By Quint Studer, author of Building A Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America
          When things aren't going well in our community, our first impulse has traditionally been to get upset. Our second impulse has been to look for someone to blame. Typically, we may point the finger at government: Why, we demand, aren't they making progress on ___ (insert the painful issue of the moment here)? This approach is counterproductive—and communities are realizing there is a much better way.
          There really is no they; there is only we. Getting angry at "them" solves nothing, and the community continues to hurt. When citizens get engaged and take ownership of the issues, big progress happens and it happens fast.
          Struggling communities can't wait on government to fix their problems. This is true even in the best of times, and with the highly complex issues today's communities face, it's even more so. Elected officials are short on resources; plus, they move in and out of projects due to the election cycle. If there's to be sustainable progress, it must be driven by private citizens.
          In other words: Don't get enraged. Get engaged.
          I've seen more and more communities come to realize revitalization is the job of 'we the people. It's a big trend, and it's taking place all across the country. And the first step is a mindset shift. Citizens start to think: What can I do to reinvent my community, to make it a great place to work, live, and play?
          Here are 30 ways you can get more engaged in your own community:

1. Shift your mindset to one of ownership. The first step in getting engaged is to make this your mantra: "My community is my responsibility. Every child is my child." This mental shift changes a lot of things. You'll stop thinking only about things that directly affect you and your family and start thinking about the needs of others. You'll start feeling a sense of responsibility for the well-being of all citizens. This mindset is crucial for a vibrant community.

2. Educate yourself on your community. Maybe you've never paid much attention to your community's economic conditions, culture, demographic trends, social networks, or political and power structures. It's time to change this. Brush up on the local history. If you don't already read the local paper, start. As you're doing your research, write down a list of questions you have and seek out the answers. Understanding the forces that are currently impacting your community will help you formulate smart strategies for change.

3. Promote trust and transparency on all levels. Stay aboveboard in all that you do. The slightest hint of a cover-up or backroom deal can break trust and derail your efforts. Communicate often and with everyone; no one should be left out. The more stakeholders and residents understand the process and what the goal is, the more successful your efforts will be.

4. Know your numbers. Studer Community Institute worked with the University of West Florida Office of Economic Development and Engagement to create the Pensacola Metro Dashboard. It contains 17 metrics that, together, provide a snapshot of all the data that is vital to a healthy community. If your community doesn't have a dashboard, put together your own. This will help you figure out where you stand and where you need to start making improvements.

5. Make sure your information is accurate. This is key to good decision-making. Do your homework and bring in experts if necessary. Also, know that there's almost always misinformation floating around about community issues. This may sway people to oppose needed changes, so correct it whenever you hear it.

6. Educate yourself on the processes through which decisions are made. Know how your local government works and what you can do to effect change. In Pensacola we've established the Center for Civic Engagement to teach citizens how government works and how to advocate for change. We currently offer courses for local leaders and citizens who want to be a part of creating a vibrant community, but soon we hope to expand to attract regional and national participants.

7. Get to know your neighbors and their issues. Talk to people everywhere: at school functions, at church, standing in line at the grocery store. Ask questions and solicit their opinions on community issues. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and talk to those from different cultures and/or socioeconomic levels.

8. Join your neighborhood association... This is a great way to get to know your neighbors and their issues. You'll instantly become part of an engaged group of citizens who care about the community. If you can join the board or some other leadership group, so much the better. Generally if you're willing to step up and work hard, the group will be grateful to hand over the responsibility.

9. ...Or, if you don't have a neighborhood association, start one. When neighbors band together, amazing things can happen. This is why the Pensacola Center for Civic Engagement made "The Next-Level Neighborhood Organization" a cornerstone of its course offerings. We wanted to provide guidance for those who want to start a neighborhood association and also for those wanting to make an existing one more effective. These groups really can drive meaningful and lasting change.

10. Start a dialogue and keep an open mind. Listen to the other side before you make up your mind on a hot-button issue, even if you initially disagree with them. (There will be mixed levels of interest on different topics.) You might be surprised to find that your ideas change as you learn more. Even if you've publicly taken a position in the past and you change your mind, it's okay to say that. People will respect you for being transparent and forthcoming.

11. Position yourself as an enabler/facilitator. Make it clear that you're not looking to aggressively push an agenda or strong-arm others to do your will. The idea is to help citizens help themselves. Collaborating with others—be they individuals or groups—is the best way to solve problems. Someone just needs to galvanize them.

12. Instead of complaining, figure out who the decision makers are and start there. It's all too easy to complain about what officials or organizations are (or are not) doing inside a community. And with social media, there's even more opportunity. Resist the urge. This is not what leaders do. Instead, ask, Who can get things done? Get in front of these people and try to build a relationship with them.

13. Build relationships with the other deeply engaged and committed people. Don't just focus on formal leaders who have the "right" title. Informal leaders—often business leaders, educators, physicians, and others who are highly visible and respected in the community—are a powerful group. Get them on board first. By leveraging and mobilizing these leaders up front, you'll be far more likely to get the momentum you need to create change.

14. For sure, VOTE, but do more than that. It's important to vote for smart, ethical elected officials who have the public's interest at heart and who are committed to smart growth and community building. Do your research. Work to get people elected (or re-elected). You might even consider running for office yourself. (See "The Engaged and Empowered Citizen" course description on the Center for Civic Engagement website.)

15. Show up. Look for meetings you can attend. For example, research when and where your local government meets. Find causes and groups in your community that are important to you and find out when they meet. Yes, most of us have limited time and must pick and choose carefully—but almost everyone can find time to attend a meeting or two a month.

16. Look for opportunities outside formal meetings too. For instance, make a point to attend community events like street festivals, rallies, or school fundraisers. These gatherings tend to attract diverse groups. They are great opportunities to talk to people whose paths you might not otherwise cross and to learn about causes and issues that matter to them.

17. Be an advocate for what you believe in. If you're passionate about an issue—whether it's protecting the local environment, bringing art and culture to your community, or raising money to support the local children's hospital—step up. Channel your passion into action. Take a leadership role if you can. Offer to head up a parent group or advisory committee.

18. Partner with other groups (especially larger, more established ones). Are there any strong national groups that share your common interest? Connect with them to see if you can establish a local branch in your community or at least benefit from some helpful tips or best practices. This can make your job much, much easier. Collaboration between groups is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a must-have.

19. Keep meetings short, but make them count. If you're in charge of a meeting, keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Make sure all meetings are action-oriented. Always wrap up with action items that are clearly assigned to a particular person and that have firm deadlines. It's the only way to drive accountability.

20. Promote engagement 24/7. It's great that you're engaged, but make sure others are too. Invite a friend to a meeting or ask her to join your neighborhood association. Especially seek to engage people who wouldn't normally be engaged. Look at new ways of talking to local people so they feel connected. If they aren't coming to meetings, go where they are: festivals, schools, farmers markets, and so forth.

21. Encourage and support engaged young people. For any community to thrive, it must attract young, talented people. Change cannot happen without them. Reach out to the youth in your community. Support their causes and show up to their meetings and marches. Also take your own children with you as you attend meetings and events. You're showing them firsthand what it means to be an engaged citizen.

22. Communicate often and in a variety of formats. How do people like to get info? Be flexible and adaptable in providing it. Give people a variety of ways to engage: online forums, social media, etc. After you attend a meeting, do a quick recap on Facebook. Remember, many people care about the issues but simply don't have time to attend meetings. They will appreciate your keeping them updated.

23. Ask politicians the tough questions and keep on asking. For example, Why are neighborhood groups sometimes the last to know when government makes changes or funds projects that impact them directly? OR What is the process for establishing a city or county budget, and how does that budget process support or exclude the public? In the same way that you seek to be transparent, so should elected officials. Most will want a chance to explain the decision-making process.

24. Be an ambassador for your city. Don't say negative things about your community. Highlight the positive and manage up your city every chance you get. If others are making unfair accusations or spreading misinformation, gently correct them.

25. Support local businesses. Local companies, including new and small businesses, are the backbone of your community. Yes, government should make it easy for them to thrive, but that's only part of the equation. Citizens also need to shop at locally owned stores (even if the price is a bit higher), dine at local restaurants, and take guests to downtown entertainment spots. Whenever possible, spend your dollars at home!

26. Volunteer for local charities. Walk dogs at the local shelter. Visit patients at your community's hospital. Work a shift or two at your city's food bank or soup kitchen. Not only will giving back make you feel good (and of course benefit the recipients), it will help you see firsthand where your community's most dire needs really lie.

27. Don't underestimate the power of small acts of engagement. Look around your own neighborhood. Is there an elderly homeowner who needs help with yard work? Could you organize a cleanup day with other neighbors? Is there a sick or homebound neighbor who needs help with meals? Perhaps a few neighbors could take turns cooking for him. This is a great way to learn about and engage the people who live directly around you.

28. Expect and prepare for setbacks. Tackling changes inside your community involves multiple outside factors: bureaucratic red tape, funding issues, the differing opinions of thousands of citizens just like you. Getting anything accomplished, even small tasks, can feel impossible. Instead of feeling frustrated or defeated, use setbacks as an opportunity to look at what you are doing with fresh eyes. Brainstorm new ways to accomplish your goal. Ask around for others to help you solve the problem.

29. Maintain a sense of civility. These are your neighbors. You will almost certainly disagree with many of them on what you perceive as needed change. That's okay. Keep in mind that they are part of the community you are seeking to improve. They deserve to be treated with respect at all times.

30. Stay the course. Have patience. Like Rome, vibrant communities aren't built in a day. It will take time. Sometimes that can mean years and years of hard work and dedication to make just one plan come to fruition. Never give up. This is a long-term process, and you can't quit when things get tough.

          When you're deeply engaged in building a vibrant community, it can be one of the toughest journeys you ever undertake. It can also be one of the most rewarding. Communities matter. When we improve them, we're improving lives. I believe we have a human responsibility to do so to the best of our capacity.
# # #
About the Author:
Quint Studer is author of Building a Vibrant Community and founder of Pensacola's Studer Community Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the community's quality of life and moving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties forward. He is a businessman, a visionary, an entrepreneur, and a mentor to many. He currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of West Florida. For more information, visit www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www.studeri.org.

​

​​California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Reports
Cannabis Tax Revenues for Fourth Quarter of 2018
 
 

Sacramento – The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported revenue numbers today for cannabis sales for the 4th quarter of 2018. Tax revenue reported by the cannabis industry totaled $103.3 million for 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2019, which includes state cultivation, excise, and sales taxes. It does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction.
 
As of February 14, 2019, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $50.8 million in revenue reported on 4th quarter returns due by January 31, 2019. The cultivation tax generated $16.4 million and the sales tax generated $36.1 million in reported revenue. Retail sales of medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products are exempt from sales and use taxes if the purchaser provides a valid Medical Marijuana Identification card and valid government-issued identification card.
 
Previously reported revenue for 3rd quarter returns was revised to $100.8 million, which included $53.3 million in excise tax, $12.6 million in cultivation tax, and $34.9 million in sales tax.
 
Revisions to quarterly data are the result of amended and late returns, and other tax return adjustments.
 
In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Beginning on January 1, 2018, two new cannabis taxes went into effect: a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market and a 15 percent excise tax upon purchasers of cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products are subject to state and local sales tax.
 
To learn more, visit the Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses on the CDTFA website.

Shasta County Property Owners Fined $150,000 for
Water Quality Violations at Cannabis Grow Site


SACRAMENTO – The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a $150,000 fine against Kongkeo Khamvongsa and Alexandra Kensavath for their failure to clean up a cannabis grow site on property they own in Shasta County. The Regional Board had previously issued a cleanup and abatement order to them in June 2016.
 
At a Feb. 8 hearing, the Regional Board determined that Khamvongsa, from Wisconsin, and Kensavath of Fresno failed to restore and monitor their property after Board inspectors found evidence of water quality problems related to the development of the property for cannabis cultivation, including grading of 2.6 acres and construction of an earthen dam without obtaining permits.
 
These activities resulted in the discharge and potential discharge of waste to several streams on the property that are tributary to Fidler Creek and North Fork Cottonwood Creek. Both creeks provide salmon habitat near the unincorporated community of Ono in western Shasta County.
 
In addition to the financial penalties, Khamvongsa and Kensavath are legally required to clean up the property. The California Water Code authorizes the Board to issue cleanup and abatement orders to any person causing or threatening to cause impacts to waters of the state, including the owner(s) of the land where those discharges or threatened discharged occurred.
 
“State and Regional Water Board staff and legal counsel, in conjunction with their colleagues at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, have gone to great lengths to hold Mr. Khamvongsa  and Ms. Kensavath accountable for their actions,” said Clint Snyder, Assistant Executive Officer for the Central Valley Water Board.
 
The investigation and enforcement actions are the result of a multiagency program formed specifically to address an array of adverse environmental impacts caused by cannabis cultivation. The program includes staff from the State Water Board and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please see picture at bottom of press release of the unpermitted earthen dam.
 
The Central Valley Water Board is a California state agency responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the quality of California’s water resources.  
 

 
Caltrans plans a series of morning and afternoon closures on an 11-mile stretch of State Highway 70 between Jarbo Gap and the Feather River Canyon for emergency work related to the Camp Fire.
 
Crews will be placing netting along steep wildfire-damaged hillsides to prevent rocks and boulders from falling onto the roadway below. A helicopter is required to transport material such as posts and cable nets onto the steep slopes along two segments of Highway 70.
 
To ensure motorist and worker safety, the highway will be closed between Deadwood Road in the Jarbo Gap area and the Cresta area in the Feather River Canyon from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 27 through Saturday, March 2. The roadway will be open to traffic from noon to 1 p.m. during that same time period. Additional closure dates are anticipated later in March.
 
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.
 
Since November, Caltrans has been repairing damage caused by the Camp Fire. That work has included replacing guardrail and culverts, hydro seeding burn areas and removing hazardous trees along Highway 70 between Yankee Hill in Butte County and the Butte-Plumas county line.
 The highway closure schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues. Motorists are encouraged to “Be Work Zone Alert.”

As part of our enhanced wildfire safety efforts, PG&E is conducting accelerated safety inspections of electric infrastructure in areas at higher risk of wildfire, including in your community. This work is in addition to our routine inspections and maintenance programs.
We have already begun inspections of transmission towers and poles, and crews will be in your community soon to conduct inspections of distribution poles and substations, starting as early as the end of February. 
Substations are facilities that deliver electric service between the transmission and distribution systems. During inspections, we are evaluating electrical equipment and facilities as well as assessing the area around the substation to ensure there is a safe distance between trees and/or vegetation and critical infrastructure. 
If any permits are needed for this inspection or maintenance work, we will reach out to your Public Works staff to discuss and coordinate. This work is being done as part of our Community Wildfire Safety Program, as an additional precautionary measure following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires to further reduce the risk of wildfire. 
If residents of your community have any questions about the upcoming inspections, please encourage them to call us at 1-800-743-5000 or email us at wildfiresafety@pge.com. Thank you for your coordination and shared commitment to public safety.

 Flu expert and vaccine composition team member reacts to new CDC report indicating ongoing flu activity; flu vaccinations 30-60 percent effective
Dr. Richard Webby of St. Jude still advocates for everyone to get the flu shot— it’s not too late
 
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its most recent Influenza Activity Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, indicating that flu activity increased in late December and has remained elevated through February.  Even with elevated levels of activity through the beginning of February, this year’s flu season has been categorized to date as a “low-severity influenza season.”
 
The CDC estimates influenza-associated infections have caused between13 and 15 million illnesses, between 6 million and 7.2 million medical visits, 155,000-186,000 hospitalizations, and 9,600 – 15,900 deaths during the 2018-2019 flu season. Twenty-eight pediatric influenza-related deaths have been reported to date. 
 
Richard Webby, Ph.D., a member of the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, again urged all Americans to get a flu shot and that is it not too late.
 
“Even with a currently reported ‘low-severity’ flu season, the virus is still very much active and levels of infection remain elevated throughout the United States, in particular in the Southeast region of the country,” said Dr. Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and one of a select group of scientists responsible for making recommendations on the composition of flu vaccines each year.    
Webby continued, “The most effective public health tool available to protect individuals from the flu virus is taking the necessary steps to receive the vaccine.  It is not too late to get a flu shot and the vaccine remains fully effective even at this late date. The flu vaccine’s effectiveness rate is estimated between 30 to 60 percent.  The more of the public who receives the vaccine means a greater reduction in overall influenza illness.”
 
The report also determined that flu vaccinations have been effective in protecting many Americans from falling ill from the flu. The report said:
 
“With vaccine effectiveness in the range of 30%–60%, influenza vaccination prevents millions of infections and medical visits and tens of thousands of influenza-associated hospitalizations each year in the United States. During the 2017–18 season, vaccination averted an estimated 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 109,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 8,000 influenza-associated deaths. In addition, influenza vaccination has been found to reduce deaths, intensive care unit admissions and length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized influenza patients.
 
“The vaccine is not perfect, but it remains an extremely effective and life-saving public health tool. We all must do our part to protect ourselves and our neighbors, while looking out for the most vulnerable members of our society – and that begins by getting the flu shot,” concluded Dr. Webby.
 
Dr. Webby recently penned a guest column in Newsweek encouraging the public to get the flu vaccination – it’s not too late.
 
Many pediatric patients at St. Jude are at a greater risk of getting sick from influenza (flu) and other viral infections because of their diseases and treatments. Therefore, helping to disseminate lifesaving educational information about flu prevention techniques is of paramount importance to the St. Jude Infectious Diseases Department. November through February are peak flu months, and last year’s flu season was one of the deadliest in history.
 
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Department has released a fact sheet with useful tips on prevention titled “Controlling the Spread of Colds and Flu.”  
In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, there are also additional simple and effective prevention tips to protect you and your family.
 
Some of these include:

• Cleaning your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Staying home if you’re sick.
• Covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. Also, washing your hands after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding touching your nose and mouth.

By Quint Studer, author of Building A Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America
Most of us love our community and want the best for it. It's our home. It's where we live, work, learn, play, and raise our families. And yet, it's easy to go about our daily lives without ever stopping to think, What can I do to make my community better?

I get it. We are all busy. And it's easy to assume that someone else will do what needs doing. But if there's one thing I've learned from my work with communities across the U.S., it's this: We are all owners. We don't need an official title. We don't have to be assigned a task. We don't have to be wealthy. We all have gifts to share and the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

My dream is that, in honor of Valentine's Day, every citizen would do just one small thing to make their community better. We all know that random acts of kindness have positive ripple effects that reach far and wide, often unexpectedly so. Could you imagine the amazing results if everyone took part in a mass outpouring of love and positivity?

I'm not talking about big, complicated improvements. If you're a homeowner, you know something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can be a "quick fix" that makes a huge difference in how a room looks (and how you feel living in it). The same is true of a community.

You might start by taking a slow drive around your city. What do you see that needs to be repaired or replaced? Is there a field that needs to be mowed? Does a city park need some shade trees? Do flowers need to be planted? Is there an empty lot that needs trash hauled away, or a dangerous road in need of a crosswalk?

Next, consider what resources you have at your disposal. Maybe you, personally, have the skills or the funding to fix something that's broken. If not, you may know someone who does. If you need proper permission, try to get it. There are always potential reasons why something "can't" be done, but it's often amazing what can happen when we just ask.

Maybe your way of showing your community some love is to serve on the school board, to head up a "housing for the homeless" committee, or to spend a day at your local food pantry or animal shelter. Not only will this single action serve a great practical need (everyone is desperate for volunteers!), it may inspire you to get involved on a deeper level.

This is a great opportunity for a group to work together on a project, but you don't have to join an organized effort. Individual acts of love and kindness are meaningful, too. You can offer to clean up a cluttered yard or place a bench under a tree at the park. Once you start looking, you'll find lots of simple things you can do to make things better.

And we can all express our gratitude for what's right in our community. We can write a letter to the editor that celebrates the bright spots in our community. (Every community has them!) We can send a heartfelt thank-you note to the hospital that took care of our loved one. We can thank a maintenance worker for keeping the streets clean. Positivity and gratitude are contagious. They make a difference. And it feels good to practice them.

Making the decision to love our community is a powerful first step. It's a mind shift that truly changes the conversation around what's possible. I've seen it over and over: When a community decides "we are worth it" and takes control of their future, huge transformations can follow.

Happy Valentine's Day.
# # #
About the Author:
Quint Studer is author of Building a Vibrant Community and founder of Pensacola's Studer Community Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the community's quality of life and moving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties forward. He is a businessman, a visionary, an entrepreneur, and a mentor to many. He currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of West Florida. For more information, visit www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www.studeri.org.

​

Another Mid-Week Storm Will Blanket the Sierra Region with Snow
 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans District 3 is alerting motorists to an incoming mid-week storm in Northern California that will impact mountain and valley highway travel Tuesday, February 12 through Thursday, February 14.
 
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch alerting the public to an incoming weather system that will bring rain to the valley and snow and wind gusts at higher elevations. While the brunt of the storm has been initially projected for Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon, it is still too early to determine if the storm will linger later in the week.
 
Snow levels Tuesday evening will be around 1,500 to 3,000 feet, rising between 3,500 and 7,000 feet by Wednesday. In the Sierra region pass levels may see 2 to 4 feet of snow with gusty winds that may create poor visibility conditions. Valley rainfall is predicted to be around 0.5 to 2 inches with 1 to 3 inches in the foothills. Motorists should be alert for flooding caused by blocked drains from recent storms.
 
Delays and longer travel times are anticpated due to inclement weather conditions. Chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit and on other Sierra mountain roadways should be anticipated Tuesday through Thursday. Highway closures due to safety concerns may also be a possibility in the region: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 20, 28, 49, 89 and 267.

Motorists are advised that speed limits during chain controls are reduced to 30 mph on I-80 and 25 mph on U.S. 50. Caltrans crews will be working around the clock to keep roadways open and clear. Drivers are advised to watch for snow removal equipment and reduce speeds while in their vicinity.
 
Caltrans reminds drivers to check that tires are properly inflated and have a good tread, and to stock vehicles with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
 
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. For real-time traffic, download the QuickMap app on iTunes or Google Play. Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced final decisions for groundwater basin boundary modifications requested by local agencies as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Draft results were released in November 2018 and finalized after a public comment period, a public meeting, and a public presentation to the California Water Commission. The final basin boundaries incorporate comments received during this period and resulted in the revision of three of the original draft decisions.


“SGMA is a central feature of the sustainable water future of California and the department is working with locals to successfully implement this landmark legislation,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “These final decisions on basin boundaries move local water agencies forward as they work to bring their basins into balance.”


Under SGMA, basin boundaries define the geographical area included in each groundwater basin. Once basin boundaries are finalized, the basins are then prioritized to determine which will be required to develop groundwater sustainability plans.


Of the 517 groundwater basins and subbasins in California, local agencies submitted 43 requests for basin modifications for either scientific or jurisdictional reasons. Scientific modifications are based on geologic or hydrologic conditions, while jurisdictional modifications change boundaries to promote sustainable groundwater management.


DWR staff reviewed all information provided with the requests and approved modifications that met the requirements of the Basin Boundary Regulations. In the draft decision, DWR approved 33, denied seven, and partially approved three modification requests. In the final decision, 35 requests were approved, four were denied, and four were partially approved. Partially approved means some portions of the modification requests were adequately supported by the information provided and were approved, while other portions were not and were denied.
Supporting documents available for review include a modified basins map and decision summary.

 
Nevada City, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service is preparing an annual application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, to request funding for trail maintenance, restoration, law enforcement, education and safety, and potentially development of facilities, and planning for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access.
 
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, the Forest Service will host an open house from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. for individuals and organizations to provide input and review proposals for the application.
 
“I encourage anyone interested in the OHV program to drop by this informal open house to discuss their ideas on these proposals. Written comments are most helpful if sent by February 22,” stated Joe Chavez, Tahoe National Forest Trails Program Coordinator.
 
These annual grants provide important funds for the Forest Service to develop and maintain trails and trailheads, repair winter storm damage and restore trailside environments, as well as patrolling and monitoring these areas. When finalized, the grants will be available for public review and comment on the State of California’s website (http://ohv.parks.ca.gov) from March 5 – May 6, 2019.
 
What:                     Open House to discuss off highway vehicle grant proposals
               
Where:  Tahoe National Forest Headquarters
                                631 Coyote St., Nevada City, CA  95959
                                Upstairs conference room (enter from upper parking lot in back of building)
 
When:                    Wednesday – February 13
                                3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
 
Questions, comments or letters can be directed to:
                                Joe Chavez, Forest Trails Program Coordinator
                                Tahoe National Forest, 631 Coyote St., Nevada City, CA 95959
                                Email: joetchavez@fs.fed.us
                                (530) 478-6158
 
 

 
On February 8, 2019, the Tahoe National Forest released the Draft Over-Snow Vehicle Use Designation Record of Decision (Draft Decision) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS). The Draft Decision and Final EIS were originally scheduled to be released on January 4, 2019, but were delayed due to the recent lapse in government funding.
The Draft Decision designates areas on the Tahoe National Forest for cross-country, over-snow vehicle travel and specific snow trails for over-snow vehicle use, some of which are available for grooming. Specifically, the designation allows for:

• Cross-country, over-snow vehicle* travel on 410,703 acres of Tahoe National Forest managed lands when there is adequate snow depth to avoid damage to natural and cultural resources. Over-snow vehicle enthusiasts can continue to recreate in popular wintertime areas including Sierra Buttes/Lake Basin, Robinson Flat, Donner Summit, Yuba Pass, Carpenter Ridge, White Rock Lake, and other locations.
• Up to 34 over-snow vehicle crossings of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
• Continued grooming on over 247 miles of over-snow vehicle trails where there is 12-18 inches of snow. This includes popular trails such as the Sierra Buttes, Yuba Pass, China Wall, and Little Truckee Summit trail networks.
• 135 additional miles of non-groomed, over-snow vehicle trails located outside of cross-country, designated areas. This includes 53 miles of easements crossing private property. These trails will be subject to the same snow-depth requirement as cross-county, designated areas or, where there is an underlying Tahoe National Forest System road, a 6 inch snow depth requirement.

 
Formal opportunities for public comment regarding the Over-Snow Vehicle Use Designation have passed.
For more information please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), attached. Additional details, including the entire Draft Decision, the Final EIS, the Legal Notice, and project maps can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=45914.
* For Class-1 OSVs including snowmobiles, tracked motorcycles, snow-cats, tracked all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and tracked utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
 
 
Over-Snow Vehicle Use Designation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
Q: For cross-country use designation, what is “adequate snow depth to avoid damage to natural and cultural resources?”
A: As a guideline to avoid damaging resources, a minimum of 12 inches of moderate to heavy density, uncompacted snow is generally needed. Sierra storms typically have a moderate to high water content. Snow water equivalency (SWE) is also an indicator for avoiding damage to resources. An SWE of 4 inches can be a reasonable baseline for avoiding resource damage.
On designated OSV trails with underlying roads (non-groomed), a minimum of 6 inches of uncompacted snow is typically needed to avoid damage to the underlying road surface.
 
Q: What is the basis for the 12-18 inch snow-depth requirement for trails designated available for grooming?
A: The California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division snow depth standards for grooming is currently 12 to 18 inches of snow. Much of the grooming of over-snow vehicle trails on the Tahoe National Forest is accomplished through grants from California State Parks. Thus, adherence to the state snow-depth standard is mandatory to accomplish grooming activities.
 
Q: I commented on the Draft EIS in 2018.  Where can I see the response to my comments?
A: The Tahoe National Forest received over 2,200 comment letters in response to the Draft EIS. The content of all comments was read, considered in the development of the Draft Decision, and entered into the project record. Responses to public comments were categorized and organized by seven general topics and seventy-four subtopics and are documented in Appendix H (FEIS Volume III). Each comment was assigned a unique identifier number. Appendix H contains an alphabetical list of commenters and the identifier number assigned to each comment. To find your unique identifier number, your comment, and the response, view Appendix H (Volume III of the Final EIS) located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=45914.
 
Q: Can I object to the Draft Record of Decision?
A: The draft decision is subject to two different objection processes because it includes both a project-level decision as well as a Forest Plan amendment decision.
Individuals or entities who have submitted timely, specific written comments about the proposed project during any designated opportunity for public comment are eligible to file an objection on the project.
Individuals or entities who have submitted substantive formal comments related to the plan amendment during the opportunities for public comment are eligible to file an objection on the forest plan amendment portion of the Project.
For complete instructions on objection eligibility and how to object, please see the Tahoe NF OSV Project Opportunity to Object Legal Notice athttps://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=45914.
 
Q: Were there changes made to the Selected Alternative between the Draft EIS and the Final EIS?
A: In response to comments and public involvement, there were a number of changes made to the selected Alternative between the Draft EIS (April, 2018) and the Draft Decision/Final EIS (February, 2019). For details regarding changes to the Selected Alternative please see the Final EIS, Volume I, pp. 24 -25 at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=45914. A few of the key changes include:

• Expanding areas designated for cross-county, over-snow vehicle use in the
  • Donner Lake Interchange area
  • Granite Flat area (west of HWY 89).

 

• Not designating over-snow vehicle use in
  • Fisher Lake and its watershed
  • A 300-500 foot zone near the ridgeline adjacent to Tinkers knob.
  • Tahoe National Forest parcels adjacent to Frog Lake

 

• Adding designated snow trails (not available for grooming) outside of designated cross-county, over-snow vehicle use areas.
  • Several OSV trails across private lands where the Tahoe National Forest holds easements.
  • Sawtooth Snow Trail
  • Cabin Creek access
  • Carpenter Ridge access

 

• Changing OSV Class from width basis to ground pressure basis (pounds per square inch -psi), which will be indirectly determined by vehicle type
  • Class 1 OSVs: These are vehicles that typically exert 1.5 psi or less. This includes snowmobiles, tracked motorcycles, snow-cats, tracked ATVs, and tracked UTVs.

 

• Class 2 OSVs: These are OSVs that typically exert over 1.5 psi. This includes tracked 4WD SUVs and tracked 4WD trucks.
• Changing the amount, and type, of Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) crossings. More PCT crossings were added based on public comment.

 
Q: Why are there designated crossings of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT)?
A: Approximately 99 miles of the PCT traverse the Tahoe National Forest. Of that, 76 miles of the PCT are on National Forest System lands. OSV use on the PCT is prohibited by the National Scenic Trails Act, P.L 90-543, Section 7(c). To provide a legal opportunity to cross the PCT, the Draft Decision provides 34 designated OSV crossings of varying crossing widths. The purpose of these crossings is to allow OSV users to get across the PCT in situations where OSV use is designated in areas located on either side of the trail.
 
Q: How are over-snow vehicle users supposed to cross the PCT?
A: Of the 34 designated PCT crossings, fourteen crossings will utilize underlying roads identified on the Tahoe National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map and will be the width of the underlying road (approximately 14 feet).
Twenty OSV crossings of the PCT will not utilize underlying roads and will range in width up to a 1/4 mile. These wider crossings are located where snow conditions are highly variable such as areas prone to wind loading of snow and the formation of cornices. These wider crossings give OSV users options to select a safe crossing of the PCT.
In all cases, OSV users would be required to cross the PCT at 90 degrees, or as close to 90 degrees as is safe to cross, to minimize the time and distance needed to cross the trail. Additionally, OSV users would be required to cross the PCT at the designated location, or as close to the designated location as is safe. These situational variance allowances for the PCT designated crossings were added to the Draft Decision/Final EIS based on comments to the Draft EIS, and are designed for the safety of OSV users in highly variable snow conditions.
 
Q: How many acres were previously designated for over-snow vehicle use before this process? Why has this amount changed?
A: Before this Over-Snow Vehicle Use Designation process, 636,000 acres were available for over snow vehicle use according to the Tahoe National Forest Land and Resource management Plan.
The largest factor that accounts for decreases in OSV designated use acreage is elevation and adherence to the Travel Management Rule’s Subpart C Regulations.
Subpart C regulations state – “Over-snow vehicle use on National Forest System roads, on National Forest System trails, and in areas on National Forest System lands shall be designated…where snowfall is adequate for that use to occur, and, if appropriate, shall be designated by class of vehicle and time of year…”
Based on decades of managing and monitoring OSV use on the Tahoe NF, it is rare that there is consistent snow coverage to provide OSV opportunities under 5,000 foot elevation. Therefore, areas under 5,000 feet in elevation were generally not considered “adequate” for managed OSV use and were generally not included in the selected Alternative –which accounts for over 145,000 acres previously designated as available for over-snow vehicle use.
 
 
 

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SACRAMENTO – The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) fine-tuned its pioneering cannabis cultivation policy Tuesday to clarify implementation issues while ensuring growers continue to be environmentally responsible in an industry that has rapidly expanded with urban and rural grow sites throughout much of California.
The updates, focusing on four key issues – onstream reservoirs, tribal buffers, requirements for indoor cultivation sites, and winterization requirements -- were incorporated into the policy to increase and simplify compliance. The policy revisions were finalized after months of feedback from stakeholders.
“The updates improve the rules that commercial cannabis growers must follow, while adhering to sound environment protection practices intended to keep waterways and lands from being contaminated, and water resources protected when there is more demand than supply,” said Eileen Sobeck, executive director at the State Water Boards.
The initial policy was approved in October of 2017 in response to Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act, establishing the medical cannabis industry, and Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older.
During the public comment period for the updated policy, individual and grower coalitions pointed out that certain requirements in the initial policy, especially those dealing with how grow sites were maintained or prepared during the largely dormant winter months, did not reflect the new realities of an industry that has pushed well beyond its origins along the rugged and rainy North Coast into more established farmlands of the Central Valley and Central Coast.
With the changes in place after a vote of the State Water Board at today’s meeting, the main tenets of the Cannabis Cultivation Policy remain unchanged – to protect water flows and water quality in the state’s rivers and streams. To achieve that, the policy uses a two-pronged approach – statewide requirements detailed in a water quality permit known as the Cannabis General Order, and cannabis-related water rights referred to as Cannabis Small Irrigation Use Registrations (SIUR).
Since voters approved Prop. 64 in November of 2016, the State Water Board anticipated the rapid growth of the recreational cannabis market and made good on its commitment to protect California’s waters from cannabis-related discharges, establish safeguards for riparian areas and wetlands, and protect stream flows.
Here is a summary of the four key updates:

• Onstream reservoirs: This update provides a path for cultivators with pre-existing onstream reservoirs to obtain a Cannabis SIUR water right if the reservoir meets specific conditions – it existed prior to Oct. 1, 2016, and it is determined that the removal of the reservoir and installation of off-stream storage would cause more environmental harm than continuing the use of the existing reservoir.
• Tribal buffers: Provides certain options for Native American tribes to implement cannabis cultivation activities within 600 feet of tribal lands and a 45-day period for tribes to accept, reject, or remain silent regarding a cannabis cultivation request.
• Winterization requirements: Addresses the shift of cannabis cultivation sites from remote locations in rugged terrain that pose a high threat of stormwater runoff towards flatter areas that don’t pose as serious of a runoff threat. The update allows for the Executive Officer or other designee from a Regional Water Board to authorize the use of heavy equipment for routine cannabis cultivation preparation and planting through approval of a site management plan.
• Indoor cultivation site exemptions: For indoor cultivation sites that have a building permit and certificate of occupancy for cannabis cultivation, and that discharge waste to a permitted wastewater collection system, cultivators are exempt from the riparian setback and tribal buffer requirements.

Since 2013, the State Water Board’s Office of Enforcement has worked with the North Coast and Central Valley Regional Water Boards, along with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to address the potentially harmful environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation. With the revised and updated Cannabis Policy, the State Water Board will continue its enforcement efforts while engaging with new cultivators to understand the regulations and help them navigate the permitting process and become compliant.
To read more about the Water Boards rules for commercial cannabis cultivation in California, visit the cannabis cultivation website and follow us on Facebook (Water Boards Cultivation Programs) and Twitter @CAWaterBoards

Funds to states and territories for damage from a variety of events

 
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced more than $705.7 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to help 34 states, as well as American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, make repairs to roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods, and other unexpected events.


“The Department is pleased to reimburse states and territories that have made critical repairs to their transportation infrastructure following natural disasters such as wildfires, storms, and floods,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.


FHWA’s ER program reimburses states, territories, and federal land management agencies for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergency situations.  The funds help to pay for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged highways and bridges along with the arrangement of detours and replacement of guardrails or other damaged safety devices.


More than a fifth of the total amount provided today – about $153 million – will be used to pay for repairs to damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. There are also funds directed towards other severe weather recovery efforts, including the wildfires in California.


This Emergency Relief funding includes awards of:

• More than $12.5 million to repair damage to roads and bridges from wildfires in California in 2018.
• $1.2 million to repair US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass in southwest Colorado, after it sustained damaged from a rock slide.
• $19.5 million to repair damage caused by Hurricane Michael’s heavy winds and significant storm surge flooding roadways throughout the Panhandle area.

“These funds will help keep our country’s roads and bridges safe and well-maintained in the aftermath of the hurricanes and other severe storms seen in recent years,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson.


The video of FHWA’s announcement can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTfs0B_fyko&feature=youtu.be

Today we join the California Police Chiefs Association in announcing the introduction of Senate Bill XXX, authored by Senator Anna Caballero, which presents a comprehensive package of changes to California’s use-of-force statutes, law enforcement agency policies, and training.


In 2017, it was reported that there were 172 law enforcement related deaths in California.  In 2018, the incidents in which officers had to use deadly force dropped to 114, a 34% reduction in one year. However, even one death is too many.  That is why law enforcement throughout the state has been working for the past six months to develop this series of comprehensive changes designed to reduce the incidents where officers are responding to serious threats to citizens or are in danger themselves.  


“Our goal through SB XXX is to reduce the tragic loss of life in our communities through a policy that protects the public and our peace officers,” states Senator Caballero.


Current California law is based on parameters set in 1872 for using force against a fleeing felon. As such, this statute is outdated and does not reflect the decisions of the U.S. and California Supreme Courts on use-of-force matters. Moreover, California has not enacted any statutes mandating standardized use of force training, or requirements for agencies internal use of force guidelines. SB XXX addresses each of these issues while better protecting private individuals and law enforcement alike.


This legislation will set first-in-the-nation requirements for departments to adopt use-of-force policies and participate in trainings that include comprehensive and clear guidance related to: de-escalation tactics, reasonable alternatives to deadly force, proportionality, rendering medical aid, an officer’s duty to intercede and prevent excessive use of force, interactions with vulnerable population, reporting requirements, and more.


“We are listening to community concerns, and will work collaboratively to increase safeguards that are beneficial for everyone,” says Brian Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), which represents more than 70,000 peace officers in California.

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond praised the recent adoption of new California Arts standards by the State Board of Education, stating it is a critical step in enhancing creativity in students and preparing students for California’s  “creative economy.” The last update to the state’s arts standards was in 2001.
“This was long overdue. Creativity and appreciation for the arts is important for all students to have a well-rounded education, exposing them to new ideas and perspectives. Arts education boosts school attendance, academic achievement, and college attendance rates; improves school climate; and promotes higher self-esteem and social-emotional development.” Thurmond said. “In addition, proficiency in the technology related to creative work is becoming an important skill for students as they progress into college and career.”
According to a 2018 report by the Otis College of Art and Design, California’s creative economy generated $407.1 billion in economic output and 1.6 billion jobs, resulting in $141.5 billion in wages earned statewide. In the Los Angeles region alone, the creative economy generated $198 billion in economic output with $59.6 billion in wages earned.  
In 2016, Governor Brown signed AB 2862, which directed California’s Instructional Quality Commission to recommend revised visual and performing arts standards. Shortly thereafter, AB 37 directed the addition of media arts as a fifth discipline.
            Adding media arts as a discipline addressed its diverse categories, including photography, digital imaging, video, animation, sound production, web design, graphic design, virtual design, interactive design, multimedia, and virtual reality. In addition to this new discipline, the new arts standards also update teaching approaches to the artistic disciplines of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
The state met with focus groups and later convened a Visual and Performing Arts Standards Advisory Committee of classroom teachers, and other educators. That group developed the standards using the National Core Arts Standards before being adopted by the California State Board of Education.
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The California Department of Education is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. For more information, please visit the California Department of Education’s website. You may also follow Superintendent Thurmond on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube






PASSWORD:cdecomm

WHAT: A regional gathering for community wildfire practitioners to share best practices and skills, and identify common challenges, needs, and priorities for collaboration.
WHERE: Gualala Community Center, 47950 Center Street, Gualala, CA WHEN: February 8-10, 2019
“The California Fire Safe Council and the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FAC Net) are organizing a regional event for community organizations from 16 counties around Northwestern California to come together and learn from each other the most effective ways to prepare their communities to be wildfire resilient,” said Tracy Katelman, Executive Director of the California Fire Safe Council. “We have around 60 people coming from Fire Safe Councils, Firewise USA sites, forest collaboratives, watershed councils and other local organizations, and fire adaptation practitioners and leaders working to prepare their communities for the eventuality of wildfire.”
This year’s gathering, Michelle Medley-Daniel explained, is based upon previous events held in northwestern California. “The purpose of the event is to create relationships and connections among fire adaptation practitioners from Northwestern California, to share best practices and skills, and identify common challenges, needs, and priorities to assist their communities in becoming more fire resilient.”
The event is intended to result in the following outcomes:

• ●  Create new connections and foster relationships among regional practitioners.
  
• ●  Share best practices and skills for fire adaptation and community resilience.
  
• ●  Identify common challenges, needs, and priorities.
  
• ●  Identify next steps in collaborative efforts and/or peer networking.
  The event is being co-hosted by the FAC Net, a national partnership that brings people together to advance the tenets of the Cohesive Strategy: resilient landscapes, safe and effective fire response, and fire adapted communities. This gathering will help connect community leaders in California with others around the country.
  For further information, please contact Tracy Katelman, tracy@cafiresafecouncil.org or Michelle Medley-Daniel, michelle@thewatershedcenter.com. For more information on the California Fire Safe Council, visit: www.cafiresafecouncil.org, and the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, visit www.fireadaptednetwork.org.
  This event is supported in part by Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. It is cosponsored by the California Fire Safe Council, a leader in encouraging grassroots movements which make communities more Fire Safe, Firewise and Fire Adapted.
  

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