you to everyone who joined us in this endeavor, as your contributions are essential in shaping the future of rural California."
During the annual favorite Auction Dinner and Basket Drawing, generosity overflowed as participants raised over $84,000 for select charities in the County of the Chair.
The generosity of attendees spilled over into a spontaneous addition to the auction, a collection of experiences and items compiled by the City of Rikuzentakata and the County of Del Norte, to raise money for the Kamome Foundation, which helps fund exchange student opportunities for students in Del Norte County and Rikuzentakata; fosters community partnerships; and creates economic development and commerce opportunities between the cities and regions of Rikuzentakata, Japan and Cresent City, California. Moved in the moment, several other RCRC member counties and sponsors contributed additional items for the collection, ultimately raising over $31,000 in support of the Kamome Foundation and their message of hope.