Despite taking a variety of steps to alleviate chronic shortages of agricultural employees, California farmers and ranchers continue to report problems in hiring enough people for on-farm jobs. A survey released today shows 56% of participating farmers had been unable to hire all the employees they needed at some point during the previous five years.
 
The voluntary survey of 1,071 farmers and ranchers, conducted by the California Farm Bureau Federation in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, also indicated worsening problems the past two years. Of those farmers reporting employee shortages, at least 70% said they had more trouble hiring employees in 2017 and 2018.
 
“The survey shows farmers have tried and are trying all the tactics available to them, such as increased wages, changes in farming and cropping patterns, use of the existing H-2A visa program and automation where appropriate,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “The missing element is an improved agricultural immigration system, to match willing employees with farm employers.”
 
The great majority of California farmers responding to the survey—86%—said they had raised wages in efforts to hire enough people. Sixty-one percent reported they had hired a farm labor contractor to recruit employees. More than half reported they have started using mechanization and of those, 56% said it was due to employee shortages. Thirty-seven percent said they had adjusted cultivation practices, for example by reducing or delaying weeding and pruning. About one-third, 31%, said they are switching acreage. More farmers have also sought to hire people via the H-2A agricultural visa program, but only about 6% of surveyed farmers said they had enrolled in it.
 
“Through the years, the H-2A program has proven inadequate for farms in California and throughout the nation,” Johansson said. “Farm Bureau will continue to work with Congress to create a secure, flexible, market-based immigration program that works better for both farmers and farm employees.”
 
In terms of the proportion of farmers reporting employee shortages, the 2019 results are similar to a CFBF survey in 2017, which showed 55% of farmers experiencing shortages.
 
A full survey report is available on the CFBF website at www.cfbf.com/2019survey.
 
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 36,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 5.6 million Farm Bureau members.
 

 
Problems with state IT projects are multiplying like rabbits, and doubts are growing that Democrats are up to task of fixing them.
 
In his latest column, Dan Walters runs down the list of failing state tech projects, from the accounting system that’s put our credit rating at risk to the DMV computers that crash for hours at a time.
 
While Democrats have made half-hearted efforts at reform, they haven’t delivered results.
 
Walters doubts they ever will, saying “We’ve heard promises of fresh starts on IT implementation before, and they’ve all fallen short of actually fixing the problem.”
 
Californians deserve a government that gets things done. Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron (Escondido) has introduced a bill to harness the expertise of the private sector to modernize state government and improve customer service.
 
It’s clear the business-as-usual approach isn’t working. Will Democrats join the Republican efforts to shake things up and demand results?

 
By Glenn Mollette 
 
Eight hundred people were either killed or injured by a terrorist group last weekend in Sri Lanka.  A holy weekend and place of worship became a grisly, heinous massive murder scene. 
 
What must America do in lieu of another massive world attack? We can't stop. We can't rest. 
We have to figure this out and no one yet has come up with a cure for this terrorism cancer that is eating away at our planet. 
 
With cancer it's vital to find where it is and eliminate it by either surgery or treatment. Terrorism is harder to find than cancer. Terrorists pop up often without warning. Although sometimes there are warnings as was reported in Sri Lanka but were ignored. An 18-year-old traveled to Colorado last week and bought a pump action shotgun. There was a massive hunt for her because of her suspected plans of trying to pull off a school shooting. She ended up taking her own life but her infatuation with the Columbine 20-year anniversary and mass school shootings did not go unnoticed. 
 
You cannot ignore warnings. A warning of cancer or terror is never to be taken lightly. You have to respond because both are lethal. Often even when you respond either can gain the upper hand and take your life. Yet, we have to err on the side of fighting back and at least having a chance to survive. 
 
We have to fight terrorism in America and fight it on every front. This is a poisonous viper that is breeding faster than it can be killed or imprisoned. Terrorism has become a deadly disease rampantly moving across our planet and we are having a very difficult time finding a cure.  
 
The one thing we cannot do is be passive. We can't be at ease thinking it will not happen to our church, school or any other place. We have to live defensively and be prepared to react offensively.  Refusal to acknowledge this reality will bring more regret and sorrow.

Vans Selects Semi-Finalists In 'Custom Culture' Art Competition - Vote For Your Favorite Now!
50 U.S. High Schools Reimagine Vans as a Canvas for Creative Expression
 
COSTA MESA, Calif., April 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vans has selected the top 50 semi-finalists continuing on to the public voting phase of the tenth annual Vans Custom Culture art competition. Starting today at 9 AM PST through May 3 at 5 PM PST, individuals can cast their vote for their favorite designs on customculture.vans.com. Votes will help determine the top five finalists who will continue and have a chance to win the grand prize of $75,000 towards their high school art program.
"The Vans Custom Culture competition has really been a source of pride for our community and school, and it's great to see how it has flourished over the last 10 years," said Dave Fuller, art teacher from Parker High School, the 2017 winner of Custom Culture. "Since the competition, students have entered other art competitions and we have noticed a rise in students entering our art class. It provided so many memories for myself, students and chaperones – it has been the highlight of my teaching career."
Among the 500 qualifying schools, Vans chose 50 schools based on design, craftsmanship and overall execution to continue to the next competition phase. Each school designed two pairs of Vans shoes around themes representing 'Local Flavor' and 'Off the Wall.' Each school also submitted an Impact Document to further explain how the monetary donation would benefit their school's art program and community.
"Each year, we're blown away by the imagination of our youth across the country as they redefine Vans as a literal canvas for their creative expression," stated Kristy Van Doren, Vans Senior Director Brand Marketing for North America. "Our 10thanniversary year was no exception, as each of the top 50 semi-finalists offered unique representation and distinct storytelling through their shoe designs. As the competition proceeds, we encourage communities to support these students so that they can continue to change the world of art and how it comes to life."
Public vote is the time for schools to excite and involve their communities and help take them one step closer to winning the $75,000 grand prize. With support from partners including Journeys, Yoobi, Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) and Americans for the Arts (AFTA), this year's winner will be surprised with a special event and a $75,000 check for the school's art program. The four runner-up schools will not leave empty handed as they will receive a limited-edition gift from Vans and a $10,000 donation to their art programs.
Vans Custom Culture continues to provide a platform for high school students to embrace their creativity and self-expression. As art education budgets are often the first to be cut, Vans puts it foot forward and strives to contribute more than $1,000,000 behind youth culture and creativity.
For more information and to cast your Vans Custom Culture vote, visit customculture.vans.com.
The Top 50 Schools competing for their place in the Top 5:
Anadarko High School (Oklahoma), Andrew P. Hill High School (California), Atherton High School (Kentucky), Bel Air High School (Texas), Branson High School (Missouri), Bunker Hill High School (Illinois), C. E. King High School (Texas), Cache High School (Oklahoma), Carl Junction High School (Missouri), Central Park East High School (New York), Chicopee Comprehensive High School (Massachusetts), Danville High School (Arkansas), David Brearley High School(New Jersey), Deming High School (New Mexico), Earl Warren High School (Texas), East Central High School (Texas), Elk Grove High School (Illinois), Flagstaff High School (Arizona), Greater Lawrence Technical School (Massachusetts), Harbor High School (California), Harding High - Saint Paul Public Schools (Minnesota), Harrison County High School (Kentucky), Highlands High School (California), Kirby High School (Tennessee), Middle Township High School (New Jersey), Moanalua High School (Hawaii), Monterey High School (Tennessee), Muleshoe High School (Texas), Munster High School (Indiana), New Bedford High School (Massachusetts), North High School (California), Porterville High School (Porterville), Portola Junior Senior High School (California), Ridge Vue High School (Oregon), Ridgeview High School (Oregon), Riverside High School Visual Arts (Texas), Roselle Park High School (New Jersey), Saint Ignatius High School (Montana), Seneca Valley Senior High School (Pennsylvania), Sheboygan South High School (Wisconsin), Sheldon High School (Oregon), Shenandoah High School (Iowa), Sierra Vista High School (California), Thomas Kelly High School (Illinois), Tomah High School (Wisconsin), Vallivue High School (Idaho), Van Weert High School (Ohio), Windham High School (Connecticut), Wright City High School (Missouri), Yuma High School (Colorado).

​LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met April 
16th. Concerning an animal MOU with the Sheriff’s Department, Mayor Sarah Jackson stated she’d met with Sheriff Fisher who will continue to respond to animal/human or animal/animal issues. Sarah proposed dealing with incident issues and to pay that way. Supervisor Paul Roen said he’d take that forward at the Board of Supervisors. Sarah has been in contact with the Town of Truckee on a kennel contract where the city would pay the charge. Council member Joy Markum wanted to rewrite the ordinance to make the dog owner responsible for the cost of shelter and the mayor agreed. No action was taken.

RECREATION GRANT: Supervisor Roen told the Council of Prop. 68 per capita funding through CA State Parks and the opportunity of a $200,000 grant for recreation improvements.  He said draft guidelines just came out. The City needs a committee and to get community input. The deadline is in July.  Roen stated the “Pool comes to mind as a rec center.”  The City needs to apply.

APPROVAL OF TWO SPEED FEEDBACK SIGNS on Beckwith Street and County Road A‐24 as a component of an effort to address vehicular speed concerns in proximity to the elementary school and City Park in Loyalton were authorized by Sierra County Board of Supervisors during its meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals stated the Road Department would front the costs of $9,030.45, which would be reimbursed from the Federal Apportionment Exchange Funding.   He stated they were also going to restripe the street, and install stop bars, in hopes this will produce some results.

GRANT FUNDING opportunities were discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, April 16th in Loyalton. Under Prop 64 in the General Per Capita Program $185,000,000 is available for local park rehabilitation, creation, and improvement grants to local governments on a per capita basis, which could translate to approximately $400,000 for the County and $200,000 for the City of Loyalton, similar to the Proposition 40 program.  Grant recipients are encouraged to utilize awards to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals asked the Board to tell him how they wanted to proceed with recreation projects. Supervisor Lee Adams made a pitch for District 1’s community hall in Downieville. Board Chair Paul Roen mentioned the Sierraville School. Beals stated in the past, funding was divided equally among districts, adding they would need to have something in place in the next 60 days and funding should be ready by July 1st.  The Board agreed to an adhoc committee to bring back some recommendations.

SIERRA COUNTY DEPARTMENT MANAGERS reported during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on Tuesday, April 16th.  Lea Salas, Behavioral Health Administrative Director stated they were still looking for clinicians.
With concern over obtaining reasonable bids for the Wellness Center, Salas stated they are looking at other options and mentioned possibly putting a modular on a foundation next to the Behavioral Health building.
Salas reported they have hired Cara Bowling in the Student-Parent Navigator position and Teia Miller has accepted the Office Manager position in Downieville.
Public Health and Social Services Director, Vickie Clark, showed off a trophy her Integrated Caseworkers received for the Best 30-day Timeliness for Cal- Fresh application processing. She said Sierra County was #1 in the State for Timeliness. Clark stated it meant a great deal, as it’s a lot of work and attention to detail.
Clark gave a shout out to Public Health and participating dentists for the recent Dental Fair, which performed 99 dental screenings.

Lake Tahoe, CA April 15, 2019.  Liberty Utilities is warning the public of aggressive phone scams targeting utility customers.
In the recent days, customers have contacted Liberty Utilities indicating they received a phone call from someone posing as a Liberty Utilities collections representative and threatening to shut off their power if payment was not made. In multiple cases, the payment request was for $300.  The callers may request payment be made immediately by credit card or by providing bank account information.  It has also been reported that the callers provide the correct number to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in order to appear legitimate.
Liberty Utilities warns its customers not to respond to a payment demand of this type if they receive it.  Specifically, do not provide any payment type information over the phone.
Liberty Utilities representatives do not place such calls, text, or send emails to customers demanding immediate payment. Liberty encourages customers who receive such a scam call or email to contact us at 1-800-782-2506. Customers with questions or concerns may also contact us at this phone number or visit our website at www.libertyutilities.com<http://www.libertyutilities.com> to view legitimate payment options.
"We want our customers to be aware of these deceptive calls so they can avoid possibly compromising their personal information or losing money," stated Jennifer Guenther, Liberty's Manager of Customer Care. "Please contact our business office if you ever have questions about your account or service."

About Liberty Utilities

Liberty Utilities Co. owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utilities in 12 states, delivering responsive and reliable essential services to over 750,000 customers across the United States. With a local approach to management, service and support, we deliver efficient, dependable services to meet the needs of our customers. Liberty Utilities provides a superior customer experience through walk-in customer centers, locally focused conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, an enjoyable customer experience, and an unwavering dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Texas. For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com<http://www.LibertyUtilities.com>.
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Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio Blasts Proposed “Water Tax” as Just Another Way to Hose TaxpayersCarl DeMaio, Chairman of Reform California, blasted a proposal cooked up by Gov. Gavin Newsom to impose a tax on water. The so-called “Water Tax” would be a new tax imposed on every water bill in California and would be added on top of the actual cost of water consumed by each Californian. California already has some of the highest water rates in the nation!
DeMaio is launching a campaign to block the Water Tax from taking effect and is urging all Californians to join is effort.
“This outrageous Water Tax must be stopped because it is just another way out-of-touch Sacramento politicians are trying to hose taxpayers,” said Carl DeMaio. “The Water Tax is unfair and unnecessary and will just be yet another blow to working families who already struggle with high cost-of-living,” DeMaio concluded.
DeMaio’s campaign includes an immediate grassroots effort to contact Sacramento legislators to urge them to oppose the Water Tax. If the Water Tax passes, DeMaio proposes legal action and a possible ballot initiative to reverse the tax.