The Barbed Wire - October 11, 2024

RCRC 2024 Legislative Digest Provides Guide to Latest Legislation Impacting Rural California Counties

On September 30, 2024, Governor Newsom completed final action on bills sent to him by the Legislature for the year. Signing 1,017 bills and vetoing 189, this year marked the highest number of bills to come across the Governor's desk during his time in office. RCRC’s Legislative Digest is a thorough guide to significant bills representing the advocacy efforts of the RCRC Government Affairs staff during the legislative session. View RCRC’s 2024 Legislative Digest here. 

Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act Introduced in Congress

This week, U.S. Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-Butte) and Mike Thompson (D-Lake) announced the introduction of the Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act, which would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to enroll additional agricultural lands in the Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). CREP is a voluntary land retirement program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water.

The Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act would expand lands eligible for the program to include certain qualified wetlands for which there are habitat concerns or risks. The bill would also provide incentives to farmers to engage in seasonal field flooding to better manage their working croplands while supporting wetland-dependent species.

For more information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate Sidd Nag.

California Launches First Phase of Federal Home Energy Rebate Program to Help Families with Energy Efficiency Improvements

On October 8, 2024, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that California is launching its first federally-funded Home Energy Rebate program, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR or HEEHRA in California), which provides support to low- and moderate-income households for energy efficiency improvements.

California’s HEEHRA program will launch in two phases. The first phase, open to multi-family building owners or agents, is being implemented through TECH Clean California, which focuses on electrification projects. Applications for multi-family buildings are now open and may be used for a variety of electric appliances and equipment, including heat pump units. Single-family owners will be able to apply when the second phase launches in the coming weeks.

To view eligibility requirements or to apply, visit the HEEHRA website here.  HEEHRA is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). For more information about this and other programs available to Californians, visit the CEC website.

For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate John Kennedy.

RCRC AFFLIAITE ENTITIES

Updates regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.

Golden State Connect Authority Included in Grant Funding Announcement for Rural Broadband Network in Amador County

On October 5th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced its eighth round of grant award recommendations for the Federal Funding Account (FFA) program to fund last mile broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved communities. Projects in the Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) member counties of Amador and Solano counties were included in this eighth round. GSCA’s Amador County Broadband Network is included in this eighth round for $57 million and will provide service to 1,778 unserved locations within the county. Following approval by the CPUC at their November 7, 2024, meeting, the funding will be used to deploy broadband infrastructure aimed at increasing access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. While deployment of GSCA’s Amador County Broadband Network project is contingent upon also attaining supporting bond financing, this FFA award recommendation represents a significant step forward towards construction of the project’s publicly owned open access network serving rural communities. Read the full press release here.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

CARB Announces Webinar on Advanced Clean Fleets Exemptions and Extensions

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will hold a virtual webinar covering Exemptions and Extensions for the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation on Friday, November 1st from 1:30-3:30pm. Register here. The ACF regulation applies to fleets performing drayage operations, high priority fleets, and those owned by state, local, and federal government agencies. The regulation affects medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds, off-road yard tractors, and light-duty mail and package delivery vehicles. Given the large number of participants and questions, CARB encourages questions to be submitted in advance here by Tuesday, October 22nd. For more information, see here. 

Employment Opportunities

Butte County

Butte County is seeking a Deputy Administrative Officer whose responsibilities will include functioning as the County’s Budget Director.  The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of County budgets and financial analysis.  The incumbent will be responsible for providing organization-wide leadership related to budgeting and financial planning. Salary Range: $ 130,353- $174,678 Annually.

Position closes October 20,2024 11:59 PM Pacific.

For more information or to apply, see here.

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.

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.

UCSF Champion Provider Fellowship Applications Now Open for 2025 Cohort

The University of California San Francisco Division of General Internal Medicine and the California Department of Public Health, Nutrition & Physical Activity Branch are recruiting dentists and physicians to join a new cohort of the Champion Provider Fellowship. To learn more about the Fellowship, please visit the fellowship website 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

KEEPING UP

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

Anisa Escobedo, of Eureka, has been reappointed to the California State Independent Living Council, where she has served since 2023. Escobedo has been Owner and Designer at Escobedo Design since 2016. She held several roles at Tri-County Independent Living from 2019 to 2024, including Systems Change & Special Projects Coordinator, Advocacy and Fund Development Coordinator and Advocacy & Outreach Specialist. Escobedo was Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Arcata Chamber of Commerce in 2022. She was Executive Director of the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce in 2020. Escobedo is a member of Kiwanis International. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Escobedo is a Democrat.

Brendan M. Farrell, of Colusa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Colusa County Superior Court. Farrell has served as District Attorney of Colusa County since 2023. He was a Chief Deputy District Attorney at the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office from 2016 to 2022 and a Deputy District Attorney there from 2010 to 2016. Farrell served as a Volunteer Attorney at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office in 2010. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson. Farrell is registered without party preference. The compensation for this position is $243,940.

Fritzgerald A. Javellana, of Sutter County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sutter County Superior Court. Javellana has served as a Deputy County Counsel in the Office of the Sutter County Counsel since 2022. He was a Contract Juvenile Dependency Attorney for the Office of the Butte County Counsel from 2016 to 2022. Javellana was a Partner at Williams & Javellana LLP from 2014 to 2022 and an Associate at Rooney Law Firm from 2010 to 2014. Javellana earned a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Perry M. Parker. Javellana is registered without party preference. The compensation for this position is $243,940.

Mark Toney, of Lakeport, has been reappointed to the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, where he has served since 2020. Toney has been Executive Director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. He was Executive Director of the Center for Third World Organizing from 2000 to 2004 and Executive Director of Direct Action for Rights and Equality from 1986 to 1994. He was Lead Organizer at Workers’ Association for Guaranteed Employment from 1982 to 1985. Toney is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Whistleblower Center. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brown University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $50 per diem. Toney is a Democrat.

WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS

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.

California hospitals scramble on earthquake retrofits as state limits extensions – Los Angeles Times

More than half of the 410 hospitals in California have at least one building that probably wouldn’t be able to operate after a major earthquake hit their region, and with many institutions claiming that they don’t have the money to meet a 2030 legal deadline for earthquake retrofits, the state is now granting relief to some while ramping up pressure on others to get the work done.

GPS for Drought Monitoring: Leveraging the Power of Satellites to Quantify Regional Water Deficits – Drought.gov

Drought intensity is often characterized using meteorological observations, such as precipitation, rather than hydrologic observations, such as reservoir levels and groundwater levels. 

Report: CA faces big shortage of bilingual mental health professionals – Public News Service

One in four Californians is an immigrant and a new report shows many are refugees who may need mental health services but have trouble finding treatment.