Rural County Representatives of California

09/14/2026

: Geese taking flight as swans glide through a County of Siskiyou wetland, framed by snow-covered mountains in the distance, is 's Rural County Photo of the Week! This wildlife photo was captured by Leslie Scopes Anderson and submitted to RCRC’s 2026 Annual Rural County Photo Contest.

09/11/2026

Check out the latest edition of the Barbed Wire Newsletter! Your source for legislative & regulatory news impacting California's .

Read Here: https://conta.cc/4gYVZID

09/11/2026

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the lives lost and honor the victims, their families, and the brave heroes who responded with extraordinary courage.

This morning, firefighters and first responders from across California gathered at the Esquire Tower, where RCRC’s office is based, for the annual Sacramento 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. 343 participants climbed a total of 110 stories in tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives responding to the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Learn more about the climb here: https://www.sacareafirefighters.org/911-memorial-climb

09/10/2026

Stay up-to-date with on topics affecting . Follow us on social media, sign up for our weekly newsletter the Barbed Wire, and visit our website.

www.rcrcnet.org
http://bit.ly/RCRCNewsletter

Photo Credit: San Benito County, Albert Munoz Jr

09/09/2026

This morning, members of the RCRC Board of Directors met with candidate for State Insurance Commissioner Jane Kim for a discussion on rural priorities and her vision for leading the California Department of Insurance.

As part of RCRC’s commitment to elevating rural voices in statewide policy discussions, we have invited State Insurance Commissioner candidates to meet with Board Members for dialogue about how California's insurance market volatility affects rural Californians. While RCRC does not endorse candidates, these policy focused conversations provide a valuable opportunity to engage with those seeking to lead the state.

Thank you, Jane Kim, for your time and for engaging with our members on the issues that matter most to rural California.

09/09/2026

Last week, California’s Legislature concluded negotiations on the remaining budget trailer bills, bringing the 2026-27 Legislative Session to a close. RCRC has released its 2026-27 End of Session State Budget Highlights, summarizing key budget actions affecting California’s rural counties, including funding for wildfire mitigation, health care, behavioral health, land use, water, and wildlife.

Learn more in ’s Barbed Wire Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4qYZ4wQ

As the 2026-27 Legislative Session came to a close, the Legislature acted upon the remaining budget trailer bills, concluding negotiations that took place throughout the summer. RCRC has compiled key highlights of the final budget action, by topic area, of interest to California’s rural counties. ...

09/08/2026

: A striking trio of longhorn cattle in Modoc County takes center stage as 's Rural County Photo of the Week! This captivating photo was captured by Rylee Pedotti and submitted to RCRC’s Annual Rural County Photo Contest in 2026.

09/04/2026

Check out the latest edition of the Barbed Wire Newsletter! Your source for legislative & regulatory news impacting California's .

Read Here: https://conta.cc/4qSr4Cx

09/03/2026

“We’ve experienced the majority of the largest wildfires across the state over the last decade, and it is paramount that research and forest management knowledge be fostered in these demonstration state forests.”

Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton is quoted in the Los Angeles Times discussing Assembly Bill 2494, which would change how California’s 14 Demonstration State Forests are managed, prioritizing carbon storage, wildfire resilience and biodiversity while creating opportunities for tribal co-management.

RCRC is urging Governor Newsom to veto the bill, citing concerns about litigation risks, wildfire research, and the forests’ self-sustaining funding model.

See the full article here: https://bit.ly/4xEayIR
H/T Lila Seidman

Assembly Bill 2494 aims to pivot state demonstration forests away from commercial logging toward ecotourism and Indigenous stewardship. It now heads to Newsom's desk.

09/02/2026

With the California Legislature’s 2025–26 session now concluded, RCRC is proud to see three sponsored bills heading to the Governor’s desk: SB 299 (Cabaldon) to expand CEQA streamlining for day care centers; SB 501 (Allen) to expand California's battery recycling and stewardship requirements; and SB 936 (Blakespear & Umberg) to restrict the retail sale of certain nitrous oxide products.

All three measures successfully cleared the Legislature before the August 31 end-of-session deadline and now await action by the Governor, who may sign, veto, or allow them to become law without a signature.