The Barbed Wire - October 31, 2025

October 31, 2025 - Read the latest Advocacy News online here

Remember to Vote in California’s Special Election November 4th

On November 4, 2025, California will hold a Statewide Special Election to determine the fate of Proposition 50. Remember to vote, either in person or by mail to make your voice heard... Read More

Government Shutdown Update

The Federal shutdown continues with no clear pathway to resolution, as Senate Democrats left town Thursday. Speaker Mike Johnson canceled votes in the House for the fifth straight week... Read More

Governor Issues Executive Order to Expedite Prescribed Fire

On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-35-25 which declares a state of emergency on wildfire risk and enables swifter action to implement prescribed fire. The Order acts... Read More

GO-Biz Releases Draft Permitting Toolkit and Model Ordinances for Battery Storage, Onshore Wind, and Utility Scale Solar

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is seeking public feedback on a Clean Energy Permitting Initiative Playbook and Toolkit. The effort aims to... Read More

Legislation Introduced in House to Reinstate Glenn Medical Center Critical Access Funding

On October 24, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) introduced the Rural Hospital Fairness Act, which would reinstate... 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.

RAI Releases Foundational UCSB Study on Rural California’s Fire and EMS Capacity

The Rural Advancement Institute (RAI) sponsored a first-of-its-kind statewide study on fire and emergency medical services (EMS) in California’s rural communities, led by... Read More

GSCA Approves $120 Million Broadband Bond to Expand Rural Connectivity

On Friday, October 24, the GSCA Executive Committee approved a Resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $120 million in GSCA Telecommunications Revenue to help finance seven open-access broadband projects in... 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

Proposition 50 sparks debate on rural representation in Northern California – Action News Now

"Gerrymandering poisons democracy, no matter the party or place. It breeds distrust and buries communities like ours," said Modoc County Supervisor and RCRC Chair Geri Byrne at a gathering opposing Proposition 50. Byrne joined Congressman Doug LaMalfa, local farmers, and community representatives in warning that the measure would strip rural areas of fair congressional representation.

Rep. Kiley Urges Congress to be In Session and Act on Rural School Funding – Rep Kevin Kiley

Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03) is calling for swift congressional action to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which provides essential funding to public schools in rural communities across the United States, including those in California’s Third Congressional District.

California euthanized 4 wolves in Sierra after cattle kills – The Sacramento Bee

California wildlife officials euthanized four gray wolves in Sierra Valley and plan to relocate three more to a wildlife sanctuary, after months of nonlethal efforts failed to prevent livestock attacks that cost ranchers tens of thousands of dollars and terrified residents.

Legislative Update

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

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