CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY

February 12, 2024

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New Episode of Stories from California Cattle Country
A new episode of Stories from California Cattle Country, “ON FIRE: With Mike Furlong in Bodega Bay” is out now! Stories from California Cattle Country is produced by the California Cattlemen’s Foundation with support from the California Cattle Council. To listen to the episode click here. 

Sen. Pro Tem McGuire Announces Senate Leadership
As reported in last week’s California Cattleman Weekly, Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) has been sworn in as the chamber’s new President pro Tempore. On Thursday, the Senate leader announced his leadership team and committee membership.

Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) has been appointed the chamber’s Majority Leader, the position previously held by now-President pro Tempore McGuire. Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) was appointed as Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, a position that may enable Wiener to negotiate funding to implement his SB 253, the CCA-opposed “Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act” that was signed into law last year (as we reported last month, Governor Newsom’s proposed budget did not include funding to implement the measure).

Leaders on committees most relevant to CCA’s legislative priorities remain largely unchanged by McGuire’s leadership announcement. Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) remains chair of the Agriculture Committee, Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) retains his leadership of the Environmental Quality committee, Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine) continues to lead the Natural Resources and Water Committee and Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) will continue to helm the budget subcommittee overseeing Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy.

For a complete list of Senate leadership, see Senator McGuire’s announcement, here.

FSA Offers Assistance for Winter Storm Damage
On Friday, the California state office of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) issued an email alert announcing that the agency offers “disaster assistance to assist farmers and ranchers in their recovery efforts following recent heavy rains and flooding.” Impacted ranchers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office for assistance. For more information, see FSA’s Winter Storms page.

UPDATE: Gov. Proclaims State of Emergency in So. California Due to Ongoing Winter Storms
As reported in last week’s California Cattleman Weekly, Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this month proclaimed a state of emergency for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura after an atmospheric river caused significant damage – including significant flooding – on the Central Coast and Southern California.

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom wrote to President Joe Biden seeking a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego County. If approved, a Major Disaster Declaration would qualify San Diego County residents for federal assistance programs and financial assistance. As of press time, President Biden had not yet acted upon the request.

CalChamber Sues the State Over SB 253 Emissions Disclosure Requirements
The California Chamber of Commerce has announced that it joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups in a lawsuit challenging CCA-opposed Senate Bill 253 (Wiener), the “Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act” signed into law last year. The lawsuit alleges that the legislation compels corporate speech on “controversial political matters” in violation of the First Amendment, intrudes upon the jurisdiction of the federal Clean Air Act in violation of the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and encroaches upon regulation of interstate commerce in violation of the Constitution’s Commerce Clause. For more information, see last week’s edition of California Cattleman Weekly.

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Are cattle a secret weapon for taking on California Wildfires? BEEF“California’s cattle ranchers contribute a significant amount to the region’s culture, economy and food supply, but do they also inadvertently help to temper the wildfires that have been plaguing the state?” To continue reading, click here.

Beef Advocates Recognized During CattleCon24 AgWired “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) selected Alli Fender, owner of Flying F Ranch in San Diego, California, as this year’s top beef advocate.” To continue reading, click here.