The Barbed Wire - February 27, 2026

February 27, 2026 - Read the latest Advocacy News online here

RCRC Visits Washington D.C.

The week of February 16, the RCRC Officers visited Washington D.C. to meet with congressional offices and federal agency leaders on Capitol Hill, to discuss a number of challenges and opportunities in California’s rural communities. Although members of Congress were on recess, the RCRC delegation met with a variety of staff and leaders who play a key role in the development and enactment of policies impacting California rural counties... Read More

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1005 (Caballero) – PENNIES Act

RCRC, in coalition with the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors, is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 1005 authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced). This measure seeks to provide clear authority for public agencies to round when receiving cash payments or issuing change when conducting cash transactions with the public... Read More

California Division of Boating and Waterways Grants Available

On February 23, the California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced the availability of grant funding to help prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels. The Quagga and Zebra (QZ) Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program expects to award up to $2 million across eligible applicants... Read More

House Agriculture Committee to Mark Up 2026 Farm Bill

On March 3, the House Agriculture Committee will begin consideration of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, (H.R. 7567), a comprehensive Farm Bill package intended to address policy areas not included in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act... Read More

Costa Introduces Rural Development Modernization Act

On February 20, Representative Jim Costa (D-Tulare) introduced the Rural Development Modernization Act (H.R. 7609), which would update and standardize how “rural” is defined across U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs... Read More

Affiliate Updates

A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.

Funds Still Available – ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (HBA)

GSFA is pleased to remind our business partners that funding remains available through the ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) Program to help eligible households who were living in qualifying California disaster areas purchase homes in lower wildfire and flood risk communities... Read More

Rural Advancement Institute Continues 2026 Initiatives

The Rural Advancement Institute (RAI) continues its work in 2026, advancing research and educational efforts that deepen understanding of rural issues. Serving as a bridge between research and policy, RAI equips decision-makers... Read More

GSNR Advances Grizzly Flat Cull Deck Removal Project

On December 2, hauling operations officially commenced at Iron Mountain, launching the Grizzly Flat Cull Deck Removal Project—the first such project under Golden State Natural Resources' (GSNR) Biomass Transportation Assistance Program, a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The project aims to... Read More

Bulletin Board

Announcements regarding job postings, hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties. View the Bulletin Board Here

Keeping Up

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties. Read Keeping Up Here

Weekly News Clips

Federal Cuts Exacerbate Rural California Doctor Shortage — State Affairs Pro

At a hearing of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health, lawmakers focused on how last year’s congressional budget reconciliation bill, House Resolution 1, could frustrate policymakers’ progress in attracting more doctors to medically underserved parts of the state.

Shasta County sees more communities earn Firewise recognition for wildfire safety - KRCR

More Shasta County communities are becoming Firewise sites. This means they’ve made moves to limit wildfire risks and create defensible spaces, and they have national recognition as a Firewise USA program participant.

'Stepchild' no more: Nevada County’s rural solution to housing insecurity — The Union

Surviving in an economy like California’s is a delicate balancing act. If you’re single, good luck buying a home or paying rent with one income.

California snow area overrun on weekends — ‘we're held hostage’ – San Francisco Chronicle

They park along highway shoulders and jam up traffic. They trespass on private property. They litter the woods with broken sleds, fast food wrappers and soda cans.

Legislative Update

Click "Read More" to access information related to the current status of legislation impacting California's rural counties. Read More

For a full list of RCRC-tracked legislation, by issue area, use our Legislative Tracking Tool.