The Barbed Wire - January 9, 2026

January 9, 2026 - Read the latest Advocacy News online here

RCRC’s Rural Rundown of Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 Proposed Budget

On Friday, January 9th, Governor Newsom released his Administration’s 2026-27 Proposed Budget. This proposal begins the budget development process between the Governor and Legislature. The Rural Rundown provides highlights of the proposal as it relates to RCRC member counties... Read More

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 299 (Cabaldon) – CEQA Exemption for Day Care Centers

RCRC supports Senate Bill 299, authored by Senator Christopher Cabaldon (D-Yolo). On January 5, Senator Cabaldon amended Senate Bill 299 to exempt residential day care centers from the California Environmental Quality Act... Read More

Governor Delivers Final State of the State Address

On Thursday, January 8th, Governor Newsom appeared before a joint session of the State Senate and Assembly for the first time since 2020 to deliver his final State of the State address before his time in office concludes next year... Read More

CNRA Announces First 30x30 Webinars of 2026

On Tuesday, the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) announced two webinars to highlight their efforts on the state's 30x30 conservation policy... Read More

House Approves SPEED Act, Setting Up Senate Talks

On December 18, the House passed the SPEED Act (H.R. 4776) in a 221–196 vote, marking the first major permitting reform vote of the Congress and setting up a high-stakes Senate negotiation in 2026... Read More

House of Representatives Advances Bill to Delist Gray Wolf

On December 18, the House of Representatives passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845), which would remove the gray wolf from protections under the Endangered Species Act and return wildlife management authority to the states... Read More

RCRC Remembers Congressman Doug LaMalfa

The RCRC family is deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Serving California’s 1st District from 2013 to 2026, Congressman LaMalfa was more than a representative; he was a dedicated partner and steadfast advocate for rural counties... 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

Wolf attack in Lassen County kills horse, alarms sheriff - Sacramento Bee

After a wolf killed a family horse and newly weaned calf in Lassen County, community members are shaken and the local sheriff is imploring the state to help.

Newsom’s final year in office begins with an $18 billion deficit. How will he address it? – Calmatters

California is facing a projected $18 billion budget shortfall as the governor prepares his final budget. Cuts or new revenues could significantly affect rural programs and county services.

California Legislature returns to Sacramento for new year with big bills, ambitions - Sacramento Bee

Lawmakers are back in session with major policy and budget decisions ahead. Rural priorities will compete with statewide and urban-focused initiatives.

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.