January 6, 2022

November 18, 2021

Demonstrating the urgency and collaboration appropriate to the task, the state has announced the first 18 sections for the statewide open-access middle-mile network just a few short months after the network was authorized by SB 156.

Middle-mile infrastructure will not provide broadband service directly to consumers, but it will make it faster and cheaper for all internet service providers to provide last-mile service to both unserved and underserved households, as well as those who currently live in a broadband monopoly.

November 4, 2021

Nearly two months after California voters rejected an attempt to recall Governor Gavin Newsom that cost counties and the state about $276 million to conduct, state officials continue to examine California’s recall system for potential reform. Discussions for potential reforms include raising the signature threshold to qualify a recall election, altering the election process for successor candidates, and creating a malfeasance standard for justifying a recall election.

October 28, 2021

County officials and personnel are invited to attend a two-day conference on private 4G/5G networks, an alternative to traditional Wi-Fi networks that might help local agencies implement connected traffic signals, provide public services, and help close the digital divide. The event, “Enterprise 5G Live,” includes educational workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall where attendees can connect and learn about private wireless networks.

October 14, 2021

California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced that it is now accepting applications from California County governments to administer the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (MBCRG). Counties are encouraged to apply for funding to provide $2,500 grants to eligible microbusinesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the associated health and safety restrictions.

September 30, 2021

September 23, 2021

September 2, 2021

Californians in Lassen, Nevada, Placer, and Plumas counties who have been impacted by wildfires that started in July and August 2021 can now file for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The California Employment Development Department (EDD) administers these benefits, which are available to workers, business owners, and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs or businesses, or had their work hours reduced due to the ongoing wildfires.

August 27, 2021

Only two weeks remain for the Legislature to act on bills before adjourning for Interim Recess. Yesterday, both the Senate and Assembly Appropriation Committees voted on hundreds of bills sitting in their suspense files, many of which the CSAC Governance, Finance, and Administration team have been monitoring. Below is a summary of the outcomes.

August 27, 2021

An Administrative Law Judge at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a ruling late last week extending the deadline for formal parties to submit opening comments on the statewide middle-mile broadband network to Friday, September 3. The ruling was issued in response to a request from the California Cable & Telecommunication Association. The ruling also extends the deadline for reply comments to Tuesday, September 21.

August 19, 2021

Join the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) and Valley Vision for an informational webinar on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 1:30 PM about practical things county officials can do to plan for, facilitate, and incentivize broadband in their communities.

July 22, 2021

In a significant victory for counties, coalition allies, and all Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 156 into law this week, providing a historic $6 billion investment in broadband infrastructure. The investment prioritizes construction in communities with little or no broadband access in both rural and urban areas.

July 15, 2021

This week, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission voted unanimously to petition the California Supreme Court for more time to submit final maps. The Commission is seeking an additional two weeks to draw maps, which would make the deadline for final maps January 14, 2022. 

July 1, 2021

June 17, 2021

June 17, 2021

June 10, 2021

In breaking news, the State Superintendent for Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has sent a letter of support urging that Legislative Leaders include Governor Newsom’s broadband package in the June state budget. Superintendent Thurmond is the latest in a growing crowd of advocates clamoring for immediate action on broadband. View CSAC’s latest coalition letter here.

May 6, 2021

An appeals court this week found that Governor Newsom’s executive orders issued last year were an appropriate use of the Emergency Services Act and did not amount to an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power. The suit was filed by Assembly Members Kiley and Gallagher and had been successful at the trial court level. The Assembly Members have announced their intention to appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court.

April 29, 2021

What should the future of government meetings look like? How should local agencies balance transparency, cost, and the safety of local officials? How can the Brown Act be modified to recognize the modern realities of interconnectedness?

These questions are at the heart of the debate about AB 339, a bill authored by Assembly Member Alex Lee and Cristina Garcia and sponsored by the ACLU California Action and the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability.

April 15, 2021