Registration Now Open for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting in El Dorado County!!!
Registration is now open for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting! This year’s conference will be held September 25-27 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in El Dorado County. This year’s program will feature experts discussing a wide range of topics on critical issues shaping California’s future. Register today to receive the “Early Bird” rate!  
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Unveils Statewide Vegetation Treatment Program
A 45-day public comment period is open for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE’s) proposed California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) and it’s Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). This broad based initiative is designed to expand the pace and scale of CAL FIRE’s vegetation treatment targets in State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) to 250,000 acres per year by streamlining CEQA review.   
RCRC Leadership to Attend Annual NACo Conference
RCRC Chair Matt Kingsley (Inyo), 1 st Vice Chair Daron McDaniel (Merced), 2 nd Vice Chair Stacy Corless (Mono), Immediate Past Chair Rex Bohn (Humboldt), Supervisor Kevin Cann (Mariposa), and Supervisor Lee Adams (Sierra) joins RCRC staff at the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) in Clark County, Nevada, scheduled July 12-15, 2019. Supervisor Cann serves as President of NACo’s Western Interstate Region (WIR) and Supervisor Adams serves as RCRC’s WIR representative.  
Cannabis Banking Update
In a change of course this week, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said he would hold a hearing on the cannabis banking legislation known as the SAFE Banking Act in the near future. Chairman Crapo has resisted a hearing on cannabis banking, arguing instead the issue should be addressed in the Senate Judiciary Committee through federal legalization.  
Rural Broadband Update
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai is expected to introduce a regulatory order in August that would require more reporting data from broadband carriers to increase the accuracy of the national broadband coverage map. Over the last several months, the FCC has faced scrutiny over the accuracy of the national broadband map, which is used by federal agencies to determine areas that lack reliable broadband coverage.  
Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 182 (Jackson) – Planning and Zoning: Wildfires
RCRC has lent its support to Senate Bill 182, authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). SB 182 establishes wildfire reduction standards and planning requirements for new housing developments in Very High Fire Risk Areas (VHFRA) of the state.  
BULLETIN BOARD
Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
RCRC Launches Third Annual Rural Photo Contest
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) announced the launch of its Rural County Photo Contest for 2019. The third annual contest invites amateur photographers to capture life in rural California by showcasing the beautiful, vibrant imagery found in RCRC’s 36 member counties.
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HCD Hosts Training on Community Development Block Grant Program
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The Rural Rundown  Podcast: RCRC’s 2019 Legislative and Regulatory Priorities
The Rural Rundown discusses the legislative and regulatory issues impacting California's rural counties, featuring commentary and interviews from individuals committed to improving the quality of life in rural California.
NEWSROOM
RCRC Press Releases and Related News Clips