November 10, 2021

Notice of Funding Opportunity

The CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has announced the 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

October 21, 2021

The Governor announced this week that additional counties would be added to the drought State of Emergency, which officially places all 58 California counties under drought emergency. The new counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, and Ventura.

October 12 Update- This event has been postponed to early 2022.

September 30, 2021

State, federal, and local emergency managers, and policymakers are invited to join Cal OES on November 3, 2021, for a Zoom conference to discuss the current status of hazard mitigation policy and action in California, and the critical next steps needed to ensure a safer future for all of California. 

September 16, 2021

Both chambers of the Legislature adjourned before 9 p.m. last Friday night, bringing an end to the 2021 session. Following is an update on major bills of interest or concern for the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources policy area that are now among the 800+ bills awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. CSAC staff will continue to monitor and advocate for County priorities during the signing period, which ends October 10, 2021.

Awaiting Governor’s Action

September 2, 2021

August 27, 2021

The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) is extending the deadline for the CFSC County Coordinators Grant Application by one month, until Thursday, September 30 at 11:59 p.m. to help accommodate counties currently struggling with the impacts of this season’s wildfires. Even with the extension, the CFSC is making every effort to keep the grant process on track and provide prompt payment. The grant activity period is anticipated to begin November 1.

August 26, 2021

This week, California secured a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the Dixie and River fires, currently burning in Lassen, Nevada, Placer, and Plumas counties. A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration opens the door for a wide range of federal assistance programs to assist state and local governments in responding to and recovering from natural disasters.

August 19, 2021

In response to a request from CSAC and local government partners, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and Department of Water Resources (DWR) are hosting a webinar to increase awareness of available funding for emergency drought response.

August 5, 2021

July 29, 2021

July 15, 2021

July 15, 2021

Since the June 15 Budget deadline, budget advocacy has resulted in the following updates to Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources programs. 

Recycling Pilot Programs Extended and Expanded

July 8, 2021

July 8, 2021

June 17, 2021

June 17, 2021

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) will be conducting a hearing for the rulemaking entitled “State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, 2021.” At the hearing, counties may present statements on the regulations orally or in writing.  The Board requests, but does not require, that those who make oral comments at the hearing also submit a written summary of their statements. 

June 3, 2021

May 27, 2021

Coming up in June are two opportunities for county staff to join state and federal partners for virtual meetings and workshops on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers processes, and separately FEMA and DWR floodplain management principles and Risk Rating 2.0.

National Water Conference’s Regional Spotlight: California on June 1-2, 2021 (virtual):

May 20, 2021

The Bureau of Cannabis Control’s Cannabis Advisory Committee is hosting three virtual meetings in May. The committee advises the BCC and the other licensing authorities – the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Public Health – on the development of regulations that help protect public health and safety and reduce the illegal market for cannabis.

May 13, 2021

The California Fish and Game Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife are conducting the second webinar in their series “Coyotes in the Urban Environment” on Friday, May 28, 2021, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

The first webinar discussed the increase of reported conflicts between humans and coyotes in California. The second is targeted at local governments and will discuss coyote management plans, outreach, and education strategies to help address potential conflict.

April 23, 2021

Governor Newsom released a two-fold announcement today to move towards a full ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) by 2024 and study phasing out oil production in the state. The Governor-directed Department of Conservation’s Division of Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM) will initiate regulatory action to end the issuance of new permits for fracking by January 2024.