California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • Governor Announces CA Wildfire Safety & Catastrophe Response Task Force

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of members of the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, as outlined in AB 1054, and the California Catastrophe Response Council, established by AB 111, both signed into law in July.

    The legislation created the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, a board of independent expert advisors, to advise a new Wildfire Safety Division within the California Public Utilities Commission on wildfire safety measures, including plans written by utilities, so the CPUC can more effectively regulate the safety of investor-owned utilities.

    AB 1054 also mandated that utilities tie executive compensation to safety performance, invest $5 billion in safety improvements without profit, and go through a new yearly wildfire safety review and certification process. It also requires new inspections of utility electrical equipment. Under the law, utilities must create a wildfire safety committee in their corporate board, and provide direct board-level safety reporting to the CPUC.

    The California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board will advise the Wildfire Safety Division within the California Public Utilities Commission on wildfire safety and mitigation performance, including plans written by utilities, so they can develop an appropriate scope and process for assessing the safety culture of an electric utility.

    The Advisory Board will meet at least quarterly throughout the state. Biographies of the members are below.

    California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board

    Jessica Block, 41, of San Diego, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Block has been a senior research associate and associate director of the WIFIRE Lab at the University of California, San Diego since 2011. She was a wildfire research officer at the University of Melbourne in 2010, a research associate at the University of Ballarat, Australia from 2008 to 2009, a research associate at San Diego State University in 2008, and a senior research developer at Arizona State University from 2005 to 2008. Block earned a Master of Science degree in geological sciences with an emphasis in urban ecology from Arizona State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Block is a Democrat.

    Marcie Edwards, 62, of Castaic, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Edwards has been principal of MLE Consulting Inc. since 2017. She was general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 2014 to 2017, city manager of the City of Anaheim from 2013 to 2014, and general manager for Anaheim Public Utilities from 2001 to 2013. Edwards was interim chief executive officer for the California Independent System Operator in 2004. She held various positions at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 1976 to 2000, including assistant general manager for marketing and customer service business units, bulk power business unit director, energy control center manager and superintendent of load dispatching. Edwards earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Edwards is a Republican.

    Diane Fellman, 69, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Fellman was a public utility regulatory specialist at the California Public Utilities Commission from 2017 to 2018. She was vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs for the Western Region at NRG Energy Inc. from 2010 to 2017, director of regulatory and legislative affairs for NextEra Energy Resources Inc. from 2004 to 2010 and an attorney in private practice from 1986 to 2004. Fellman was legal counsel at the California Public Utilities Commission from 1983 to 1986 and a hearing officer and officer manager at the California Energy Commission from 1977 to 1983. Fellman earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Fellman is a Democrat.

    John Mader, 50, of Elk Grove, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Mader has been an electrical distribution engineer for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company since 1998. He is president of the Engineers and Scientists of California, Local 20, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE). This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Mader is a Democrat.

    Alexandra Syphard, 49, of La Mesa, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Syphard has been chief scientist at Sage Insurance Holdings LLC since 2018 and adjunct professor in the Geography Department at San Diego State University since 2011. She was a senior research scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute from 2007 to 2019 and a postdoctoral research scientist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, SILVIS Lab in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology from 2005 to 2007, and a geographic information system (GIS) analyst and environmental planner at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, from 1998 to 1999. Syphard earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in geography from San Diego State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master of Science degree in environmental studies from the Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Public Health degree from the Medical College of Virginia. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Syphard is a Democrat.

    Also, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins today announced the Senate Rules Committee’s appointment of Ralph M. Armstrong Jr. to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Armstrong has held several positions with IBEW Local Union 1245 since 2007, including senior business representative and senior assistant business manager. Armstrong held several positions with Western Area Power Administration from 1995 to 2007, including occupational safety and health specialist and journeyman lineman. He was a journeyman lineman for the Florida Power and Light Company from 1989 to 1995 and held various positions for IBEW Local 349 from 1983 to 1989.

    The Governor today also announced members of the California Catastrophe Response Council, which will oversee the operations and management of the Wildfire Fund created under AB 1054 to pay eligible claims resulting from a wildfire determined to be caused by an electric utility. The Council will direct the Wildfire Fund administrator to prepare and present its operation plans on an annual basis. Biographies of the members are below.

    California Catastrophe Response Council

    Catherine Bando, 64, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Bando has served as executive director at the California Statewide Communities Development Authority since 2014 and has been principal at Bando Public Finance since 2012. She was director at Citigroup Global Markets from 2010 to 2011, partner at Greencoast Capital Partners from 2009 to 2010, managing director at J.P. Morgan in 2008 and managing director at ABC Capital Markets from 1990 to 2008. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from American University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bando is a Democrat.

    Paul Rosenstiel, 69, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Rosenstiel has served as a special advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom since 2019. He was a member of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System Teachers’ Retirement Board from 2011 to 2019. Rosenstiel was special advisor at the Alameda County Treasurer’s Office from 2017 to 2019. He was managing director at Stifel from 2014 to 2015. Rosenstiel was managing director and manager at De La Rosa and Company from 2009 to 2014. He was deputy treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office from 2007 to 2009. Rosenstiel was policy director at Westly for Governor from 2005 to 2006. Rosenstiel was vice president of public finance at Dean Witter Reynolds from 1983 to 1986. He was an economist at Recht Hausrath and Associates from 1979 to 1981. Rosenstiel is chair of the California Budget and Policy Center. He is a board member of the Global Projects Center at Stanford University. He is a member of the Public Policy Institute of California, Planned Parenthood of Northern California, Financing the Future Working Group and the Chinese Community Health Care Association. Rosenstiel earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rosenstiel is a Democrat.

    Rhoda Rossman, 60, of Albany, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Rossman has been an independent trustee of the Matthews Asia Funds since 2006. She was a fixed income specialist at Cypress Wealth Advisors from 2017 to 2018 and held several positions at PMI Mortgage Insurance from 1997 to 2010, including corporate investment officer, treasurer and portfolio manager. Rossman was portfolio manager at Montgomery Asset Management from 1995 to 1996, vice president at the Wells Fargo Bank Investment Management Group from 1993 to 1995 and assistant portfolio manager at RCM Capital Management Group from 1993 to 1995. She was a credit analyst and portfolio manager at Benham Capital Management from 1985 to 1987 and assistant vice president and underwriter at AMBAC Municipal Bond Insurance from 1983 to 1985. Rossman earned a Master of Public Administration degree in public finance from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rossman is a Democrat.

    Additionally, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon today announced his appointment of former Assemblymember Richard Gordon to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Gordon currently serves as president and CEO of the California Forestry Association. Gordon served three terms (2010-2016) in the California State Assembly, where he was Rules Committee Chair for two years. Before that, Gordon was a member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and was president of CSAC in 2008. Gordon is a fourth-generation Californian born and raised in San Mateo County.

    The Council is comprised of nine members: the Governor, or his designee; the Treasurer, or her designee; the Insurance Commissioner, or his designee; the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or his designee; one member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; and three public members appointed by the Governor.

    This action is the most recent that the Governor has taken to address the recent utility-directed Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which have left thousands of Californians without power or electricity.

    The Governor has declared a statewide emergency due to the dangerous weather conditions. Governor Newsom announced the launch of a new state website, RESPONSE.CA.GOV this week, which serves as a one-stop portal for tools and resources available to Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs, as well as community and business partnerships to support residents impacted by the wildfires and the shutoffs.

    The Governor also announced that the state has secured Fire Management Assistance Grants to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Getty Fire, as well as the Kincade and Tick fires – for which the Governor previously declared a state of emergency in Sonoma and Los Angeles counties.

    This week and last week, the Governor met with emergency responders, volunteers, health officials, residents and state and local leaders in Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa and Geyserville, and held briefings regarding the ongoing fire threats and the need to hold utilities accountable for the consequences of their power shutoff decisions.

    The Governor has called on the California Public Utilities Commission to reform power shutoff rules and regulations as part of its investigation into the utility-led shutoffs. He has also announced a $75 million program for state and local governments to mitigate the impacts of power shutoffs and unveiled a series of new partnerships and new tools to help secure medically vulnerable populations during these events.

  • Finding Truth & What to Do Amidst the Controversy Over Crop Protection Materials “Pesticides”

    Agriculture and the science of crop protection materials is too often misunderstood by the public and is under constant attack by extremists in the political arena. As legislation and jurisdiction begins to more commonly ignore sound science in their decision-making, farmers are rightfully concerned about the future of agriculture and what may or may not be in their power to make a difference in protecting their freedom to utilize these valuable tools.  Watch this brief interview with Jay Vroom, former CEO of CropLife America as he shares some insights.

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at Malcolm Media’s Annual Grape Grower Expos next month.

  • Travel California Wine Country’s Back Roads: Southern California Spotlight

    SAN FRANCISCO — Wine Institute concludes its California Wine Country Back Roads series this month with highlights from Southern California wine country, extending south from Ventura County to San Diego County. California is home to some of the world’s most famous wine destinations. Yet, even the high-profile appellations have less traveled wine roads, featuring gorgeous scenery, acclaimed wines and fewer visitors. Before the warm weather slips away, explore the off-the-beaten-path wine roads and wineries among the surf and sand in Southern California.

    Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.

    TASTE: Just a short distance from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, Temecula Valley has been growing winegrapes since the late 18thcentury. With more than 40 wineries within its borders and 2,500 acres under vine, Temecula is Southern California’s largest wine-producing region. The warm climate makes it well suited to growing Syrah and Tempranillo, as well as Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The De Portola Wine Trail, just south of Rancho California Road, is set on the valley’s rural, equestrian side, while the off-the-beaten path Calle Contento Wine Trail offers sweeping views.

    Celebrated as the birthplace of California winemaking, San Diego is where Franciscan monks planted the state’s first grapevines in 1769 and made wines for mass at Mission San Diego de Alcala, California’s first mission. San Diego County boasts more than 100 wineries—most of them small and family owned. With a Mediterranean climate rich in microclimates that allow vintners to grow approximately 60 different grape varieties, the region is best known for its Merlot and Chardonnay. San Diego is also famous for its long beaches, making it one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations.

    In Ventura County, one hour north of Los Angeles, find the Ventura County Wine Trail. The route features nearly a dozen wineries, located a few minutes away from each other in a relaxed, coastal setting.

    The scenic Malibu Coast Wine Trail offers more than 50 vineyards and seven tasting rooms, with the chance to sample wines influenced by the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains.

    East of Los Angeles, the Cucamonga Valley was one of the state’s dominant winegrowing regions during the first half of the 20th century, and now hosts a handful of historic wineries, mainly producing Old-Vine Zinfandel and Port-style wines.

    Photo Credit: Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.

    TOUR: Sample and sip your way around Ventura’s historic downtown at the annual Ventura Winter Wine Walk or explore the Ventura Pier Beachfront Promenade, one of California’s oldest wooden piers, built in 1872.

    In Malibu, stroll along a wide stretch of sand at Zuma Beach or join fellow foodies at The Food Event on Oct. 13, showcasing 40 of L.A.’s best restaurants and 20 boutique wineries.

    Take an e-bike tour of Temecula Valley’s wine country, glide over vineyards in a hot air balloon or sample wines from more than 30 producers, plus local restaurants, at Temecula’s annual CRUSH event on Sept. 28.

    Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.

    Explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter’s shopping, galleries and dining, paired with a wine-focused San Diego Food and Drinks Tours walking excursion. Moving inland, visit the gold-mining town of Julian or enjoy locally made wine, food and art in the town of Ramona—15 minutes away from the world-famous San Diego Zoo—at the Ramona Art & Wine Festival Nov. 2.

    For more information on lodging, dining and upcoming events, see: San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Vintners Association, Temecula Valley Winegrowers and Ventura County Wine Trail.

    For all of the wine regions included in this series, use the discovercaliforniawines.com interactive map to search wineries by amenities such as tours, gardens and picnic areas, and view winery events around the state.

    To see Wine Institute’s Back Roads guides to other California wine regions, visit https://discovercaliforniawines.com/media-trade/news.

    About Wine Institute

    Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group for California wineries, which produce 80 percent of U.S. wine. As the nation’s number one state for wine and food tourism and 3,900 wineries, California attracts 24 million visitors to its wine regions each year.

    Robert Holmes photo, courtesy Wine Institute.

  • New Tool for More Accurately Predicting Vineyard Crop Yield

    There are so many factors that influence crop yield from year to year and variability across vineyard blocks, making it quite difficult to predict crop size.  But what if you could get a good idea of next year’s crop yields before the season even starts?  Watch this brief interview with Luca Brillante from the Dept. of Viticulture & Enology at Fresno State as he shares some exciting new research developments and technologies that will make this possible.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days.  Learn more HERE.

  • Irrigating Pistachios in Marginal Saline Soils

    With record acreage of pistachios being planted in the San Joaquin Valley, some of these orchards are being planted in areas where pistachios have never grown before.  They are being planted in marginal soils with saline or sodic issues; and although pistachios have greater tolerance for these kinds of soils than almonds, they are are not invincible.  Where do you draw the line and how do you irrigate properly to mitigate these issues?  Watch this brief interview with Daniele Zaccaria from UC Davis as he shares some great insights, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.

  • BASF Corrects Misconceptions about Ag & Engages in Community Education

    In today’s fast paced urban society, there is a serious disconnect between consumers and the source of their food.  There is so much public misinformation and misconceptions about agriculture, that it has become more critical for farmers to reach out side of their comfort zone and communities to share the truth about what they do out in the field.  International Ag chemical Corporation, BASF has joined farmers with efforts of their own in educating the public about agriculture, as shared in this brief video with BASF representative Paul Rea.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at Malcolm Media’s Annual Agricultural Expos next month.

  • UC Davis’ Kaan Kurtural Shares Advancements in Precision Viticulture

    It used to be that growers had few if any options in bring uniformity to a vineyard with so much variability in soil type among other geographical characteristics.  There have been so many recent developments and technological advances in plant and soil sensing equipment that has taken precision viticulture to a whole new level.  Watch this brief interview with UC Davis Viticulture Extension Specialist Kaan Kurtural as he discussed this at UCCE Grape Day recently at the Kearney Ag Center in Parlier.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at Malcolm Media’s Annual Grape Grower Expos next month.

  • Spur Pruning Pinot Noir Vineyards Without Losing Crop Yield

    An increasing tight labor supply has compelled grape growers to turn to mechanization, and spur pruning grapevines can save growers a lot of money over cane pruning; however, there has been a belief in the industry that spur pruning Pinot Noir vineyards leads to reduced yields in comparison.  Watch this brief interview with Patty Skinkis from Oregon State University as she shares her recent studies and vineyard trials that would prove otherwise.  Read more about it in the upcoming November issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days.  Learn more HERE.

  • Clarification of New Farm Water Testing Requirements Under FSMA

    For those agricultural commodities that are subject to the new Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act, water testing will be a key component in this adjustment.  In some cases, these water testing requirements may include more than just what you are irrigating the crop with.  Watch this brief interview with Tom Jones from the Safe Food Alliance as he clarifies these requirements.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.

  • Normal Volume Projected for CA Table Grape Crop, Supplies into January

    The California Table Grape Commission recently assessed crop volume and projected a final total of 109 million 19-pound boxes with shipments continuing into January.

    With 40 to 50 percent of the California table grape crop typically shipping after October 1, Kathleen Nave, president of the commission, notes that grapes are very definitely a fall and early winter fruit. “Grapes from California are stunningly beautiful, full of flavor and phytonutrients, and are both a healthy, anytime snack and a simple, awe-inspiring ingredient,” said Nave. Suggesting that fall is the time to search out new uses and try varieties that are unfamiliar, Nave recommends checking out the extensive collection of traditional and on-trend usage ideas at www.grapesfromcalifornia.com.

    In speaking about the crop, Nave noted that in July California table grape growers thought they had the third largest crop in history hanging in their vineyards but, recent assessments indicate the crop is in the normal range of 109 million 19-pound boxes, similar in size to the crops of 2014 through 2017. Noting that there comes a point when retailers can offer imported grapes to their customers instead of sticking with California-grown grapes, Nave said the commission will continue working with retailers to promote the crop and will encourage them to carry California grapes into January.